Overview & Reviews

This is a tale of two Honda Accord hybrids. The original Accord Hybrid, based on a V6 Accord sedan, delivered strong performance but fuel economy well below what most people expect from a hybrid. It was also expensive, and few shoppers bought one. But Honda's second Accord Hybrid squarely hits the mark. It provides stellar fuel economy along with relatively spirited performance. It's also an excellent car overall as it offers all the room, comfort, safety, high-tech features and quality construction that have made the Honda Accord a longtime favorite. If you're shopping for a midsize hybrid sedan, the newest Accord Hybrid is certainly worth considering.

Current Honda Accord Hybrid
The Honda Accord Hybrid is an all-new model for 2014, and it features a new type of hybrid powertrain for Honda. Unlike the Civic Hybrid, for instance, which always relies on its gas engine for motivation, the Accord Hybrid has a more sophisticated powertrain that allows it to move solely with electric power at slower speeds. The result is improved fuel economy.

This powertrain consists of a 2.0-liter gasoline engine, two electric motors, a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and a trunk-mounted lithium-ion battery pack. All told, it makes a combined 196 horsepower and posts an impressive 47 mpg combined EPA rating. The Accord Hybrid can also sprint from zero to 60 mph in about 7.5 seconds, making it one of the quickest non-luxury hybrids on the road.

The current Honda Accord Hybrid sedan comes in three trim levels: EX, EX-L and Touring. Standard equipment highlights of the EX include dual-zone automatic climate control, keyless ignition/entry, Bluetooth, a rearview camera, a blind-spot monitoring display, a power driver seat and a six-speaker sound system with an iPod/USB audio interface. Added perks of the EX-L include a sunroof, leather upholstery, forward collision and lane departure warning systems, heated front seats, a power passenger seat, an upgraded sound system and smartphone app integration (HondaLink). The Touring features LED headlights, adaptive cruise control and a navigation system.

In reviews, we've been impressed with the Honda Accord Hybrid. Its interior design is elegant, and the cabin's tight construction gives the impression of an entry-level luxury car, rather than a workaday family car. Both front and rear occupants will find plenty of legroom and shoulder room, and the backseat is arguably best in class with its combination of space and comfort. We also like the Hybrid's strong acceleration and secure handling around turns. There are a few downsides, such as a somewhat firm ride quality, a smallish trunk and above-average amounts of engine noise during acceleration, but overall, the Accord Hybrid is a great choice for a hybrid family sedan.

Used Honda Accord Hybrids
The previous-generation Accord Hybrid was produced from 2005-'07. Its hybrid system was less advanced than the current model but was meant for sporty performance rather than maximum fuel economy. Its combination of a 3.0-liter V6 and an electric motor produced a total of 255 hp. The sole transmission was a five-speed automatic. The EPA's estimated fuel economy varied by year, ranging from 25-28 mpg in combined driving. This was better than either the regular four-cylinder or V6 Accord of the time, but not exceptionally so.

This Accord Hybrid came in one well-equipped trim level whose standard feature highlights included leather upholstery, heated front seats, a power driver seat, dual-zone automatic climate control and an in-dash CD changer. The Hybrid differed from other Accords via its unique front grille, rear spoiler and instrumentation that let drivers keep track of the status of the hybrid powertrain. For 2006, a power sunroof, stability control and daytime running lights joined the standard features list.

In reviews, we enjoyed the Accord Hybrid's brisk acceleration, which at the time was enough to outgun pretty much any V6-powered family sedan. The downside was the disappointing fuel economy, which in our testing experience was consistently below the EPA's estimates. This original Accord Hybrid was pleasant to drive, however, as the precise steering and the well-tuned suspension provided a comfortable ride while still allowing the driver to feel confident when going around turns.

User Reviews:

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  Great on Gas and looks good - 2015 Honda Accord Hybrid
  By Herman Rodriguez - May 2 - 6:08 am

  I work with my car doing share rides Lyft and Uber I drive at least 10 hour a day 5-6 day per week and I only fill the tank once a week, great value it allows me to keep my more of my money in my pocket not the gas tank

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  Nice car so far - 2017 Honda Accord Hybrid
  By SebastianI - April 24 - 3:07 am

  Need to read about hybrids before buying one: regenerative braking, Atkinson ICE, driving modes (D vs B) and maintenance. Mileage is not great in the cold season (my average was 42 mpg) but is nominal (48 mpg) at temperatures above 50F, on a 50/50 commute of 24 miles. Occasional 63-65 mpg. Hi-tech, like Honda sensing, Bluetooth reliability, audio, wheel controls , precise ride and no frills design. Great car overall - both for commuting and family trips.

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  HONDA FAILURE-Avoid-$34,000 Hybrid that semi works - 2017 Honda Accord Hybrid
  By Renae - March 7 - 3:11 pm

  My brand new Hybid has been in the service center 10+ times. experience has been bought the car on Friday and returned it on Monday. Instead of 700 miles to a gas tank I got 440. Im always using gas instead of the battery as my battery never fully charges and drains extremely quick. I have talked to the Poway Dealership (dont ever buy a car with them) whos response is "thats how its supposed to work" and will no longer do service on it as they have already replace a module for the battery and the seat warmers, speakers as they were not working either and now it has a rattle. Honda really failed with this one. Now I have to look into Lemon Laws regarding my brand new purchase. Please save your money, time and lots of headaches and do not buy this car. Also Honda America refuses to help even though the car is brand new.

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  Wife only saw car after purchase & she loves it! - 2017 Honda Accord Hybrid
  By Dennis - February 25 - 2:15 am

  We have owned many types of cars over the years from VW, Mazda, Suzuki, Oldsmobile, Pontiac, Chrysler, Dodge, & Porsche (and two other Hondas) and this 2017 Honda Accord EX-L Hybrid is one of the best. The exterior & interior are stylish and the fit and finish is impressive. The leather seats are comfortable and very easy to adjust and we use the two pre-set positions. While the front seats are roomy the rear seats are quite large for a mid size car. Visibility is excellent all around. The trunk is still large enough even with the battery. The car is well built and handles the road well. Since we keep our car purchases for a long time the hybrid low fuel use was an important point. But, the hybrid engine system still has plenty of power to merge, climb hills and generally moves the car quickly with great acceleration. I have to get used to how quiet the car is while in Electric Vehicle mode and twice I have forgotten to turn it off after parking! When starting the car (especially noticeable in the garage) it makes this cool Star Trek like sound while in the electric mode. The Honda Sensing safety system works well but needs a few technology improvements, which will probably occur as the technology evolves. I already found these features to be a great safety help. The info/entertainment system could be easier to use and I understand the new 2018 model has been improved. The wife loathes car dealers so I do the shopping and test driving. I told her she needed to drive the new car and she said "if you like it them I will". Lol - I brought it home and she loves the car. The folks at Smail Honda in Greensburg, PA were extremely helpful and I got an excellent price at almost $7,000 off sticker. We are two drivers with three cars (the Porsche will go into storage for the winter soon) so we have only put on 600 miles since purchase one month ago but so far its a great car.

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  20 minute test drive thoughts. - 2017 Honda Accord Hybrid
  By james thompson - February 12 - 1:17 am

  Test drove a little while ago as there were some good deals on some down at the dealer and was in the market for a Hybrid. Test drove the middle trim level, and it was nice, but there were some things I couldnt get past. First off the vehicle seemed to vibrate a little more than I would like it to when the gas motor was running as well as braking. I dont know if it was just that car or not though. The blind spot camera was a neat idea, but really got kind of annoying as it come on every time you turn on your right turn signal. even when sitting at a stop light. But probably one of the most annoying things about the car was its lack of actual volume knob for the stereo. It has steering wheel controls and a volume adjuster on the touch screen, but theres a slight delay, enough to be very annoying to me, and when using the touch screen controller, it wouldnt alway adjust like I thought it should have been. Other than those hang up, this car is quite nice. The sound is great, I like the 2 screen implementation and the instrumentation is nice. Also not having a lot of confusing packages for each trim level makes things easy to know what you are getting for what you buy. Overall 3/5.

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  FABULUS CAR FOR THE MONEY - 2015 Honda Accord Hybrid
  By Don Davis - September 16 - 1:14 pm

  Beautiful roomy passenger car inside. Trunk space is limited. Faster than my last Accord. Tank of gas cost like $25, which will last 675 miles. I estimate yearly cost of gas like $500. I recommend get extended warrantee. Plan to drive for 6 years at cost of like $3000 plus tires, oil change, and insurance. Save you lots of $ compared to many luxury or near luxury cars, yet looks just as good. No problems with car at all. In 20 degree weather the mpg is like 37. In 108 degree the mpg is 39. In 78 degree weather the mpg is 45

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  Honda over states gas mileage to sell this car - 2015 Honda Accord Hybrid
  By Bob doremus - August 7 - 7:52 am

  I have owned this car for 3 months and driven 5000 miles, both highway and city, in good weather. I have never reset trip B since I purchased car, the computer gas mileage for the 5000 miles on trip B is only 38.2mpg, also have never gotten over 38 mpg when monitoring at each fill up, in fact mpg is as low as 35 mpg. We have the economy button on and drive very conservatively, still only 38 mpg. Far from the 50 mpg city and 47 mpg overall. Obviously they are not being honest with their customers and they know it, Im sure Im only one of many that have complained to them. Had I known this, I would have just purchased a non hybrid Honda Accord, which would probably not be far off on mpg Im actually getting with the hybrid. Also when accelerating on any type of grade under 40 mph, the engine revs and the feeling is like a slipping transmission or clutch.

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  Honda Accord Hybrid May Be Best Value Honda - 2017 Honda Accord Hybrid
  By Tom Hockman - July 12 - 7:30 pm

  I wasnt planning to buy an Accord Hybrid sedan. I was deciding between a 2018 Sport or EX, and casually inquired about the price of a Hybrid. To my shock, a 2017 EX-L Hybrid was only $26,500, about the same as a new Sport and and $750 less than a new EX. That price is at least $6000 off sticker price, so it was a deal too good to pass up. Ive owned a 2007 Civic Hybrid and a 2014 Toyota Prius, so hybrids are not new to me. I bought the car without too much analysis up-front, but have studied it more after buying it two weeks ago and putting about 900 miles on it. From an gas-electronic analysis, the transition between electric and gas motors are seamless. You can tell by sound which motors are invoked, but the car doesnt jerk when switching modes. Other than the information display indicating which motor(s) are active, you might not even know. I tested the car through one tank without Eco Mode on and got about 45 mpg in mixed driving. Within Eco Mode on, Im getting 48 or better in cool to cold weather. The digital dash displays take a little training to understand what all the icons and bar indicators mean, but that plays into a hybrid owners love of such a car (more on this in a minute). This redesigned hybrid for 2017 has a combined 212 horsepower, and combined with a midsize car, you wont believe you can get the stated 48/47 mpg until you see it for yourself. Those Honda engineers have really outdone themselves. The Sport mode is extra peppy and a nice treat for revving the engine up for acceleration. The eCVT transmission still doesnt jerk between gear ratios for a really smooth ride. I traded in a 2015 Accord EX for this hybrid and can tell definite improvement in the suspension and steering between this 2017 and my 2015. The leather interior is black, my first ever black interior. Im loving the heated seats in cold weather. Not sure how Ill like them in summer when its 100 degrees in the cabin after sitting in the sun, but the seats have ventilation holes that might make them a bit less scorching. Ill report on the summer comfort of black leather at a later date. The dual video screens take a bit getting used to. The EX-L has Apple Play integration which I love. With that said, its a bit finicky to work with. Ive had a podcast app go quiet through the system after shutting the car off and trying to resume the same podcast later after reconnecting the phone. The navigation of the video screen is not intuitive, but you will learn the main menu paths pretty quickly. I know which options Ill be picking most often, so the lack of intuitiveness is not a show stopper. The touch volume control is not preferred over a physical knob, but I can live with it and the steering controls. The XM radio is a welcome addition, but still deciding if Ill continue to subscribe after the trial. With the 2017 hybrid, you lose the fold-down seat capability compared to the gas Accord, so thats a small drawback. The car feels very solid and well-built. Time will tell how the mechanicals hold up over the long haul, but I have a good feeling that it will be reliable. Some other reviewers have complained about Hybrid reliability and have had many issues with the systems. With my two previous hybrids I did not ever have mechanical failures of the hybrid technology or gas engine components. I will update my experience with the car as I drive it further. The Eco Score on the MIDI is nice, but a little hard to figure out until you read the owners manual; it is both a current drive and lifetime score of hybrid efficiency. As far as all the information provided for gas mileage rankings and driver information, Ill say that Im the perfect type of owner for a hybrid because I like playing the game of getting the best possible gas mileage in a car. Many drivers might be happy just to get 150% better mpg than a gas equivalent model, but I think a lot of hybrid owners like the challenge of driving for ideal gas mileage with every tankful. Its a game of sorts, and the numerous gauges and measures keep the driving informed of their success if squeezing every drop out of the gas tank. Range on a tank of gas is around 700 miles, so youll be spending a lot less time at the gas pump with this car. Very happy with my impulse purchase!

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  Wont buy again - 2015 Honda Accord Hybrid
  By Disappointed Honda Owner - June 25 - 8:27 am

  The car has had nothing but issues since I purchased it. First, the text message read option in the display doesnt work. Ive tried with both Android phone and iPhones. Secondly, bluetooth and Pandora dont always connect and it takes several tries to it to pair. Sometimes the radio display even freezes to the point where you need to actually turn off the car to reset it (turning off the radio doesnt fix the issue). Then theres the cheapness of the undercarriage in which the splash guard has fallen off during normal highway driving conditions twice now.

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  Gotta Love It - 2014 Honda Accord Hybrid
  By newhopian - June 5 - 6:22 am

  I registered ~2800 miles on my 2014 Accord Hybrid Touring, and I gotta love it! I had to learn how to maximize mpg, which is my focus in this review. First, my hybrid starts with lower mpg on every trip and builds as I drive. Best mpg requires about 10 miles of mixed driving (or longer on the highway). Second, one is not rewarded for slow acceleration (in EV mode). This drains battery power, and reduces the number of miles driven in EV mode. Best mileage (51 mpg average this month, 48.5 overall) comes from accelerating quickly enough to engage the gas engine and easing back to EV mode once you have reached cruising speed. Slow deceleration is always rewarded, as is downhill battery charging.