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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  Dont believe the Honda advertised mileage. - 2015 Honda Accord Hybrid
  By ben - March 20 - 12:17 am

  The advertised mileage is a joke. Have never hit 45 mp under any circumstances. I bought the car because of the advertised mileage. Should have bought a 4 cylinder gasoline engine and saved the difference in cost.

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  upgrade from the civic hybrid - 2014 Honda Accord Hybrid
  By steve - December 13 - 5:14 am

  Once my civic hit 99k I decided it was time to upgrade comfort, power and size. When I saw the mileage ratings of 45/50 and read the reviews I was hooked. I purchased the car about 6 months ago and have driven 21K miles. AVG mpg since the start is 38.5. OK, I realize I drive a little faster than most (75 avg on hwy) and I also realize that I purchased the car in the dead of winter (which I am told will adversely affect mileage), but 10mpg under??. The ride is great, the comfort is great and overall I am happy with the vehicle. Is the car worth the extra money to upgrade to the hybrid?, not unless you keep it for 500,000 plus miles. Also I am having a couple of issues. 1 - There are about 25 paint chip marks on the very front of the hood, I never had this with any vehicle I have purchased (this is my 12th new purchase). 2 - There is a knocking sound on the passenger side when starting out or stopping that has been there from day 1, it almost sounds like a spring popping. I mentioned it when I was in for an oil change at the dealer but was told a mechanic was not available. So, I just made an appointment a week from now so we will see.

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  Is the third time a charm? - 2017 Honda Accord Hybrid
  By Adrian Stepp - December 10 - 9:55 am

  This is Hondas third try at an Accord Hybrid. What happened to prior model years? What happens to resale value when Honda starts production and then halts production? It tanks! Who in the dealership (s) will be able to work on the car after it goes out of production? Currently I have no faith that anybody in the dealership can resolve any major problems with the hybrid drive and the new technology like lane assist, etc. My sales person did not have answers about the dealerships ability to properly service this car. He was unable to instill any confidence about servicing a hybrid. For perspective, I have owned Hondas for a long time. But the technical excellence of their service departments has diminished over time. They no longer differentiate themselves with their service and maintenance. I still think they build great gasoline cars. But I wanted a Hybrid, so I chose a Toyota Camry Hybrid. Honda needs to demonstrate that they are serious about building Accord hybrids long term. They started up production for the second time in 2014 and 2015 after a long hiatus (2007 and 2008 I think). Then they halted production in 2016 and moved production back to Japan for model year 2017. The primary reason I was given for moving production back to Japan was quality control. QC would be better in Japan. Which takes me full circle. Who knows enough in the local dealership to solve complex technical issues that will arise?

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  A balance of Economy and Performance - 2014 Honda Accord Hybrid
  By stl_honda - November 22 - 8:23 pm

  Ive put nearly 10,000 miles on my Accord Hybrid so far. Ive averaged about 46 MPG with many of those miles coming over the recent cold winter. Using the heat can really take a hit especially on shorter trips. In the summer months Ive averaged 60-65 MPG in town. On several road trips Ive averaged right around 45 MPG.

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  Review from a satisfied customer. - 2014 Honda Accord Hybrid
  By edmundsdon - September 24 - 8:41 am

  I purchased my Accord in January. I commute to work with it daily, and we use it for road trips whenever we can. Despite what a few individuals in the automotive press are saying, this Accord DOES achieve the EPA mileage stated of 47mpg highway / 50 city. As an actual owner, I can truthfully state this is the case. If anything, the EPA mpg estimates are LOW, as Ive been able to get far better mileage without any special effort on my part. Two things will affect the mileage you get with this car: cold weather, and running the A/C climate controls in manual. Best to use Automatic.

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  Outstanding! - 2017 Honda Accord Hybrid
  By Drew - August 2 - 1:44 pm

  When the Honda Accord came out with a new hybrid model in 2014, I knew I wanted this car, but unfortunately, because they were so hard to find, dealers were not willing to negotiable. Now in 2017, being that it is the last model year, I was able to get a substantial discount so I bought this car about 2 weeks ago. I had my first gas fill up this morning and I was blown away by my MPG. The computer showed that I was getting 47 MPG, but at fill up, I calculated 51 MPG! My commute is about 30% city and 70% freeway. On the freeway, I drive around 70 MPH. I am still learning to use all the features of the car and so far I am loving it! I do not have a single thing to complain about. This is probably the best new car purchase decision I have made!

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  Bought the first of these at my local dealership. - 2017 Honda Accord Hybrid
  By Sandy - July 21 - 7:43 pm

  Its near perfect. Im new to Hybrids/EV and almost got the Chevy Volt...but this 2017 is SO spacious and gorgeous. I have the fully loaded touring and the LED lights make a beautiful statement. The car accelerates wonderfully, and it is a very stable drive with great turning radius for its size. Im not 100% in love with the touch screen/navigation because it can be slow at times, but its not bad. The interior is luxurious and I love that the backseat is just as nice as the front in terms of comfort and space. The exterior chrome accents and wheels are very nice, and the general shape of the hybrid is sporty but elegant, and I highly recommend you get black! :) mileage is great, especially for those work commutes involving traffic (quality EV time). GET THIS CAR, you wont regret it.

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  Love this car. - 2014 Honda Accord Hybrid
  By rukem1 - July 15 - 3:25 pm

  I had to wait 2 months to get the model I wanted (2014 Touring) but I am very happy with this car. I was getting 45-47 in the summer but Im finding my mileage closer to 38-40 when the temperature gets below freezing. I think the gasoline blend has a lot to do with that. I have been able to get over 50 but I live on a hill, so the overall mileage reflects that. The performance is excellent. Much like an Acura TL service car I drove when I owned my MDX. You get used to the gasoline engine noise in the background, especially when you realize the engines primary purpose is running the generator for the powerful electric drive motor. And over 40 mph, the gasoline motor is capable of 45 mpg.

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  One of the best hybrid - 2017 Honda Accord Hybrid
  By Norman Serafin - July 14 - 5:38 pm

  This is my first hybrid car and so far it has been great.

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  Best Accord Yet - 2014 Honda Accord Hybrid
  By hondafan35 - June 14 - 3:36 pm

  This is the 3rd Honda Accord I have purchased. A 01 EX-L V6, 08 EX-L V6 Navi and now this EX-L Hybrid. When looking for a new vehicle I wanted something reliable and luxurious. While shopping for a new car my son told me that this new Hybrid was launching and that it got great mileage, which in my daily commute would be great. I test drove the car, and it was Quiet and Smooth. I was sold, I purchased the car right away because I knew this was a winner. I have now had the car since about November 7th and I can say that it does get 50 MPG and I dont miss the Navigation because when I bought my 08 and the end of 07, the iPhone had just come out, fast forward to 2014, the iPhone is a GPS.