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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  Cargo/Storage ?? Where did it go. - 2017 Honda Accord Hybrid
  By Robert Bloom - June 1 - 4:33 am

  Loved the car--the looks, the handling, and the performance. Overall the car looked classy, couple that with Hondas reputation, I thought we had a winner. However, when it came to cargo/storage space we had a problem. With the hybrid batteries located in the forward part of the trunk it made loading two sets of golf clubs and bags virtually impossible. Also, we have to carry a massage table on occasion which would not fit because the rear seat backs do not fold forward because of the hybrid batteries. I hope this helps. Hoping the new 2018 hybrid model takes some of these complaints into account.

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  Hybrid Not as Good as Expected - 2014 Honda Accord Hybrid
  By rgh4 - May 12 - 4:17 pm

  I now have 8,000 miles on my Accord Hybrid. The mileage claims are extremely optimistic. I live in Wisconsin and in cold weather you will be lucky to get 30 MPG in city driving. In the summer on highway driving you can get into the middle 40s MPG. I have never seen 50 MPG and my Accord is always in the eco-mode. It has also left me stranded once in the winter as it would not start due to the cold. I am also having issues with the paint chipping. This was no surprise as the paint quality on Hondas has gone down a lot in recent years. Overall it is not worth the extra money over a regular Acord.

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  Overcharging noise? Any other experience? - 2014 Honda Accord Hybrid
  By hondadj - April 11 - 8:00 am

  There are quite a few reviews on here, I have to say I agree with them all. While the car isnt perfect in terms of transitions, you get use to it. My mileage is the same as most.. If its cold I get in the high 30s and if I turn off the climate system I get 45-55 depending on hills. My real concern is more in the form of a question for other owners. When going down a long hill, once the battery reaches max charge, my charging system or whatever is running in regenerative mode, seem to get louder and louder. At first I thought it was overheating the charging system, but as soon as you bring the battery down a bar the charging sounds normal again until you hit max charge again. Anyone?

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  Go Green - 2017 Honda Accord Hybrid
  By James Wiser - March 20 - 8:07 pm

  I love the environmental benefits and cost savings of a hybrid.

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  Pleasure to drive. - 2017 Honda Accord Hybrid
  By FR - February 25 - 11:30 pm

  The Trunk sometimes is shut, but does not latch. Mileage is not as expected based on my driving style. The door unlock is delayed when next to door with keys, could be electronic communication distance between keys and door requires close proximity. Voice commands are not that accurate. Cell phone linkage and phone list operation appears to need work, and appears to be reconnected every time. Adaptive cruise control acceleration is slow. Lane Keep Assist does not track well at night, does not track well with sharper turns, meanders right side, left side, right side, left side, ... when lane markers are pretty wide. When Adaptive cruise control is active, and vehicle in front is 3 car length ahead, car tracks well until turn occurs, where Adaptive Cruise Control (appears to be looking straight ahead, and does not recognize car in front since turn is too sharp, such that honda accelerates, then has to brake hard as it recognizes vehicle in front of car.

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  Honda Accord Hybrid Touring Auto is Sporty Sedan - 2017 Honda Accord Hybrid
  By Stephen Goranson - February 19 - 3:09 pm

  Just bought it -- we love everything so far -- the style, handling, safety, tech features and gas mileage. Look forward to comfortable but economical longer trips with it.

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  My MPG Experience - 2015 Honda Accord Hybrid
  By new_accord - November 4 - 3:43 am

  I purchased a 2015 Accord Hybrid EX-L in January 2015. Overall, I have been very pleased with my purchase to date. Foremost is the great gas mileage. What I have observed as weather has warmed, my gas mileage has improved. I commute mostly interstate for 17 miles one way. This past week I have been averaging closer to 60 MPG every trip. Lowest being 57.4, highest being 62.1 MPG. I have observed setting the cruise control helps (around 60 mph). In cooler months, averages were upper 40s to low 50s mpg. Notably, my mileage is pretty close to my daughters new Prius. The Accord, however is a much larger, handsome, comfortable and overall impressive car.

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  Bad investment for an hybrid - 2017 Honda Accord Hybrid
  By RA - October 12 - 8:01 pm

  Poor mpg average is 40 instead of 48-52. Radio/ radio Bluetooth is given problem and dealers can’t fix it. Bad customer service at Honda

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  2017 Honda Accord Hybrid - 2017 Honda Accord Hybrid
  By C Wilson - September 21 - 10:49 am

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  Great MPG... Horrible ride (Surging & Pausing) - 2015 Honda Accord Hybrid
  By R Scott - August 24 - 8:32 pm

  I bought the new 2015 Accord Hybrid for its fuel economy, and it that aspect of the car does not disappoint. However, I was unaware of just how disappointingly choppy the cars ride would be when the its software switches between electric engine and gas engine... especially when driving faster than 40 MPH at constant speed. I failed to realize this during the original test drive because I only drove it on the freeway for about one mile (and in heavy afternoon traffic). In short, (whether using cruise control or not) the 2015 Accord Hybrid will intermittently pause and then surge whenever the electric engine disengages from action at speeds north of 35-40 MPH. This is both annoying and disconcerting since it results in a choppy ride. I took my new Accord Hybrid to the dealer service folks twice for this problem. The first time, I was told to stop using the ECON mode if I wanted a smoother ride. The second time, I insisted on speaking with the service tech. Heres the exact verbiage from the service ticket: "NFP test drove the vehicle and verified customers concern. Took snap shots during the event of the PGM-FI system... etc.. After review of all the snap shot data was sent it was determined that it is the normal operation of this vehicle." Thats a pretty poor response from Honda. Ive always be partial to Honda products... but with the Accord Hybrid: Let the buyer beware.