CARS.COM — The resurrected-for-2017 Honda Accord Hybrid reached showrooms this week looking nearly identical to its non-hybrid sibling and priced only slightly above its fuel-sipping former self. The Accord Hybrid returns to the scene after being discontinued following the 2015 model year, starting at $30,440, including an $835 destination charge — just $300 more than its predecessor but with significant powertrain and equipment upgrades.
Related: 2017 Honda Accord Hybrid: First Look
The 2017 Accord Hybrid may be just a few hundred dollars more than the 2015 version but it’s costlier than its competitors. The 2016 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid starts at $28,645, the 2017 Toyota Camry Hybrid at $27,625, the 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid at $26,835 and the 2017 Ford Fusion Hybrid at $26,060 (all prices include a destination charge).
The new Accord Hybrid adopts nearly all of the updated exterior styling of the regular Accord while adding hybrid badging, blue-accented headlights and taillights, and unique 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels. The interior also largely carries over from the non-hybrid version. Cargo space is a class-leading 13.5 cubic feet, just 2.3 cubic feet less than the standard Accord’s trunk space.
The Hybrid uses a new two-motor hybrid system paired with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine for a combined 212 horsepower. The propulsion system is not mated to a conventional transmission but, instead, a three-mode system from which drivers can select EV Drive for electric-only power; Hybrid Drive, which uses gas power to replace electricity drawn from the battery pack; and Engine Drive, which uses a lock-up clutch mechanism to combine gas and electric power.
All of these mechanisms work together toward the bottom line: a fuel economy rating of 49/47/48 mpg city/highway/combined. Although city mileage has dropped 1 mpg from the 2015 version’s 50, highway and combined figures have improved by 2 and 1 mpg, respectively.
Hybrid, Hybrid EX-L and Hybrid Touring trim levels are available and all three come standard with the Honda Sensing suite of advanced safety and driver-assist technologies. Included in the suite are collision mitigation braking, lane departure warning, forward collision warning, lane keep assist, road departure mitigation and adaptive cruise control. Also standard are a multi-angle rearview camera and wide-angle rearview mirror. Touring models get auto high-beam headlights. Other available features include remote engine start, front and rear parking sensors, rain-sensing wipers, heated rear seats and five new exterior colors.
