The Honda Accord Hybrid is an even more efficient version of the beloved gas-powered sedan. It’s also one of the most affordable 2022 hybrids, starting at $27,720.
When an ICE car is converted into a hybrid or EV, there’s always the concern that it will lose some performance potential. Consumer Reports confirms that this isn’t the case: here’s everything that test drivers loved the most about the 2022 model.
According to Honda, the Accord Hybrid can earn up to 48 mpg in the city and 47 mpg on the highway if you’re driving the base or EX-L trim. The Touring and Sport trims earn 44 mpg in the city and 41 mpg on the highway.
Every trim comes standard with a four-cylinder engine combined with two electric motors, generating 212 hp. It comes paired with a CVT, which Consumer Reports says will operate quietly unless the engine is revved too hard.
Test drivers said this sedan has responsive handling and its suspension keeps most hard bumps from compromising interior comfort. The Accord Hybrid also reaches high speeds quickly after tapping into its electric power as you accelerate from a dead stop.
CR appreciated the Honda Accord Hybrid’s upscale interior, which has many soft-touch components and intricate detailing on the upholstery and controls. The driver has an excellent road view thanks to the slim roof pillars, and the driver’s seat is roomy.
CR says that the seats offer only marginal levels of support. The Honda Accord Hybrid also sits low to the ground, sometimes making seat access difficult. Still, the second row is big enough to accommodate three adult passengers of average height.
The Honda Accord Hybrid’s interior remains quiet on the highway, partially because of the noise-canceling devices on the vehicle’s speakers. Exterior noises are pleasantly muted, and any engine noises are unobtrusive.
2021 Honda Accord Hybrid First Drive | Still at the mountaintop: https://t.co/da5zbG5k2Z pic.twitter.com/dVYSrUYApO
Consumer Reports was pleased to find that the Honda Accord doesn’t lose any cargo space with a hybrid battery added. The trunk is almost 17 cubic feet deep, and you can fold one of the second-row seats down if needed.
CR had no problem fitting four suitcases and one bulky duffel bag inside the Honda Accord Hybrid’s trunk. Test drivers also appreciated the hatch’s wide opening and its locking mechanism.
This upgraded bundle of safety features comes standard on every Accord Hybrid trim. It includes collision-mitigation braking, a few lane-keeping assistance functions, forward-collision warning, traffic sign recognition, and adaptive cruise control with the low-speed following. The EX-L model adds a few extra features: blind-spot monitors, parking sensors, and windshield wipers with automatic rain detection.
The Honda Accord Hybrid even received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS. Consumer Reports was also impressed with the number of standard infotainment features in this sedan. The interface has some more complicated quirks, but it’s easy for users to access the most basic functions.
Consumer Reports was pleased with the Honda Accord Hybrid’s automatic high-beam headlights, which come with halogen bulbs. The standard low beams with LED bulbs illuminated the Accord Hybrid’s road test even better.
CR says the Honda Accord Hybrid’s brake pedal is just as easy to use as the regular Accord’s. It posted reasonable stopping distances on dry and wet pavement, 135 ft and 142 ft, respectively.
The Accord Hybrid benefits from regenerative braking, which provides more efficiency and creates less stress for your rotors and brake pads. The Honda Accord Hybrid is also skilled at making quick avoidance maneuvers and keeps body roll contained.
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