Auto review by Veeno Dewan
The Honda Accord has been the ultimate go-to sedan for those looking for a well-rounded mid-size family ride for decades. It has always delivered on the core values of safety, fuel economy, performance, and a legendary reputation for reliability. This incredibly fantastic sedan is now into its 10th generation design cycle and still selling as strong as ever. This year’s car gets a few updates, including a face-lift and the introduction of wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
Boasting class-leading power and cabin space, the next-generation Accord Hybrid embodies Honda’s distinct approach to electrification – infusing fun-to-drive performance, efficiency, premium feature content, and comfort in a sophisticated and affordable package. Hybrid or otherwise, the Honda Accord PHEV (Plug-in Electric Hybrid) receives some mild styling refreshes for 2021, including a redesigned grille and upgraded standard LED headlights. The exterior styling is still low-key and conservative, which is how Honda buyers like and will age well. Not much has changed on the inside, either. Just neat, tidy, and of high quality.
The Accord Hybrid lineup comes in two trim levels: Hybrid and Hybrid Touring. The Accord Hybrid offers a lengthy list of standard equipment, including heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, keyless entry, and remote start. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality and a wireless phone charging pad are available.
High-quality aluminum and leather offer a stylish, contemporary look. The finish is excellent all around in the front and rear cabin. Front legroom is excellent, the rear features a 40:20:40 folding-seat option, and the equipment levels are high with full power and creature comforts. Connectivity and infotainment features include Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, Navigation, 4G LTE Wi-Fi, many apps, live info, and remote-control features. Wireless charging and an image-based rearview mirror are available.
Standard driver aids include:
- Driver-drowsiness and rear-traffic monitoring
- Lane-keep assist
- Semi-autonomous park assist
- Auto high-beam assist
- Emergency braking
The Touring model offers ventilated front seats with memory on the driver’s side, heated outboard rear seats, rain-sensing wipers, onboard navigation, a head-up display, and a subscription-based in-car Wi-Fi hotspot. The Accord Hybrid Touring is priced at $46,726.
The 2023 Accord Hybrid is powered by the latest third generation of Honda’s innovative two-motor hybrid powertrain, which pairs a 2.0-liter DOHC i-VTEC Atkinson-cycle inline-4 engine with 40-percent thermal efficiency with an electric propulsion motor that delivers 232 lb.-ft. of torque. This vehicle is a class-leading total system output of 212 horsepower, delivering 181 hp on its own and 232 lb-ft of torque.
The Accord hybrid version includes Honda’s suite of safety technologies as standard equipment, which incorporates forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning and lane-keep assist, traffic sign recognition, and adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow function. On hybrid models, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, automated high beams, driver attention alert, and automatic emergency response are also standard.
The Accord Hybrid Touring has an impressive adaptive damping system that delivers an outstanding ride on the road. The car has a composed, even ride more like a high-end Acura. The hybrid’s two-motor system delivers a glitch-free seamless experience. Helping to maximize energy generation are steering wheel-mounted Deceleration Selectors. Like transmission paddle shifters, the Accord Hybrid’s Deceleration Selectors offer drivers four levels of regenerative braking performance. They are seamlessly shifting between EV Drive (100-percent electric motor), Hybrid Drive (electric motor and gasoline engine driving the generator motor), and Engine Drive (gasoline engine), using power from the gasoline engine and electric motors. I also enjoyed the crisp handling and precise linear steering. The changeover from an electric to a gas engine is also seamless.
Fuel Economy (city/highway/combined)
- Accord Hybrid 5.0/5.1/5.
- Accord Hybrid Touring 5.0/5.1/5.1.
To sum up, the Honda Accord is among the top sedans in its class. You get high equipment levels, handling, and driver satisfaction that beat cars costing at least $10,000 more. Stellar fuel economy in this hybrid model also makes it a highly efficient performer. Highly recommended for families and singles everywhere looking for a fuel-sipping yet luxuriously appointed mid-size sedan.
