After a one-year absence, Honda is bringing back the Hybrid Accord with new safety features, new trim packages and a new, more powerful power train.
After a one-year hiatus, Honda returns with the production capacity to produce 28,000 Accord Hybrids, doubling previous peak sales of 14,000 in 2014. Honda has improved the supply of hybrid components and production methods to satisfy demand for the mid-size hybrid segment leader.
The 2017 Accord Hybrid receives several upgrades that carry over from the entire line of Honda Accord vehicles. This includes the available Display Audio with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay and the Honda Sensing, a suite of driver-assist and advanced safety technologies that are offered as standard equipment on all 2017 Accord Hybrids.
The 2017 Honda Accord Hybrid will be offered in three trim levels, Hybrid, Hybrid EX-L, and Hybrid Touring. All grades will include increased levels of standard equipment including a wide-angle rearview camera, remote engine starting and the Sensing, suite of driver safety technologies.
The new 2017 Accord Hybrid uses Honda’s next generation two-motor hybrid system, which pairs a 2.0 liter Atkinson four cylinder engine with an electric motor. This combination results in 212 combined horsepower and fuel economy ratings of 49 miles per gallon in the city, 47 miles per gallon highway, and a combined 48mpg, the best in the mid-size hybrid segment. For comparison, the Ford Fusion Hybrid has 24 fewer horsepower with and fuel consumption five and six miles per gallon less in city, highway, and combined cycles. Compared to the Toyota Camry Hybrid, the Hybrid Accord has 12 more horsepower and an increase of 6, 8, and 7 miles per gallon in their respective drive cycles.
The Honda hybrid powertrain system transitions between three operations:
- Electric Vehicle (EV) drive for very short distances under light acceleration
- Hybrid Drive scenario where electric motors drive the front wheels with the gasoline engine powering an electric generator
- Engine Drive, which uses a lock-up clutch connecting the propulsion motor and engine to both drive the front wheels.
The 2017 Hybrid Accord incorporates design features that are unique to the Hybrid. These features include an aluminum hood, special wheels, blue lighted LED headlights and taillights and “Hybrid” exterior badging. A more compact battery also increases trunk capacity to 13.5 cubic feet, the most in the mid-size hybrid segment.
The 2017 Honda Accord will be available for sale in the United States this spring.
