2014 Accord Hybrid Review

           Honda is bringing out a proper hybrid. In 2014 of offering us vehicles like the cr-z, the insight, the Civic and even the Accord using Honda's week integrated Motor Assist technology. Of real two-stage hybrid is coming from the Big H. The all-new 2014 accord hybrid.

         Honda is quick to point out that the only record introduced last year. It is the number one settling sedan amongst retail consumers. The hybrid is being added to further increase this lead. It is powered by an all-new 2-liter atkinson cycle four-cylinder engine producing 141 horsepower and 122 pound-feet of torque. Honda says this is ten percent more efficient than the current 2-liter engine. Attached to this engine is 124 kilowatt electric motor generating 166 horsepower and 226 pound-feet of torque and combine the two units will make an output of 196 horsepower. Power sent to the front wheels through at Honda calls an ECB T which is basically a direct drive transmission. Fuel economy is officially rated at 47 miles per gallon combined.

           The Accord Hybrid will begin at 29,155 dollars with the range-topping Accord Hybrid touring seen here coming in at 35,695 dollars after destination charges. Unlike the Sonata, fusion or Optima Hybrid, Honda's decided to keep the styling of the new Accord Hybrid very similar to non hybrid models. The biggest tip offs that this is a hybrid model are the unique rims as well as the blue tinted grill and headlight bezels upfront. In back there is a unique rear spoiler blue tinted taillights as well as a rear diffuser. Take a little closer look and you will notice the hybrid is slightly longer and slightly lower than regular Accords. What aren't visually obvious are the aluminum hood and an all-aluminum front subframe exclusive to the hybrid.

           Inside the hybrid is very similar to regular Accord models except for some different menu screens unique gauge cluster and a couple different trim pieces. That means it's just the usual fare in here which is a bit drab yet well laid out with high-quality fit and finish. As can be expected from a sedan turned hybrid. There's a little less trunk space in this car it has lost three cubic feet and it goes down another half cubic foot when you go to the higher trim models thanks to the addition of a subwoofer back there. Like regular chords the hybrid comes equipped with Lane watch, blind spot monitoring, a rear-view camera, LED daytime running lights, dual zone automatic climate control, and optional forward collision warning lane-departure warning adaptive cruise and navigation.

        The hybrid Accord weighs just over 3,600 pounds and is basically on par with the v6 accord. Now Honda's achieved this by lightening up a lot of materials in the vehicle. Of course, having low rolling resistance tires and extra boost its steering means this Accord a little more numb than your garden-variety accord. But it still drives pretty good and better than most other hybrids. Honda seems have stolen a page from Toyota's playbook by having regenerative brakes that are seamless. It feels like you're just breaking with a normal car where as some other hybrids you can really notice when the regen breaking and the regular breaking switch back and forth.

           The Accord Hybrid can be driven in three modes: EV hybrid and direct drive now. Direct drive is really reserved for the highway and the gasoline engine will connect directly to the transmission and act like a really tall sixth gear and just lost you down the road. EV mode can be turned on at any speed even on the highway but at those speeds even the slightest touch of the throttle will cause the gasoline engine to refire. But not a nice twisty mountain roads like we're on now I could actually leave it in EV mode for a long time as the hills let it regenerate and then I can just ease my way back up the next one. Honda spent a lot of time trying to make the hybrid drivetrain smooth. They wanted the transition from electric to hybrid to gas only to be perfectly seamless and after driving the camera in the Sonata Hybrid. It is much smoother than those two in its transition and it feels more powerful in the camera. Another advantage for the quote over the camera. It’s stay in battery only mode a lot longer and with more throttle application than that Camry. The one downside though is the accord seems louder under throttle than either the camry or the Sonata. That's not just with the gas engine on that's also with the electric motor running. The hybrid only improves the cord range the problem for Honda will be that this market is so tightly contested.

           All the players have serious pros and cons now Honda did claim 47 miles per gallon combined fuel efficiency with the accord hybrid and although we only had it for a couple hours on the road. We were only averaging between 43 and 44. It's nothing to be ashamed of but it's not quite living up to the number that Honda had posted. That aside this Accord is one of the best midsize hybrid sedans when it comes to blending in with the crowd. It drives looks and feels the most like a regular sedan. So for those who want a hybrid but also want some subtlety this will be your ride you.