Honda Accord Hybrid offers great performance, gas mileage

If you’re considering purchasing a Honda Accord, the dilemma one could face is one of its primary competitors is conceivably the Accord Hybrid.

The two Accords are midsize sedans that share many things, including appearance and interior dimensions. Outside of price, the major difference is the Accord Hybrid version gets a whopping estimated 47 mpg.

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⤥ Summer Fun Starts Here ⤦

⤥ Summer Fun Starts Here ⤦

⤥ Summer Fun Starts Here ⤦

Looking to save a little money and the Accord sedan gets the nod, starting at just over $22,000 as opposed to approximately $29,305 for the Hybrid. The regular Accord is no slouch on gas mileage, but the 28-36 range falls way short of the Hybrid.

Although it almost unanimously earns high praise, the Accord Hybrid does have competition from other manufacturers. Its primary rivals include hybrid models: Ford Fusion, Toyota Camry, Hyundai Sonata, Kia Optima, and Volkswagen Jetta.

2015 Honda Accord Hybrid

* Performance: 2.0-liter, four-cylinder, 196 horsepower
* Mileage estimate range: 45-50 mpg
* Price: $29,305-$35,055
* Warranty: 3 years/36,000 miles; drivetrain 5 years/60,000 miles; roadside assistance 3 years/36,000; corrosion 5 years/unlimited

The Honda Accord Hybrid, available in three trim models (base, EX-L, Touring), s unchanged for 2015. One other model to consider is the Accord Hybrid Plug-In.

For all Accord models, the major attributes continue to be superior fuel economy, roomy interior, strong acceleration, and good handling. Like most Hondas, the Accord Hybrid shouldn’t require a lot of visits to the shop and the resale value is high.

Among the standard features are: heated side mirrors; automatic headlights; dual-zone automatic climate control; keyless ignition and entry; 8-inch video display; Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity; rearview camera; blind-spot display; tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel; eight-way power driver seat; and six-speaker sound system with a CD player, an auxiliary audio jack, iPod/USB audio interface.

There’s only one engine offered with the Accord Hybrid, but it’s a good one. Acceleration is a major plus with the performance-laden 2.0-liter, four-cylinder gasoline engine and electric motor that provides 196 horsepower and 226 pounds-feet of torque. It’s been clocked going 0-60 mph in 7.5 seconds.

The Accord is one of the fastest non-luxury hybrids. It gets going rather quickly from a standing start and really excels on the freeway where its passing power makes one forget that this is a hybrid.

As expected, the Accord Hybrid’s continuously variable automatic transmission doesn’t operate as smoothly as the six-speed automatic that comes with the Accord. The one thing you will notice is while trying to accelerate there is an annoying engine whine at lower speeds.

On a more positive note, the Accord Hybrid handles well and gives the driver a good confidence level. The braking is solid as well.

The Accord Hybrid provides a comfortable ride for up to five people. Both front and back seat occupants will experience lots of head and leg room. The only area that’s not roomy is the trunk (12.7 cubic feet). Like practically all hybrid models, the Accord has its large battery there and it eats up a good portion of the room.

There’s a high quality feel to the interior, which features good intuitiveness and some high tech qualities, yet isn’t difficult to master. The dash display is very helpful and the materials are of good quality – there’s nothing cheap.

Thanks to their increased gas mileage and monumental jump in performance, hybrids continue to be an appealing mainstream buy. The Accord Hybrid is among the best of the best in this class.