Honda Hybridizes the Accord for 2017

2017 Honda Accord Hybrid (Credit: © Honda)

In case you missed it, the Honda Accord Hybrid went on a brief hiatus following the 2015 model year as Honda worked on refining its hybrid system. Today, Honda has revealed the 2017 Accord Hybrid with its updated hybrid system. Honda has high hopes for its new midsize hybrid as it anticipates sales to crest the 28,000 mark in its first year, which would double its best sales year in the previous generation.

Why is Honda so confident that this new hybrid will double the sales of the previous model? Because, on paper, it is the best plug-less midsize hybrid available with its 212 combined horsepower and fuel economy ratings of 49 mpg city, 47 mpg highway, and 48 mpg combined.

You may be wondering how the new Accord Hybrid can possibly be better than the old one when its city fuel economy is actually worse than the 2015 model, which checked in at 50 mpg. Well, the EPA shifted its hybrid testing procedures for the new model year, which would have resulted in the 2015 Accord Hybrid being rated just 48 mpg city, 45 mpg highway, and 47 mpg combined according to Honda.

This new hybrid powertrain will have three selectable modes: EV Drive, Hybrid Drive, and Engine Drive. EV Drive will run the vehicle on just the electric motor for short distances, Hybrid Drive will use the electric motor to drive the wheels while the gasoline engine works as a generator, and Engine Drive locks the engine to the motor and both combine to drive the front wheels.

The 2017 Accord Hybrid will be one of the better-equipped models in its class as it will come standard with a wide-angle rearview camera, remote engine start, and Honda Sensing (a suite of safety nannies like lane-keep assist, auto braking, adaptive cruise, etc.). Optionally, buyers can add upscale features like a 7-inch touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, heated rear seats, and rear parking sensors.

The 2017 Accord Hybrid will hit showrooms in the spring of 2016. Pricing will come at a later date.