Honda’s 2017 Accord Hybrid may be the most effective midsized fuel-sipping sedan going.

Based around an unusual full hybrid powertrain with no actual transmission – but a virtual continuously variable tranny instead – its 48 mpg combined rating is very close to Toyota Prius territory in a handsomely styled, spacious, and much-more powerful package.

Oddly, the Accord Hybrid was introduced in 2015 with better EPA mpg than any competitor only to see Honda withdraw it from contention in 2016, revise it to make it even better, and re-release it in present 2017 form. It was based on the limited-market and now also discontinued 2014 Accord Plug-in Hybrid, and shared its superbly efficient powertrain albeit with smaller battery.

Honda has also experimented with a lease-only Fit EV which also was withdrawn, and as the automaker feels its way into the electrified vehicle space, perhaps there is rhyme and reason to its methods, as the Accord Hybrid does face a closely matched class.

The midsized sedan segment is actually the most competitive among the three dozen hybrid makes and models sold in the U.S. Hybrid models that shoppers may also consider include the newly updated Kia Optima and Hyundai Sonata, best-selling Ford Fusion, 46-mpg new Chevy Malibu based on the Volt’s powertrain, and Toyota Camry. The Camry is due for a styling and efficiency refresh in 2018 to catch it up from its now-in-use 2012-spec powertrain in refreshed 2015 body, and should become a potent contender, but for now, the Accord is very strong.

Subscribe
   / subscription_c.  .

YouTube -    / autoguide.  .
Facebook -   / autoguide  
Twitter -   / autoguide  
Google+ - http://goo.gl/LBxsP
Web - http://www.AutoGuide.com

HybridCars reviews the latest advanced-tech cars with test drives, comparisons and shootouts plus coverage of breaking auto industry news, auto shows, rumors and spy photos. Help shop for your new car with informative car buying tips and car recall news, and be entertained with feature stories, Top 10s and car review videos.

Category Autos & Vehicles
License Standard YouTube License