A few years ago, the only choices you had when it came to your vehicle were gas-powered options with a few hybrids sprinkled in, making it easy to narrow down your search when shopping for a car. Nowadays, there are many more different types of vehicles, many of which positively impact our environment, including traditional hybrids, plug-in hybrids, and the new electric vehicles. So, is it time we embraced an all-electric future, or is there still a place in our driveways for hybrids? Automakers like Honda believe hybrids are still worth building, and the 2022 Honda Accord Hybrid is a pretty good argument that they are right.
Recognized for its undeniably impressive gas mileage and superior performance, the 2022 Honda Accord Hybrid is not only one of the best hybrids available right now; it is one of the best sedans, period. Let’s get to know more about this iconic sedan and how it has transformed throughout the years, from its emergence as a newcomer in a sea of gas guzzlers to its solid reputation today.
Honda Accord Hybrid: The Beginning
Back when most of us only knew of gas-powered vehicles, hybrids were slowly making their way onto the scene. As the Toyota Prius began paving the way for more hybrids to emerge, Honda took this idea and ran with it. Not only was the Honda Insight the first hybrid to be sold in America, but Honda also outfitted one of its best-sellers with hybrid capabilities. In 2005, the Honda Accord Hybrid debuted, offering drivers the chance to experience stellar efficiency without a lot of changes to the Accord’s design. Many automakers at the time chose to go big or go home with their hybrid offerings, showcasing ultra-modern, almost futuristic designs that many drivers didn’t prefer, but Honda went about this differently. Aside from some slight modifications to its exterior, the overall look and feel of the Accord Hybrid remained unchanged.
The Accord Hybrid sedan featured a roomy interior for five to fit comfortably, as well as ample cargo space, perfect for frequent travelers, families, and virtually any type of driver. Utilizing a combination of gas and electric power, the 2005 Accord Hybrid featured a powerful 3.0L V6 engine that provided it with an impressive 255 horsepower. It was a common stereotype back then that hybrids could barely keep up with traffic, but the Accord Hybrid sought to change our thinking on what hybrids were capable of with its exceptional use of power. In addition to heightened power, its efficiency was favorable, able to get up to 29 mpg in the city and 37 mpg on the highway.
Honda didn’t dramatize its hybrid version of the Accord. This vehicle was only offered as a trim level in the Accord lineup instead of as a model in its own right. Although the Accord Hybrid remained on the scene for a few years, certain tweaks needed to be made to its performance in order for it to keep up with the competition, mainly that of its nemesis, the Toyota Prius. So, after the 2007 model, Honda pulled the Accord Hybrid out of its inventory to revamp it and make it better than ever before.
The Re-Emergence of the Honda Accord Hybrid
Revitalized and ready to wow, the Accord Hybrid reappeared in the Honda lineup for the 2014 model year. Not only was there more fanfare this time around, but its entire hybrid system was revamped, allowing for increased efficiency and performance, giving the Prius a run for its money. A 2.0L four-cylinder engine was paired with a two-motor hybrid system, increasing its fuel efficiency, allowing it to get up to an astonishing 49 mpg in the city and 45 mpg on the highway… a far cry from the Accord Hybrid of the past. In addition to this efficiency, the Accord Hybrid still offered muscle, providing 196 horsepower and 226 pound-feet of torque, which upheld its legacy of performance, as well as enhanced its appeal for those seeking a vehicle with better gas mileage.
Unlike the Accord Hybrid of the past, the new hybrid was a model all its own with three trim levels available to help drivers customize it to match their driving needs. Various safety technology was included in the hybrid models, as well as Bluetooth capabilities, an innovative touchscreen, and more modern tech that wasn’t found in its original offerings. As the years went on, the Accord Hybrid continued to get better and more appealing, which catapulted it to the top of the list for many drivers, seeking a more eco-friendly option on the road, marked by a celebrated reputation in the industry.
This midsize sedan continues to be a well-respected and best-selling member of the Honda lineup of vehicles, offering drivers unparalleled efficiency, plus a performance that’s both exciting and reliable. In addition, the Honda Accord Hybrid offers everything the standard Accord offers, like a roomy interior cabin and loads of storage space, cutting-edge tech, and some of the best safety and driver-assist features in the industry. Honda’s choice to pull the original Accord Hybrid off the market was a smart move, as it allowed the team to perfect this offering, making it a legend with its top-notch performance and savings at the pump.
2022 Honda Accord Hybrid
As we now experience the 2022 Honda Accord Hybrid, you’ll notice that the same aspects we’ve all come to know and love can still be found in this affordable Honda model. As usual, drivers are able to enjoy outstanding performance and incomparable fuel efficiency without overpaying for these luxuries, which makes the Accord Hybrid such a popular choice in the ever-growing hybrid and EV market. Getting up to 48 mpg (city) and 47 mpg (highway), the 2022 Accord Hybrid stays true to its mission of maximum efficiency, and with 212 horsepower propelling it forward, you won’t have to sacrifice its power to enjoy more value while traveling.
Packed with innovative tech, the 2022 Accord Hybrid features a Hybrid Driver Information Interface, which provides drivers with necessary details about the vehicle’s performance, like energy flow between the engine and the electric motors, to maximize the overall experience and enhance its performance. Plus, with various drive modes available, including ECON, Sport, and EV, maximizing its efficiency is effortless no matter the driving circumstances. Combine these excellent driving dynamics with the famous Accord style, and you’ve got a vehicle that’s exciting, impressive, and easy to drive. New trim levels are available for the 2022 model, including the Sport trim, while popular trims, like the luxurious Touring trim and equally impressive EX-L, remain in the lineup.
In addition to its superior ride quality, the 2022 Accord Hybrid offers all on board a cozy and spacious experience, topping the charts with its best-in-class rear-seat legroom of 40.4 inches. Available leather seating and more premium elements can be found in higher-level trims. Technology also reigns supreme, with an easy-to-use 8-inch touchscreen, plus a variety of safety features designed to maximize security on the road. All in all, the Accord Hybrid just keeps getting better as the years go on, allowing it to be one of the top options for those shopping for a more efficient vehicle.
The Future of the Accord Hybrid
More and more drivers are turning their attention toward environmentally-friendly vehicles, which means that the future is shining bright for this industry. The Accord Hybrid makes it easy to enjoy more efficiency and power without compromising on design, allowing drivers to harness the capabilities of a hybrid with the look and feel of the Accord we’ve all come to appreciate. That’s why it’s such a popular vehicle in the industry, and as its capabilities continue to evolve and enhance, it will only make this Honda offering more alluring to car shoppers everywhere. The Honda Accord Hybrid continues to occupy a top spot in the industry, and when it comes to its future, we don’t envision that changing any time soon.
