When the 2014 Honda Accord Hybrid rolls out this October, Honda expects the Accord's resurrected gas/electric variant to get an EPA rating of 49/45/47 mpg (city/highway/combined). The car joins the Accord Plug-in Hybrid, which went on sale in January, and a redesigned Accord that arrived last fall. It's the first Accord Hybrid we've seen since 2007, two Accord generations ago.
The 49 mpg city figure leads the Accord's class, and the combined figure ties the Ford Fusion Hybrid (47/47/47 mpg city/highway/combined). It sails ahead of the Toyota Camry Hybrid (40-41 mpg combined depending on the trim level), Hyundai Sonata Hybrid (37-38 mpg combined depending on trim) and diesel Volkswagen Passat TDI (34-35 mpg combined depending on transmission).
The Accord Hybrid — Honda's first hybrid built in Marysville, Ohio — features unique wheels, a blue grille and headlight accents, LED daytime running lights and a rear spoiler. Under the hood, Honda's hybrid system combines a 124-kW electric motor with a 2.0-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder to drive in fully electric, gasoline or mixed power. Electric power comes from a lithium-ion battery.
Neither the Chrysler 200, Dodge Avenger nor Subaru Legacy have hybrid or diesel variants. Mazda will unveil a diesel four-cylinder this year for the 2014 Mazda6, but mileage figures are still pending. The Chevrolet Malibu has a mild hybrid system, and the redesigned Nissan Altima has no hybrid or diesel — although Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn hinted in 2012 at plans for a new Altima Hybrid.
Pricing and full features are still pending, but expect the Accord Hybrid to start somewhere between the gasoline Accord Touring's $34,220 asking price and the Accord Plug-in Hybrid's $40,570 (both prices include destination). Honda representatives weren't immediately available for comment, but the automaker's press release says features like Honda's 8-inch i-MID display and leather seats will be "available," so the Accord Hybrid might come in a more affordable base trim that overlaps pricing with the gasoline Accord. When we find out more, we'll let you know.
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