2017 Honda Accord Review

2017 Honda Accord - Returning after a year off, Accord Hybrid offers great economy and performance.

By: Mark Bilek

The Honda Accord is one of the best-selling midsize cars of all time. It is available at a 2-door coupe or 4-door sedan, seats five passengers on twin front buckets and a three-place rear bench, has front-wheel drive and competes with vehicles like the Mazda 6, Nissan Altima, Subaru Legacy and Volkswagen Passat. Direct competitors to Accord Hybrid include the Chevrolet Malibu, Ford Fusion, Hyundai Sonata, Kia Optima and Toyota Camry.

Accord is available with four- and six-cylinder engines and with a gas-electric hybrid powertrain. This review will focus on the Accord Hybrid, which has a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with two electric motors that drive the front wheels through a continuously variable transmission. A trunk-located lithium-ion battery pack helps the gas engine and electric motor combo generate a total of 212 horsepower.

Three trim levels are available on Accord Hybrid: base, EX-L and Touring. Pricing starts at $29,605 and climbs to $35,995. Standard safety features include antilock disc brakes, stability and traction control, active front head restraints and dual-front, front-side and curtain-side airbags. Also standard on all Accord hybrids are lane departure warning, lane and road departure intervention, forward collision warning and forward collision intervention with automatic braking and passenger-side blind-spot monitoring with LaneWatch.

The Accord Hybrid has an $835 destination charge. Unlike other Accords for sale in the U.S., the Accord Hybrid is assembled in Japan.

Accord Hybrid accelerates briskly and doesn't stumble or shudder away from a stop -- a trait common in hybrid vehicles. When pressed, the gas-electric combo will push Accord from 0 - 60 mph in about 7 seconds. That's faster than most hybrid-sedan competitors and on par with some V6 offerings. The engine is smooth and refined and switches from gas to electric mode with nary a hesitation.

EPA fuel economy ratings are tops in the midsize segment at 49 mpg city and 47 mpg highway. Real-world commuting validates those numbers as long as drivers don't stomp to heavily on the go pedal. Light commuting will likely translate into 50 mpg in ideal weather conditions. Extreme heat or cold hurt the efficiency of the hybrid system and take a toll on fuel economy overall.

Accord Hybrid's suspension provides a ride that is firm, but never harsh. There's enough compliance to soften big impacts without undue bouncing or bounding. The steering is accurate and quick but is a trifle numb on center and you have to correct more than you'd like on the highway. Brakes have reassuring stopping power and the pedal is refreshingly easy to modulate, uncommon in hybrids. When pushed, the efficiency-minded tires give up grip a little more quickly on dry roads than in a typical midsize sedan, but overall the feeling behind the wheel is athletic and sporty.

Interior noise levels can be quite low, thanks to frequent all-electric operation. Wind rush and tire thrum are well muted. When accelerating hard, the gas engine makes more noise than expected but settles down to a hum when cruising.

Accord's interior is modern and airy. Materials are appropriate for the price and fit-and-finish is excellent. Drivers face a single dial behind the steering wheel flanked by information bars for fuel and engine temperature. The center stack boasts not one, but two display screens. One for high-level information like navigation, phone, and audio and another closer to the driver and passenger that's a touch screen and designed to be a multi-input device for controlling systems. The setup is certainly a trifle. Adding to the mix is a touch-slider to control audio volume that's universally disliked by most critics. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are nicely integrated, however.

Both front and rear occupants will find plenty of head and leg room on comfortable seats. The backseat is one of the roomiest in the segment, easily allowing three abreast seating. Outward visibility is excellent thanks to large windows and thin roof pillars. Entry/exit a snap through large doors.

Trunk capacity is listed at 13.5 cubic feet, larger than most midsize hybrid sedans. Unfortunately, the rear seatbacks do not fold and there's no pass through. Interior storage is great with lots of cubbies and bins throughout and there are several power points and USB ports.

Accord Hybrid shines thanks to its overall balance of refinement, athleticism, and efficiency. The engine offers more power than most and the best efficiency in class. Interior room is exceptional and its suite of standard safety features is unmatched in the class. Minuses are limited to its complicated audio and navigation system. Prices are on the high side, but the Accord Hybrid makes up for that with exceptional reliability and strong resale value. If you are looking for a midsize hybrid sedan, there are several to choose from, so be sure to drive them all before you buy.

Mark Bilek

Mark Bilek is the Senior Director of Communications and Technology for the Chicago Auto Trade Association and the General Manager for DriveChicago.com. He is also responsible for developing and maintaining the Chicago Auto Show Web site.

Mark has been reviewing vehicles for more than two decades. Previously, he was associate publisher at Consumer Guide, where he oversaw publication of Consumer Guide Car & Truck Test, Consumer Guide's Used Car Book, and ConsumerGuide.com. He was also responsible for publication of "Collectible Automobile" and various hardcover automotive titles. In 2001 and 2002 he served as president of a Midwest Automotive Media Association. Mark has appeared on NBC TV, ABC TV, Fox News, WGN and MotorTrend TV as an automotive consultant. He hosts the Drive Chicago radio show on WLS 890 AM and was a regular guest on WGN Radio's Steve & Johnnie show. Mark lives in the northwest suburbs with his wife and three sons.

2017 Honda Accord Review

2017 Honda Accord - Returning after a year off, Accord Hybrid offers great economy and performance.

Mark Bilek

Find Used Cars in Chicago or Chicago Car Dealers at DriveChicago.com

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