2021 Honda Accord Hybrid Review

Honda has done poorly with Hybrids in the past, but Accord, as a full hybrid, has EV mode for silent running. All the driver will notice is a quiet, vibration-free experience, stupidly good economy, and good handling.

Accord is handsome and comfortable. It is nice to see the hybrid system being able to switch to silent running in EV mode, unlike some previous Hondas running a mild hybrid system..

The Outside:

Accord Hybrid is understated in a typically Honda way.

LED front lights look evil, and they slant down towards the centre of the grille in a, “get out of my way,” kind of way.

Accord Hybrid is fastback, but not a hatchback, which is a shame.

The rear end has a couple of large u-shaped tail lights and a smallish boot opening. It is reasonably spacious, with a space-saver spare under the floor.

18” wheels are unusual in a segment obsessed with huge alloys, and thin scrapings of rubber for tyres. For this reason, Accord Hybrid has better ride than it otherwise might.

The side profile is a gracious arc, flowing down towards the boot. Huge rear doors allow the rear seats passengers to have easy entry with vast knee room. Accord is part of a segment that is ever-decreasing, sadly. In a short time, there will be no large passenger cars, as buyers continue to move to SUV-style cars.

Above: This Week – Accord VS Sonata VS Passat 

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Honda Accord
Honda Accord
Honda Accord
Honda Accord

ABOVE: Honda Accord VTi-LX Hybrid

The Inside:

The Accord Hybrid cabin is relaxed and calm.

Honda likes a bit of fake wood,which in this case, looks very classy. The interior is toned in black, with leather seating. Front pews have powered adjustment, and the passenger’s seat includes a couple of high-mounted button,s so anyone in the back can give themselves more legroom when the front seat is vacant.

The 425w sound system includes Active Noise Cancelling which uses sound waves to make the cabin quieter, and it really works. Like all good technology, it should be seamless and painless. You should be able to easily adapt to it, and it should work for you, never against you. Accord does that and  does it well. OK, that is not unique to Honda, but it is something Honda does well.

Accord Hybrid is a tourer that happens to be at home in town, so those inside have to feel cosy and comfortable. Dual zone climate control is standard for this segment, and all three of our comparison cars had sunroofs. Accord Hybrid has a small glass section over the front passengers, whereas the others have full length glass.

There is a particularly Honda way of doing an interior. Surfacing is mostly soft and luxurious, but parts that are likely to take a bashing, are hard, resilient plastic.

In short, the interior is luxurious, and for the price, astounding.

The Drive:

Accord Hybrid has a petrol-only sister, but it is the hybrid system that makes our car the pick of the bunch.

The 158kw/315Nm system powers the front wheels through a CVT automatic. It manages to get the front wheel scrambling in the wet, so take it easy when the rain comes down. A swift take-off makes the engine scream for mercy and is something I’ll never feel comfortable with.

Fuel consumption is stunning, with a combined total of 4.3L/100k. Like most hybrids, city usage is even lower, at 3.2L/100k around town, and 4.9L/100k on the highway. That is the opposite of petrol-only cars, so if you do most of your driving in the city, the choice is simple.

The tank takes 50 litres of 91Ron petrol, and the emissions standard is Euro 5. It’s worth noting that Australia’s locally refined fuel is known for high sulphur, so anything with Euro 6 and higher will end up in tears.

Steering is light and easy, just the way I like it.

Sports modes are a useful thing in most cases, but there are times when you just don’t need it, and this is one of those times. Accord Hybrid is comfortable and quiet, and smooth on most surfaces. Handling is styled to comfort too, and that is just the way it should be.

The experience is calm and considered, and you feel special, especially if you’re being chauffeured.

You can charge devices via USB as well as wireless, with 2 of the 3 USB sockets in the back, and a 12v outlet in the front.

It would be remiss not to mention the driver and safety aids.

As well as the lane centering and autonomous emergency braking, there is brake assist and hill hold. One thing that is a glaring omission is Blind Sport Monitoring. There is camera monitoring on the passenger’s side, but nothing on the driver side. The infotainment screen displays a full view down the side of the car nearest the footpath. It was a great innovation when it first appeared, but it now falling behind badly.

Smart cruise control and lane assist make highway travel a breeze. Headlights have automatic high beam as well as dusk sensing.

Our drives took in freeway, highway, and town chores. Normally we’d be arcing on about how fabulous cornering is at warp ten, but although Accord Hybrid goes through corners fairly flat, it is cruising around town where it shines.

Accord Hybrid flies under the radar, and I’ll bet most Australians don’t know the badge still adorns a current model car, and that’s a shame.

There is no safety rating to Accord Hybrid as it is untested.

Conclusion:

There a lot to like about Accord Hybrid, including the superb fuel consumption.

Honda must add blind spot monitoring to all models, and that is that.

Equipment is easy to use, with the driver being particularly spoiled. Good steering and handling compliment excellent ride, and a capacious cabin.

Price: $50,490

Engine: 2.0L Petrol/electric Hybrid

Power: 158kw/315Nm

Trans: CVT automatic

Econ: 4.3L/100 comb

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