New Honda Accord Hybrid Poised to Return Class-Leading Fuel Efficiency

As a pioneering manufacturer of hybrid vehicles since the introduction of the Insight in 1999, it is no surprise that Honda keeps pushing the boundaries of gas-electric technology. The latest example is the all-new 2014 Honda Accord Hybrid, which is aiming to shake up the midsize-sedan category with class-leading fuel efficiency. Though official figures from the EPA are still pending, Honda estimates that the upcoming hybrid version of its best-selling vehicle will return 49 mpg in the city, topping every other hybrid midsize sedan.

The 2014 Honda Accord Hybrid will achieve its leading efficiency thanks to a brand-new 2.0-liter Atkinson-cycle engine paired with a 124-kilowatt electric motor and a lithium-ion battery. Three different driving modes will be available, including the options of running in gas- or electric-only modes, or using them in combination for maximum power. The Accord Hybrid will also be able to transition intelligently between modes when needed, delivering optimal power to the transmission while minimizing fuel consumption.

"Honda is going for the hybrid crown by taking its most popular vehicle and giving it similar fuel economy to the Prius," said Frank McLaughlin, general manager of a Greater Boston Honda dealership. "When the Honda Accord Hybrid goes on sale this October, it will attract those drivers who have been waiting out for a hybrid that doesn't require them to compromise on performance, space or refinement."

Technological innovations are not limited to the powertrain in the Accord Hybrid. Buyers will be able to opt for some of the most advanced safety features on the market, including Lane Departure Warning, Forward Collision Warning and the industry-first LaneWatch blind-spot display. A multi-angle rearview camera will provide additional points of view while displaying guidelines for increased safety. Drivers will also have available access to detailed information on performance, efficiency, entertainment and navigation through easy-to-read console and dashboard screens, including an eight-inch color display.

Bolstering Honda's lineup of electrified and alternative-fuel models, the Accord Hybrid joins its Accord Plug-In sibling, which went on sale earlier this year in certain regions and returns 115 MPGe combined on the city and highway. The Honda Insight remains an efficient option on the market, and the Honda Civic sedan offers both hybrid and natural-gas models. For a subcompact car that is also 100 percent electric, the limited-release Honda Fit EV is rated at an impressive 118 MPGe combined, while buyers who like to optimize responsiveness in their hybrid can opt for the sporty Honda CR-Z.

"Honda is continually expanding its line of green vehicles, and the popular midsize sedan category was the next logical step for developing its most advanced hybrid model to date," added McLaughlin. "The value of the Accord Hybrid comes not only from its fuel efficiency, but also from its intuitive safety features that you can expect to find in luxury sedans."