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Sunday Drive: Efficiency and elegance in the 2023 Honda Accord Hybrid

By Craig and Deanne Conover - | Sep 30, 2023
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The 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid.
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Inside the 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid.
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The 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid.
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Inside the 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid.
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The 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid.
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Under the hood of the 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid.
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Inside the 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid.
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Inside the 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid.

This week, we had the pleasure of getting behind the wheel of the 2023 Honda Accord Hybrid Touring, a sedan that’s no stranger to praise for its efficiency, comfort and style.

As we set out on our weeklong test drive adventure that covered over 490 miles, including two trips to Ogden, we were eager to explore the Accord Hybrid Touring’s capabilities and experience the seamless blend of technology and performance that have become synonymous with the Honda name.

From the moment the Accord arrived in our driveway, its elegant design spoke volumes. With its clean lines, refined contours and attention to detail, this sedan produced an air of sophistication that caught our attention immediately. The front end was dominated by a bold grille, flanked by sleek LED headlights that provided both enhanced visibility and a modern aesthetic.

Getting into the cabin, we were greeted by a spacious and thoughtfully designed interior. The combination of leather-trimmed seats and wood-grain accents created an upscale atmosphere that made every journey a luxurious experience. The seats were comfortable and supportive, ensuring that even the longer drives to Ogden were fatigue-free.

A great addition we have seen from Honda as of late is a bold layout of the HVAC ducting using a designed metal grill to cover them, adding a component of uniqueness to their line, instead of the more common-looking vents of the competition. At the end of the day they would be much easier to clean and maintain, along with their good looks.

The cabin was intelligently laid out, with an inviting infotainment system featuring a large touch screen display that seamlessly integrated with our smartphones through wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The 10-speaker premium audio system enveloped us with awesome sound, making the road trips both entertaining and enjoyable. Meanwhile, the wireless charging pad kept our devices powered up without the hassle of cords and was located expertly in the center console.

The Accord also didn’t skimp on safety features. Equipped with Honda Sensing, a suite of advanced driver-assistance technologies, the sedan provided added confidence on the road. Adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist and automatic emergency braking were just a few of the features that contributed to our peace of mind during our drives, especially on the stretches of highway to Ogden.

Having experienced the first version of Honda’s lane keep assist combined with adaptive cruise a number of years ago in an Accura, we were thrilled to get some longer freeway driving time in the Accord. It performed better than we would have expected, even doing well in stop-and-go traffic during the morning commute on the way to Ogden. This system continues to impress us and is one of the best on the market today.

However, what truly set the 2023 Honda Accord Hybrid apart was its remarkable fuel efficiency. Throughout our extensive test drive, which included both city and highway driving, we were astounded to achieve over 51 miles per gallon on average. Considering the EPA only expects this trim level to get 44 mpg, this impressive figure surpassed our expectations and makes the Accord Hybrid Touring an outstanding choice for those looking to save on fuel costs without having to compromise on style or comfort.

The hybrid powertrain, consisting of a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine combined with an electric motor, worked seamlessly to deliver ample power and responsive acceleration. The transition between gasoline and electric power was almost imperceptible, and the regenerative braking system efficiently recharged the battery while enhancing braking performance. The Accord’s driving experience was smooth and enjoyable, making it a pleasure to navigate both city streets and the open highways.

During our trips to Ogden, the Accord Hybrid Touring showcased its versatility. The comfortable ride quality, coupled with the luxurious cabin ambiance, made the journeys pleasant and relaxing. The hybrid powertrain’s ability to seamlessly switch between gasoline and electric modes meant that we could cover longer distances without the worry of frequent refueling stops, its always a good week when a vehicle arrives in our drive with over 500 miles to empty on the gauge!

As we made our way through many city streets throughout the week, the Accord’s nimble handling and responsive steering made maneuvering through traffic and parking in tight spaces effortless. Its compact dimensions were a boon in urban settings, and the sedan’s smooth acceleration ensured that merging onto highways was done with confidence on our part.

The 2023 Honda Accord Hybrid Touring is a testament to Honda’s commitment to producing vehicles that excel in both efficiency and refinement. With its exceptional fuel economy, comfortable interior and advanced features, it’s a vehicle that seamlessly adapts to various driving scenarios. Whether you’re commuting around town, embarking on longer road trips, or navigating big city streets, the Accord Hybrid Touring delivers an outstanding experience.

In the end, our weeklong test drive with the 2023 Honda Accord Hybrid Touring left us thoroughly impressed. Its combination of efficiency, style and comfort make it a standout option in the hybrid sedan segment. Achieving over 51 miles per gallon for the entire week was a testament to its fuel-saving prowess, showcasing that you don’t have to sacrifice performance for efficiency. If you’re seeking a sedan that offers an elegant driving experience while being kind to your wallet and the environment, the Accord Hybrid is undoubtedly a top contender.

Base price: $37,890

Destination charge: $1,095

Price as driven: $38,985

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