Used 2019 Honda Accord Hybrid

The 2019 Honda Accord Hybrid is the most fuel-efficient version of this most excellent midsize sedan. Here’s the brief outline: a car so spacious it’s categorized as a full-size, so well-engineered and built that it wins a ton of awards (from Kelley Blue Book and many other sources alike), including accolades for resale value, and this hybrid version can run for 48 miles on a gallon of gas.

Another plus point is that there are four trim levels, ranging from acceptably equipped to sumptuous. Nor does the hybrid system command a massive price hike compared with the regular versions. The Accord is a top choice in mainstream midsize sedans. The Accord Hybrid has the same strong appeal, then cuts consumption and emissions.

Interested in a non-hybrid 2019 Honda Accord? Here’s our Review.

The Honda Accord Hybrid achieves its maximum torque extremely low in the drivetrain’s power band. This means the greatest amount of thrust is available when pulling away from traffic lights, accelerating up to freeway speeds, and similar situations. It’s adequately energetic, especially for a hybrid buyer who no doubt prioritizes fuel consumption and emissions over ultimate performance.

Most of the time, the cabin is quiet (active noise cancellation is standard). But at freeway speeds and pressing the car for more muscle to overtake and/or negotiate an uphill stretch is when some engine and transmission noise can be perceived.

Handling-wise, the Accord Hybrid has the extra weight of an electric motor and a battery pack, so a comfortable ride quality takes precedence. The adaptive suspension in the Touring model provides a broader range of settings, from pliant to precise.

Even though the Accord is the archetypal midsize sedan, this generation’s interior space is so lavish that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) classifies it as a full-size car. The impressive thing about the Accord Hybrid is that it doesn’t lose any of that space to accommodate extra hardware, such as the battery pack. Rear legroom is 40.4 inches, which is as good as this class gets. Trunk space of 16.7 cubic feet is also above average. And the 60/40 split/fold rear seats bring some flexibility.

Up front, the dashboard uses classy soft-touch plastics. Wherever occupants’ elbows and nether regions inevitably land, they will also find forgiving surfaces. The interior design is clean and agreeable, while everything has been put together well.

Viewed from the side, the 2019 Accord Hybrid seems to follow the current trend for adopting a more coupe-influenced fastback profile. This might restrict headroom for tall rear passengers, but it’s offset by seat cushions placed fairly low.

Apart from some small badges, there’s nothing that really distinguishes this hybrid version from its regular cohort. The active grille shutters (for optimum thermal efficiency) are far from easy to spot. So most onlookers won’t know what kind of 2019 Accord this is. It’s the understatement, however, that makes it attractive.

HYBRID DRIVETRAIN
Admittedly, this is the whole reason for the car’s existence, but it makes so much sense in today’s driving environment. As traffic jams become longer and more frequent, it’s crazy to sit immobile and keep burning gasoline. The engine’s stop/start function (barely felt, by the way) can let the electric motor deal with the dull stuff.

IT’S AN ACCORD
Not a feature exactly, and sorry to state the patently obvious. But we like the absence of hybrid hoopla. No special styling and even the regenerative brakes feel normal. The Accord in general is a multi-faceted, straight-up superb conveyance.

The most basic 2019 Accord Hybrid (which doesn’t have a dedicated trim name) starts out with 17-inch machine-finished aluminum-alloy wheels, active grille shutters, remote start, keyless entry/start with Walk-Away Auto Lock, dual-zone automatic climate control, multi-angle rearview camera with dynamic guidelines, LED exterior lighting, Honda Sensing driver aids (see below), 7-inch infotainment display, Bluetooth phone/audio, USB port, 160-watt/4-speaker audio system, and 24-hour roadside assistance.

That’s a pretty generous inventory, but we suggest looking at the EX, which brings you blind-spot monitoring with cross-traffic alert, LED fog lights, power moonroof, 12-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, heated front seats, heated side mirrors, 8-inch infotainment touch screen, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone integration, satellite radio, and an 8-speaker audio setup.

There aren’t many options in the 2019 Accord Hybrid range, it’s more a case of going for a higher trim level. For example, the EX model is described in the previous section. The EX-L version adds leather seating surfaces, along with a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, plus a universal garage opener, self-dimming rearview mirror, driver’s seat memory settings, 4-way power-adjustable front driver’s seat, and a 450-watt/10-speaker audio system.

Available navigation comes standard in the top Touring trim. This best-equipped Accord Hybrid includes adaptive dampers, head-up display, rain-sensing wipers, front/rear parking sensors, ventilated front seats, heated outboard rear seats, Wi-Fi, wireless charging, and HondaLink.

Beneath the aluminum hood of the Honda Accord Hybrid is a 2.0-liter/4-cylinder gasoline engine making 181 horsepower. The other side of the hybrid equation is an electric motor powered by a lithium-ion battery. A continuously variable transmission (CVT) sends a total of 212 horsepower to the front wheels. There’s no option for all-wheel drive. The Accord Hybrid uses regular unleaded gasoline.

2.0-liter inline-4 (181 horsepower) + AC synchronous permanent-magnet electric motor
212 horsepower @ 6,200 rpm (total system output)
232 lb-ft of torque @ 0-2,000 rpm (total system output)
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 48/48 mpg