Honda Accord Hybrid TRG (2014)

Test Drive Notes Library

Pros
High mileage, hybrid version of an already great, mid-sized sedan.
Fun to drive. This is the sportiest practical hybrid sedan we’ve tested.
Like the gasoline-powered Accord, the Accord Hybrid handles well, and feels planted. It stakes out a different turf than the comfort oriented, more floaty Camry and Camry Hybrid.
Vastly improved over the old Accord Hybrid. Much smoother transitions between electric and gasoline power, and greatly improved mileage.
Plenty fast. Good acceleration.
Comfortable seats and an upscale, calm, well-thought-out interior.
Great driving position, and good visibility.
Nice and quiet inside, except when it’s not (see below).
Right blinker-activated “Lane Watch” camera gives a great view of the entire right side of the car and adjacent areas when you’re changing lanes or turning right.

Cons
We didn’t get the mileage Honda claims (45 city, 50 highway.) We got around 40 mpg on the highway, and 25 mpg around town, with an average in the low 30’s—and these numbers were with the “Eco” button on.
There are other reviewers we respect who got closer to 40 mpg overall. Weather and driving conditions affect mileage. (Accord Hybrid Owners! Tell us what real-world mileage you’re getting.
The engine is a bit noisy, since it has a baseline of what sounds to be about 2000 RPM. At slow speeds, you’ll hear the engine revving, as it charges the batteries. It’s odd and distracting.
We also heard a fair bit of noise from the engine compartment when we placed a heavy load on the electric motor, such as when driving up a steep hill. Honda says this is normal, and told us the sound is the engine/generator operating under its maximum load, charging the batteries as quickly as it can.
The engine, by the way, only powers the wheels directly when you’re cruising at highway speeds. The rest of the time, the engine acts as a generator, charging the batteries. The batteries, in turn, drive an electric motor that sends powers directly to the wheels.
The hybrid version of the Accord feels heavier and a little less nimble than other Accords, probably due to the weight of the batteries. The ride is also feels a little bit firmer and less comfortable.
Hybrid battery eats up some trunk space.
When the headlights are on, the Accord assumes it’s nighttime, and the dashboard lighting can be hard to see.