2014 Honda Accord Hybrid Touring

"A Reason for Everything"

2014 Honda Accord Hybrid (Courtesy of Honda)

The Accord is available in two unique hybrid models that feature the latest breakthrough in hybrid technology: the extraordinarily efficient Accord Plug-in and Accord Hybrid. This column will feature the hybrid only. 

The Accord Hybrid has a 2.0-liter i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine with AC synchronous permanent magnet electric motor that produces 196 total system horsepower. The Eco Assist system tracks and displays the efficiency for you to maximize the fuel economy.

The Electric-Continuously Variable Transmission (E-CVT) emulates a 6-speed automatic transmission system. The lithium-ion battery powered system promotes a LEV3-SULEV30 (Super-Ultra-Low-Emission Vehicle) CARB emissions rating. The EPA mileage ratings are 50/45/47 city/highway/combined. 

There was a 2-3 second pause from the start, but then the engine caught on and the rpms quickly increased. The engine was quiet, but that didn’t seem to inhibit the power ramp-up. The car gave me an unlabored 48 mpg average. It really became a driving chore to empty the tank in the one week drive.

Honda builds the Accord with an extraordinary sense of pride, and it brings sheer joy to my driving experience.

Large heated front seats that spread easily, but were never confining even though the seats and seat backs were fitted. An internal hard drive with 16 GB music storage added comfort and relaxation. 

The Accord Hybrid has three driving modes (EV, Hybrid, Engine) that all yield a quality driving experience. It also features a number of hybrid-only features, such as a blue-accented grille and lights plus a unique wheel design. 

So open the door and sit in the leather-trimmed driver’s seat. Adjust the tilt and telescopic steering column, while noticing the leather wrapped steering wheel with steering-wheel mounted controls. Set the driver’s 10-way power seat with 2-position memory. Relax as your eyes take in the Intelligent Multi Information Display (i-MID). Now touch the engine start push button. 

There are a multitude of entertainment and information technologies: SiriusXM satellite radio, Bluetooth hands free link, Pandora Internet radio interface, SMS text messaging functionality, and navigation system with voice recognition. Turn up the sound, the 7-speaker touch screen audio system brings sweetness to your ears. 

One-touch power moonroof takes you outside with a glance; remember the heated seats will warm your pants. The 17-inch x 7.5-inch alloy wheels wrapped in all-season tires are monitored by the tire monitoring system. LED lighting is found front and rear, while rear deck lid spoilers add a little sports attitude. 

Accord has an impressive history of 5-star overall vehicle scores from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, with safety features like forward collision warning, ACE 11 Body Structure, rear view camera, and six airbags that protect all occupants. It is easy to understand why Accord has this lofty safety record. 

The Accord has Honda Lane Watch. This was the first time I had witnessed this technology. It is a camera on the passenger side mirror that captures more of what’s beside and behind the vehicle. It displays on your iMID, revealing more than your mirror can. However, water particles, dirt, and debris on the camera lens can alter what you see.

I did not like the design of the rear doors. You have to be careful when you shut the door because it is easy to strike yourself. If you are standing too close to the car after loading or unloading a person or parcel, you are apt to strike yourself with the extended curve portion of the door near the upper part of the window.

The Accord was easy to park having a great turn radius. Back seat legroom was surprisingly sufficient. The car handled well, and is always alert to your next activity. Again, I couldn’t get over how quiet it was inside. Doors were sealed tightly so not a whisper of outside air could be felt or heard. 

The suggested manufacture’s retail price was $29,155 for the base Hybrid. 

Warranty
3 year/36,000 mile New Vehicle Limited Warranty
5 year/60,000 mile Powertrain Limited Warranty
8 year/100,000 mile Battery-Pack Limited Warranty

Durhl Caussey writes a car column read around the world. He may be reached at this paper or [email protected].