2022 Honda Accord Hybrid: Sort of Sporty Hybrid
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With gas prices at an all-time high, we were glad to spend a full week with the 2022 Honda Accord Hybrid in top-line Touring trim. This midsize sedan offers a spacious interior and is one of only three to offer a gas-electric option along with the Hyundai Sonata and Toyota Camry.
The seats provide excellent comfort and adequate support, although the front passenger’s bucket lacks height adjustment. Ventilated seats are available but hardly prove effective. Other than that, comfort is great and the large greenhouse ensures good visibility.
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In front of the driver is an instrument cluster combining an analogue gauge with a seven-inch information display. The Touring model also adds a head-up display.
On the road, the Accord Hybrid’s sharp steering makes driving pleasant. The suspension provides the right mix of firm and smooth, which adds to the refined experience behind the wheel. Our tester even featured adaptive dampers. Ride quality is likely better with the standard 17-inch wheels, but the 19-inch alloys in Touring trim emphasize the car’s sportier aspirations.
As for infotainment, the eight-inch centre touchscreen is powered by a well-designed system (some getting used to is required at first), but Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included, too. Navigation is quick and responsive, while wireless smartphone charging comes standard. On the flip side, music lovers might be disappointed by the sound quality of the 10-speaker 452W audio system.
Efficient Powertrain
The 2022 Honda Accord Hybrid pairs a 2.0-litre four-cylinder gasoline engine with a permanent-magnet electric motor. Total system output is rated at 212 horsepower and 232 pound-feet of torque.
This powertrain does a nice job overall, delivering linear acceleration and efficient performance. Remember, engineers made a few upgrades in 2021 for more direct and immediate throttle response with a more natural acceleration feeling. Transitions between the two power sources are smooth.
In Sport mode, the continuously variable transmission becomes less of an irritant for the ears, although the gas engine proves a bit loud at higher revs. The ECON mode maximizes efficiency and automatically allows EV operation at super-low speeds whenever battery capacity is sufficient.
There are many ways to charge said battery. When driving at higher speeds, you can release the throttle or apply the brakes, which will activate the regenerative system. There are also paddles on the steering wheel to adjust the level of energy recuperation. By the way, the Accord Hybrid is not a plug-in vehicle.
Now, you’re surely wondering about fuel economy. According to Natural Resources Canada, the combined rating is 5.5 L/100 km. Our tester achieved 5.6 L/100 km throughout the week. This is quite good for a midsize car. Then again, the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid (5 L/100 km) and Toyota Camry Hybrid (5.1 L/100 km) are both more frugal.
Safety is No Joke
The 2022 Honda Accord Hybrid takes safety pretty seriously. Honda Sensing features included as standard are Collision Mitigation Braking, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Keeping Assist, Road Departure Mitigation, Blind Spot Monitoring, Traffic Sign Recognition and Adaptive Cruise Control with Low-Speed Follow.
All of these features work adequately in decent weather conditions. Cruise control could be smoother, though: the car tends to slow down or accelerate abruptly when another vehicle jumps in front or moves into the next lane.
Ultimately, despite fuel economy not being quite as good as the competition, the Accord Hybrid is a sensible purchase for anyone after a spacious and efficient sedan. It’s the closest thing to a grand tourer at Honda, one that has a somewhat sporty side. Pricing starts at $37,370 for the base model and $44,090 for the Touring.
