Inside, there is also little to distinguish the hybrid from the traditional gasoline powered models. The only noticeable differences are a few parts of the gauges that had been specifically repurposed for use to show hybrid specific information. In the car's infotainment system, there are also a few elements that are unique to the hybrid, intended specifically to show fuel efficiency related information. Otherwise, the well appointed interior feels nice, with premium touches applied throughout to give the car a nice feel from any seat. The cabin benefits from the extraordinary roominess of the Accord's platform and allots excellent comfort to all passengers. Those in the rear seats will be especially pleased with the amount of leg room as with the driver's seat set for my driving position, I could not only comfortably sit in the back, but had sufficient room to cross my legs without making contact with the back of the driver's seat.
Press the start button and the dash lights up to indicate that the car is ready to drive. On this warm day, with the car having been baking outside for some time, the electronics decided that in order to keep passengers comfortable, it needed to fire up the gasoline engine to power the A/C compressor at full blast. Still, even with the engine running, the car idles smoothly and is fairly quiet. Putting the CVT into drive, I pull out onto the streets and am quickly impressed by how the transmission feels very much not like a CVT. It builds revs a bit in each "gear" to allow for a slightly more conventional feel but the "shifts" are smooth and entirely unnoticeable. Power delivery, thanks to the instant torque offered by the electric motor element, is exceptionally smooth and feels far more powerful than the numbers would lead one to expect.
Out on the open road, the car's manners are impeccable. Ride quality, with the heavy battery pack sitting behind the passengers adding more weight, is excellent as it feels comfortable without being floaty. Handling from the new MacPherson strut suspension is as expected from a Honda product with crisp turn-in, good balance with a tendency towards understeer when pushed. Even despite its large size and the fuel economy minded tires, the Accord Hybrid delivers adequately spry handling for its class and certainly is far more entertaining to drive than any other mid-size sedan based hybrid.
Technology wise, our Touring package is about as fully loaded as they come, with everything that one can possibly think of included. Honda's dual screen infotainment setup controls the navigation and radio while also displaying information from the "LaneWatch" camera mounted on the passenger side door mirror. This, in place of the traditional radar based blind-spot detection setup, is surprisingly effective and it is no wonder that Honda has decided to include it in nearly all trims of the Accord. Dual-zone climate control and heated seats offer plenty of ways to manage your personal environs. LED headlights cut through the darkness to provide excellent visibility in the dark and a radar-based advanced cruise control system with low-speed follow eases the burden during those pesky commutes. Given its $35k price tag, this car is an absolute bargain.
Still, despite these shortcomings, this is probably one of the few hybrid cars I would seriously consider. It offers a very premium experience at a reasonable price while bringing with it tons of technological innovation and one of the smoothest hybrid drivetrains available on the market. Those in the market for a seriously enjoyable stealthy hybrid experience should absolutely give this car a look.
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