The Honda Accord, along with its hybrid variant, got a complete redesign for the 2023 model year. There are a lot of new features to enjoy in both models, but the Accord Hybrid is supposedly the better choice between the two. Here’s what popular auto critics are saying about this updated hybrid, and why it’s a bold move for Honda.

The 2023 Honda Accord Hybrid is a hit

According to CNET, the 2023 Accord’s performance is vastly improved compared to the outgoing generation. It has two electric motors paired with a four-cylinder engine to produce 204 hp and 247 lb-ft of torque. That setup is paired with a CVT and front-wheel-drive, plus has regenerative braking with six levels of force.

CNET testers report that the high-end torque response makes the Honda Accord Hybrid fun to drive. They also appreciated the nice ride quality provided by the retuned suspension. The Honda Accord Hybrid has four different drive modes, including Econ and Sport.

Econ mode allows you to take full advantage of the Accord Hybrid’s impressive fuel economy. The Accord EX-L earns 48 mpg combined city/highway, while the other trims are rated for 44 mpg combined. These estimates were pretty close to the mark during CNET’s real-world testing, and the engine stayed quiet even when climbing hills. 

In Sport mode, Active Sound Control is used to make the hybrid powertrain sound more like a traditional gas engine. Thanks to that and the Accord Hybrid’s eager handling, CNET enjoyed driving the Hybrid more than the regular Honda Accord.

In addition to a sharper exterior appearance, the Accord Hybrid also grew by 3 in this year. CNET had no complaints about the interior, which now has more passenger space and still seats up to five riders. It also offers more cargo area (nearly 17 cubic ft) than any other hybrid sedan.

For CNET, the best part of the Honda Accord Hybrid’s interior is the overhauled infotainment system. The 12.3-in touchscreen has an intuitive control layout, but you can still access the physical knobs below for climate settings. This one uses Honda’s OEM software and comes with wireless smartphone integration, Bluetooth, and Amazon Alexa compatibility.

The Accord Touring has an exclusive Google infotainment interface, which includes the voice-activated Google Assistant. It can do most phone functions for you (besides sending text messages) and provides accurate responses. You can also download apps from the Google Play Store directly from the infotainment screen.

The Accord Hybrid’s Sport trims are packed with plenty of advanced driver’s aids, while some trims add rain-sensing wipers and parking sensors. The airbags and backup camera also got some quality-of-life updates.

CNET didn’t test every safety feature individually, but both the cruise control and road departure warning functions worked as intended.

Could the Honda Accord Hybrid be even better?

Even with Sport mode’s special acoustics, the Honda Accord Hybrid isn’t exactly athletic. The fact that it doesn’t have all-wheel drive could turn some shoppers away. It’s also a bit of a shame that you have to opt for a fully-loaded Touring for access to the Google infotainment interface.

This is a pivotal year for the Honda Accord Hybrid

Revising the Accord Hybrid now is definitely a risky choice for Honda. As CNET explains, the sedan segment is quickly becoming extinct as automakers focus on larger vehicles instead. Not even Honda is exempt from this, redesigning its CR-V SUV and planning to release the Prologue in the next few years.

Even so, Reuters informed us that hybrid sales were up by 76% last year. With gasoline still in relatively high demand, it pays to have a vehicle that won’t cost a fortune to fill up. When it’s as satisfying (and affordable) as the Honda Accord Hybrid, that’s just the icing on the cake.