Electric vehicles are here to stay, emerging as a dominant force in the automotive industry. Vehicles, such as the 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid, are surpassing expectations with fuel efficiency ratings that are better than ever before.

While helping to reduce reliance on fossil fuels, hybrid vehicles are changing the future generation of automobiles. Advancements in engine technology are giving consumers a vast selection of energy-saving vehicles to choose from.

The 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid is proving to be one of the most fuel-efficient and cost-effective models on the market today.

When old meets new

The Honda Accord debuted in 1977 and quickly became the Japanese automakers’ best-selling vehicle. Production moved to Marysville, Ohio, in 1982, and today, the Honda Accord is one of the top-selling sedans in America.

The standard gas-powered Honda Accord offers a spacious cabin and an innovative infotainment system. U.S. News gave it an 8.3 out of 10 overall score, noting, “It has evolved through the years from selling only on thrift and reliability to becoming an upscale, sporty midsize sedan.”

The first hybrid version of the Honda Accord was produced in 2005, although it did not perform well in sales because of poor fuel economy ratings. In 2008, the hybrid was discontinued and replaced by a more powerful 3.5-liter V6 engine.

It wasn’t until 2014 that Honda reintroduced a more fuel-efficient hybrid powertrain on the Accord. Now in its 10th generation, with an improved fuel system, the 2021 Honda Accord is receiving a mid-cycle restyle and refresh. It is now considered to be one of the most fuel-efficient hybrid sedans on the market.

MotorTrend noticed a “more natural-feeling acceleration” in the hybrid version of the 2021 Honda Accord. They attributed this to the “tuning changes to its gasoline-electric hybrid powertrain that are said to more closely tie the engine revs to the sense of acceleration.”

The 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid beats out the competition 

The 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid is almost identical to its gas-powered counterpart. The hybrid variant costs $1,600 more than the standard model, but it makes up for the difference with fuel cost savings.

Sharing the powertrain of the class-leading Honda CR-V Hybrid, the 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine puts out 143 hp and 129 lb-ft of torque. The two electric motors and a CV automatic transmission produce 181 hp and 232 lb-ft of torque. The combined performance allows for stronger acceleration, creating 212 hp and 232 lb-ft of torque.

In direct competition with other midsize sedans such as the Hyundai Sonata and Toyota Camry, MotorTrend calls the 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid a “no-brainer.” They explained, “You may very well earn back the $1,600 premium over the gas engine over four to five years, and you’ll get more features, more powers, and a great ride in the bargain.”

With a starting price of $26,370 and an annual fuel cost of $750, it is an economical choice for drivers looking for a quality vehicle that offers incomparable value backed by the Honda brand.

Unbeatable fuel efficiency

The powertrain of the 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid allows for 48 mpg, resulting in cost-effective savings at the gas pump. According to U.S. News, “the EPA says you will save an average of $350 per year on fuel costs.” That’s how it landed on the list of the best and most efficient hybrid vehicles, according to U.S. News.

Green Car Reports contends that this year’s performance upgrades to the Honda Accord Hybrid enable it to “run on solely electric power over a wider range of use cases than rival models.” They expect the two-mode hybrid system to become dominant in Honda’s “fleet-greening technology of choice for the U.S.”

Car and Driver say that “the Honda’s hybrid powertrain is unlike any other in the market.”