2013 Honda Accord Hybrid Overview

2013 Honda Accord Hybrid Overview

Returning to Honda’s lineup for 2013 is the Accord Hybrid, which joins the CR-Z, Insight and Civic as part of Honda’s commitment to the environment, demonstrated by its development of hybrid and alternative-fuel vehicles. This marks the return of an Accord Hybrid to Honda’s lineup after a 6-year absence.

The 2013 Honda Accord Hybrid will be available in a single base trim initially. The front-wheel-drive Accord Hybrid will have a 2-motor system including a 161-horsepower, direct-injected 2.0-liter, Atkinson-cycle, i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine paired with a 120-kilowatt electric motor powered by a 6-kilowatt lithium-ion battery. The powertrain will be mated to an electric continuously variable transmission (CVT).

To increase fuel efficiency, the 2013 Honda Accord Hybrid will allow drivers to switch to a direct-drive mode, where the engine creates more efficient cruising at high speeds. In addition to the direct-drive mode, drivers will also be able to choose to operate the Accord Hybrid in all-electric or gasoline-electric modes. The Accord’s battery can be recharged in less than 4 hours using a 120-volt electric outlet and in less than 1 hour using a 240-volt charger. The Accord Hybrid will have an estimated all-electric range of up to 15 miles with a top speed of slightly more than 60 miles per hour.

Some of the safety features that will be found in the 2013 Honda Accord Hybrid include a lane-departure warning system, blind-spot monitoring system and forward-crash warning system. Additional safety features will include 6 airbags—dual-stage, multiple-threshold front airbags; dual-chamber front-side airbags; and side curtain airbags—as well as 4-wheel disc antilock brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution and brake assist.

The 2013 Honda Accord Hybrid will be packed with numerous standard features found on other Accord trims and is expected to debut on Honda showroom floors during winter 2012-13.