Ford Focus vs Honda Accord Hybrid

For as red-hot and competitive as the economy-car segment is, success in this corner of the market is based on some pretty mundane variables. It comes down to things like fuel economy, price, number and location of cupholders, ride quality, and other items. It basically has to be economical, reliable transportation for the everyday commute. There are other nuances, such as the ease of use of its controls, but success in this segment requires automotive pragmatism at its best.

It's through this lens that we consider the 2016 Ford Focus. This 4-door, 5-passenger small car has been refreshed for this model year, building off the success of the third-generation car, which debuted in 2011. That was the first car under the “One Ford” plan, under which one car is sold on multiple continents in multiple markets with minimal changes.

The result of the plan was a car that was much more refined than the two generations before it and positioned the Focus for the past several years as the best American Small Car. That accolade is as much about the Focus’ refinement as it is about the deficiencies of American-made competitors, including the Dodge Dart and Chevrolet Cruze. A second-generation Cruze has recently been unveiled, but it’s still too early for us to render a verdict on that car. It is import rivals, such as the Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic, and Hyundai Elantra, that pose the greatest threat to the new-look Focus.

When it comes to building a hybrid, there are two ways you can go; build a standalone model, like the Prius or Insight, or develop a hybrid version of an existing, gas-powered car. If the name did not give it away, the Honda Accord Hybrid follows the latter method. Its more conventional layout makes the Accord Hybrid handle more like an upscale car and bestows it with more attractive styling. But is the more attractive hybrid option for you?

The Accord Hybrid was first sold from 2005 to 2007, during the early years of mass-market hybrids. In that time, Honda’s rival Toyota made hybrids some of the cornerstones of its lineup, with multiple Prius variants and hybrid versions of the RAV4, Highlander, and Camry. Meanwhile, Honda has been left playing catch-up. The Accord Hybrid was re-introduced for 2014 and 2015, and after a one-year hiatus, it’s back for 2017.

What you’ll find in the Accord Hybrid is a super comfortable ride and an upscale interior, but Honda’s infuriating infotainment system gets in the way. Is it enough to prevent us from recommending the Accord Hybrid? Read on to find out.