Along with the rest of the Accord line, the Hybrid receives a number of cosmetic and functional updates for 2007.
Like their other hybrids, the Accord uses Honda's Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) system. Under the Accord Hybrid's hood you'll find a fairly conventional V6 engine and 5-speed automatic with an electric motor pancaked between then.
Freshened exterior styling features new front and rear bumpers, a redesigned front grille and a revised trunk-lid design that includes LED taillights. The car's rear fenders have been restyled to accommodate the new taillights, and the 16-inch aluminum wheels are also new.Technology
As in the smaller Civic Hybrid, the Accord Hybrid's gasoline engine (a 3.0-liter V6) is the dominant means of propulsion. A 14 kilowatt electric motor provides additional power. Unlike Toyota's hybrid models, the Ford Escape Hybrid and Lexus RX 400h, Honda's hybrid system doesn't allow the electric motor to run on its own — the gasoline engine is always working. The Accord Hybrid's gasoline and electric motors provide a combined 253 horsepower and achieve an estimated 29 miles per gallon in city driving and 37 mpg on the highway. The standard Accord V6 produces 244 hp and gets an estimated 20 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway. A smooth-shifting five-speed automatic gearbox is the only available transmission for the Accord Hybrid.
The Hybrid is trimmed out in a manner similar to the top-of-the-line Accord EX V6. It includes leather seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, premium stereo with 6-disc CD changer, and power everything. The only option is a $2,000 GPS navigation system.
Aside from being a bit button-happy around the center console -- the navigation system screen doubles for some of the stereo and A/C controls, making things a bit complex -- the Accord's interior is fairly easy to use. With full power for the seats and a steering column that tilts up and down and telescopes in and out, I had no problem finding a comfortable seating position either for the 4.5 hour drive to Las Vegas or the 4.5 minute drive to the supermarket.
The biggest difference, beside the lack of an available manual transmission, is that the rear seat doesn't fold down, and cargo capacity is shaved from 14 cubic feet down to 11.2 -- not generous, but adequate for a family vacation.