Overview
Based on the award-winning ninth-generation Accord Sedan, the 2014 Accord Hybrid Sedan combines crisp styling and aerodynamic efficiency with a high degree of practicality and extraordinary structural strength. At 192.2 inches in length, the Accord Hybrid is just fractionally longer than the Accord Sedan (191.4) inches due to the addition of a trunk lid spoiler; it is also fractionally lower with an overall height of 57.5 inches, compared to 57.7 inches for the Accord Sedan.
Numerous styling accents distinguish the Accord Hybrid from the gasoline Accord Sedan. In front, the list includes a blue-accented upper grille that uniquely defines the Accord Hybrid, along with evocative blue-accented headlights (energy-efficient LED on the Accord Hybrid Touring) and bright LED daytime running lights (DRLs). 17-inch alloy wheels, all-season tires and special Hybrid badges on the front fenders characterize the Accord Hybrid’s side profile.
The rearview of the Accord Hybrid is equally distinctive, with an additional Hybrid badge on the trunk lid, dramatic blue-accented LED taillights, and a trunk lid spoiler that helps air separate cleanly from the back of the vehicle, thus reducing aerodynamic drag. The lower rear fascia also has a unique diffuser for additional aerodynamic efficiency. The Accord Hybrid EX-L and Touring are equipped with a one-touch power moonroof.
(For more detail on the Accord Hybrid’s common body features, please see the 2013 Accord Press Kit.)
Accord Hybrid Body Key Features:
- Next-generation Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure
- Extensive use of high-strength and ultra-high-strength steel
- Smart Entry Push Button Start/Stop system
- Body-colored folding side mirrors with turn signals
- Expanded view driver’s mirror
- Heated driver’s mirror
- Honda LaneWatch™ blind spot display
- Auto-Up/Down driver and passenger’s windows
- One-touch open/close power moonroof (EX-L and Touring)
- Variable-speed windshield wipers
- Auto on/off headlights
- All aluminum front subframe (versus hybrid aluminum-steel on Accord Sedan)
- Multi-reflector/projector-beam headlights
- LED headlights (Touring)
- LED daytime running lights (DRL)
- LED brake lights
- Rearview camera
- Unique 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels
- P225/50R17 low rolling-resistance all-season tires
- 12.7 cu ft. of cargo volume (12.3 cu. ft. EX-L and Touring)
Smart Entry Push Button Start/Stop
The Accord Hybrid has a Smart Entry Push Button Start/Stop system similar to that found on the Accord EX, EX-L and Touring models. The system simplifies approaching, entering and operating the Accord Hybrid – especially when the driver is carrying items. Operating the system requires only that the driver has possession of the Smart Entry key.
Smart Entry allows the Accord Hybrid owner to gain access to the vehicle without having to unlock it with the remote transmitter or the key. Instead, the remote has a unique digital identity that is recognized by the vehicle when the driver approaches. At this point, to enter the vehicle the driver simply pulls one of the front door handles while the remote in his or her possession. Similarly, pressing a soft-touch button located on the rear fascia opens the trunk.
Once the driver has opened the door and is seated, the Push Button Start system allows the Accord Hybrid to be driven by pushing the START/STOP button positioned on the instrument panel. Powertrain operation and certain electrical functions are ended when the START/STOP button is pressed again at the conclusion of the drive.
After parking the vehicle, a touch of the soft-touch lock button on either front door handle locks all doors and trunk to secure the car. Alternatively, a press of the LOCK button on the Smart Entry remote will also simultaneously lock all the doors and trunk. The Smart Entry system will not allow the transmitter fob to be locked in the interior or the trunk.
One-Touch Open/Close Power Moonroof
Like the gasoline Accord EX, EX-L and Touring models, the Accord Hybrid EX-L and Touring models have a power glass moonroof with tilt feature, along with one-touch control for both open and close functions. An auto-reverse feature reverses direction of the sliding moonroof panel if the operating system detects resistance to closing. A manually operated sliding sunshade improves comfort on bright or hot days.
Heated Driver’s Mirror
Body-colored power side mirrors allow the driver to adjust the mirrors position with ease. In addition, the driver’s side mirror is heated for all-weather driving convenience, while the passenger-side mirror includes an integrated Honda LaneWatch™ camera. (See Safety and Driver-Assistive Technologies section for more information.)
The mirrors were specifically designed for low aerodynamic drag to improve fuel efficiency while reducing wind noise. LED turn signal indicators are integrated into the side mirror housings for added visibility in traffic. They can also be manually folded inward for tight parking spaces, if desired.
17-inch Aluminum Alloy Wheels
The Accord Hybrid comes with 17 x 7½ J aluminum alloy wheels (the same size as the gasoline Accord EX and EX-L Sedan wheels) with a unique design featuring five paired spokes and a painted metallic finish. The wheel and tire size optimizes ride and handling qualities, while also reducing rolling resistance for improved fuel efficiency. Aerodynamically shaped spokes also help improve overall efficiency.
Low Rolling Resistance Tires
Reducing the aerodynamic drag and rolling resistance of tires is an essential part of attaining better fuel efficiency for any vehicle. The Accord Hybrid uses proprietary P225/50R17 tires – slightly wider than the top-of-the-line gasoline Accord Touring Sedan’s P215/55R17 tires – that offer the best balance between all-season grip, low drag and low rolling resistance. The tires excel at providing accurate steering feel, a quiet and comfortable ride experience, and long wear. They are also M+S rated for all-season drivability.
Tire Sealant and Inflator Kit
To save weight, in lieu of a spare tire, the Accord Hybrid comes with an easy-to-use tire sealant and inflator kit that simplifies temporary repairs in the event of a flat tire. An identical strategy is used in the Civic Hybrid, Civic HF and CR-Z. Stored beneath the cargo area floor panel, the tire sealant and inflator kit also helps maximize the EPA cargo volume at 12.7 cu. ft. (12.3 cu. ft. on EX-L and Touring models).
In the event of a small tread puncture of no more than 3/16 inch, use of the tire repair and inflation kit allows the car to be driven to the nearest service station for a more permanent repair. For larger punctures, roadside assistance must be called, and the Accord Hybrid comes with 24-hour roadside assistance for the duration of the new-vehicle limited warranty.
Auto-Up/Down Driver and Passenger’s Windows
Like every other current Accord model, the Accord Hybrid has front and rear power windows with a one-touch auto-up/down driver’s window. However the Accord Hybrid also has auto-up/down capability for the front passenger’s window, a feature only found on gasoline Accord EX and above trim levels. Illuminated controls allow for easy operation at night.
Weight Reduction
Since moving the mass of any vehicle requires energy, overall fuel efficiency can be improved by reducing its weight. Reducing vehicle weight must be balanced with other factors such as structural integrity; ride and handling characteristics; low noise, vibration and harshness (NVH); and passenger safety.
In the Accord Hybrid, weight reductions include an new all-aluminum front subframe that replaces the steel-and-aluminum front subframe of the gasoline Accord. Created from a combination of die-cast and stamped aluminum components, this subframe saves 8.8 pounds compared to the steel-and-aluminum unit. Other lightweight components in the Accord Hybrid include an aluminum rear bumper beam and aluminum brake pedal.
Exterior Colors
The Accord Hybrid is available in eight exterior colors derived from the Accord Sedan palette, including Alabaster Silver Metallic, Modern Steel Metallic and Hematite Metallic, Basque Red Pearl, Champagne Frost Pearl, Crystal Black Pearl, Obsidian Blue Pearl and White Orchid Pearl.