For those who haven’t matriculated to SUV ownership, there are some excellent alternatives just waiting for a test drive, particularly in the segment that used to define a brand’s success; midsize sedans. And Honda’s refresh of the Accord has it looking better than ever at a very affordable price point. The average high temperature right now is below freezing and that has a very significant impact on fuel economy, particularly so for hybrids. In these types of conditions fuel economy can drop over 30%; even more so on short trips. There are a number of factors to blame for this not the least of which is a decrease in battery performance. So that’s the backdrop for my week with the updated 2021 Accord Hybrid. New this year, Honda’s unique 3rd gen 2-motor system has had its control unit recoded to provide more direct and immediate throttle response and a feeling of more natural acceleration, i.e. the eCVT is more in step with your right foot. Combined with an immediate 232 pound-feet of torque from the electric motor, this Accord definitely feels reactive in a way that only electrified cars can. That prowess is best on display in Sport mode which heightens the hybrid’s performance characteristics and imbues this car with sports sedan attitude. That’s even more evident on this Touring model which is the only Hybrid trim to receive the Adaptive Damper System which in normal driving automatically adjusts the suspension to the road conditions and in Sport mode puts the car on lock down. With a starting price of $37,435 this is the loftiest Hybrid model and new for this year it comes standard with bigger19” wheels – the same size found on the gas-powered Sport and Touring trims. They come fitted with Goodyear Eagle Touring all-season, sport performance tires for enhanced handling and responsiveness replacing the standard 17” Energy Saver tires found on the other Accord Hybrid models.
