2017 Honda Accord Hybrid EX-L

The 2017 Accord is available as a sedan or a coupe and features two different engine choices, as well as a hybrid engine package. The basic engine is a 2.4L 4-cylinder making 185 horsepower, or 189 horsepower in "Sport" tune. The optional engine is a 3.5L V6 that makes 278 horsepower. Transmission options include a continuously variable transmission (CVT), only available on the 4-cylinder, and a traditional manual transmission, which is available on 4-cylinder sedans as well as on 4- and 6-cylinder coupes. Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrids are powered by a 2.0L i-VTEC 4-cylinder Atkinson cycle engine matched to an electric motor. Horsepower totals 212 for the hybrid. Battery charging on the Plug-in takes about three hours using a standard 120-volt outlet and just 40 minutes when plugged into a 240-volt source.

The Accord comes in several configurations. Sedans are available in LX, Sport, EX, EX-L, EX-L V6 and Touring. Base Accord LX trims come nicely equipped with features that include a Bluetooth-enabled stereo with audio streaming capabilities, a rearview camera, dual-zone climate control, hill start assist, 16-inch alloy wheels, an 8-inch screen and an alarm. The basic AM/FM/CD player also comes standard with an auxiliary input jack as well as a USB interface. The whole system is Pandora Internet Radio-compatible.

The Accord only gets nicer from there. The Sport trim includes 18-inch wheels, a 10-way power adjustable driver's seat, a leather wrapped steering wheel and a bit more power. EX Accords build on the LX by adding Apple Car Play and Android Auto smartphone integration, one-touch power moonroof, 17-inch wheels and a nifty engine start button. EX-L Accords have a leather trimmed interior, HomeLink, 10-way driver and 4-way passenger power-adjustable heated front seats, additional safety features including a lane departure warning system and a forward collision warning system and a standard CVT transmission. Touring models get adaptive cruise control, automatic headlights, LED fog lamps and a standard V6 engine, along with all the other goodies from the EX-L. Options include a satellite navigation system on the EX-L and Touring models and a CVT transmission on the LX and EX models.

Accord Hybrids are offered in three trims: Hybrid, which is equipped similarly to an EX, EX-L and Touring.

The sporty coupe features two fewer doors than the sedan, but still offers a usable back seat. The swoopy styling provides a good compromise between good looks and a useful interior. The trim levels compare similarly to those in the sedan with the exception of the Touring model which is not available as a coupe. In a generous nod to the enthusiast, Honda allows the V6 Accord coupe to come equipped with a proper 6-speed manual transmission for maximum fun and driver involvement.

Safety starts with the latest electronic stability and traction control systems, which all come standard along with anti-lock brakes. Dual stage multiple threshold front airbags, front side airbags and side curtain airbags are standard as are active head restraints and a brake assist function. EX-L and Touring models get lane departure warning and forward collision warning.

A safety systems package known as Honda Sensing is optional on every trim. It includes Lane Departure warning, Lane Keeping Assist that can actively steer the Accord back into the lane, Adaptive Cruise Control that helps keep a set distance from the vehicle in front, Forward Collision warning that notifies the driver of an impending collision and can even apply the brakes automatically.

Interior Space

Wide Variety Of Configurations Available

Powerful And Efficient Drivetrains

Class-leading Resale Value

A couple of significant changes have been made for the 2017 model year. A new Sport Special Edition bows this year, featuring among other things, heated leather seats, with contrasting red stitching and a "special edition" badge. The other big news for this year are significant changes to the Hybrid version's powertrain, with both power and fuel economy increased over last year's model.

The Honda Accord is very popular in the mid-size segment, continually selling at the top of a very competitive class. Prime competitors for the Accord include the Toyota Camry and the Nissan Altima. The Accord is a solid value, even in its humblest configuration. With its capable and sophisticated chassis, the Accord can feel quite luxurious when properly optioned. This versatility allows it to be either a spacious alternative to many economy cars or a less expensive alternative to many luxury cars. There is even a stylish coupe available with performance to match its already stellar platform.