2025 Honda Accord Hybrid Review - Sporty Fuel Sipper Or Your Father's Family Car
video description
Date: 2025-11-01
Related videos
Comments and reviews: 20
TexasTedS
Another great review Alex! Auto Buyers Guide | Alex on Autos a couple of things. First: some of the major magazines have discovered that if you launch the Honda hybrids with gas and brake pedal overlap (like loading the torque converter on a traditional automatic, they won't do the fake shifts and you'll get maximum uninterrupted acceleration. Second: I love serial hybrids because of their excellent driveability and responsiveness (as you observed) The Honda system rules anywhere east of the Rockies. But in scenarios like the climb from Denver up to Eisenhower Tunnel, or the Grapevine I-5 out of the Los Angeles basin, you quickly burn the battery down to its minimum state of charge. Then you're left with the tiny 2. 0L ICE, derated for altitude, desperately trying to generate enough HP to stay with traffic. In this scenario, the Toyota system with 25% more ICE displacement is a better choice, although I suspect it would be pretty frenzied as well. A turbo would help reduce the HP loss at altitude; it will be interesting to see how the upcoming Jeeps fare in this regard. Perhaps Honda should explore mating the 1. 5T to its two-motor hybrid system Thanks again for providing such thorough reviews!
reply
Another great review Alex! Auto Buyers Guide | Alex on Autos a couple of things. First: some of the major magazines have discovered that if you launch the Honda hybrids with gas and brake pedal overlap (like loading the torque converter on a traditional automatic, they won't do the fake shifts and you'll get maximum uninterrupted acceleration. Second: I love serial hybrids because of their excellent driveability and responsiveness (as you observed) The Honda system rules anywhere east of the Rockies. But in scenarios like the climb from Denver up to Eisenhower Tunnel, or the Grapevine I-5 out of the Los Angeles basin, you quickly burn the battery down to its minimum state of charge. Then you're left with the tiny 2. 0L ICE, derated for altitude, desperately trying to generate enough HP to stay with traffic. In this scenario, the Toyota system with 25% more ICE displacement is a better choice, although I suspect it would be pretty frenzied as well. A turbo would help reduce the HP loss at altitude; it will be interesting to see how the upcoming Jeeps fare in this regard. Perhaps Honda should explore mating the 1. 5T to its two-motor hybrid system Thanks again for providing such thorough reviews!
reply
nick4410
Very nice review, I agree with a lot of it.
I think my main issue with the Accord (and modern Hondas in general) is the way it’s packaged. I really don’t like the fact that Honda delegates their hybrid system to only their top trims, and only has one trim where you can option their smaller wheel size. The trend of increasingly common low profile tires on cars in general bothers me more than it should tbh.
That and the fact that you can only choose one interior color (I’m so sick of blacked out interiors) unless you get the highest touring trim is pretty darn annoying to be honest.
Otherwise a great car. Like you said, almost perfect. I’d really love to see Honda improve on these things and the smoothness & efficiency of their hybrid designs going forward. Plus maybe a hatch/wagon model too lol
reply
Very nice review, I agree with a lot of it.
I think my main issue with the Accord (and modern Hondas in general) is the way it’s packaged. I really don’t like the fact that Honda delegates their hybrid system to only their top trims, and only has one trim where you can option their smaller wheel size. The trend of increasingly common low profile tires on cars in general bothers me more than it should tbh.
That and the fact that you can only choose one interior color (I’m so sick of blacked out interiors) unless you get the highest touring trim is pretty darn annoying to be honest.
Otherwise a great car. Like you said, almost perfect. I’d really love to see Honda improve on these things and the smoothness & efficiency of their hybrid designs going forward. Plus maybe a hatch/wagon model too lol
reply
alex_on_autos
That car was a massive disappointment for me. Honda insists that hybrids have to have a sunroof, which eats into the available headroom. Add to that power seats which cannot be adjusted as low as the manual seats, and you have a car that I cannot sit upright in. I am pretty tall (6'9, so cars that don't fit correctly is nothing new, what is an issue is that you are stuck with the options that are causing the headroom problem.
Honda does this on the Civic Hybrid, too. The only way to get a Honda sedan without a sunroof is to get a base model, with the problematic 1. 5 turbo and a CVT in the Accord, or with that same CVT in the civic. Hard pass.
reply
That car was a massive disappointment for me. Honda insists that hybrids have to have a sunroof, which eats into the available headroom. Add to that power seats which cannot be adjusted as low as the manual seats, and you have a car that I cannot sit upright in. I am pretty tall (6'9, so cars that don't fit correctly is nothing new, what is an issue is that you are stuck with the options that are causing the headroom problem.
Honda does this on the Civic Hybrid, too. The only way to get a Honda sedan without a sunroof is to get a base model, with the problematic 1. 5 turbo and a CVT in the Accord, or with that same CVT in the civic. Hard pass.
reply
suspectedcrab
I've owned this car for a couple months now. You're explanation of the powertrain is the best so far. At the end of the day, this is really a 181HP car from the electric motor itself. Only time I've seen the engine solely drive the wheels is when cruising at highway speeds. I still don't understand where the 204 HP can ever come into effect. There has to be a scenario then when you hard accelerate at high speeds where the engine still stays clutched but the electric motor still does most of the work Where this car feels fast is pretty much the instant torque at low speeds.
reply
I've owned this car for a couple months now. You're explanation of the powertrain is the best so far. At the end of the day, this is really a 181HP car from the electric motor itself. Only time I've seen the engine solely drive the wheels is when cruising at highway speeds. I still don't understand where the 204 HP can ever come into effect. There has to be a scenario then when you hard accelerate at high speeds where the engine still stays clutched but the electric motor still does most of the work Where this car feels fast is pretty much the instant torque at low speeds.
reply
alwaysiyi272
I am one of the few that actually likes how the Accord looks and usually I always think the Accord is the better looking between the Camry and Accord over the last few generations and while still find the new one attractive, I think it’s just a little boring where as the new Camry strikes me as more interesting. I also think Honda dropped the ball a little by not offering a pano sunroof and especially AWD like the Camry has, which is a huge selling point for people that need or want it. The Camry is your only option if you want AWD in your hybrid midsize sedan.
reply
I am one of the few that actually likes how the Accord looks and usually I always think the Accord is the better looking between the Camry and Accord over the last few generations and while still find the new one attractive, I think it’s just a little boring where as the new Camry strikes me as more interesting. I also think Honda dropped the ball a little by not offering a pano sunroof and especially AWD like the Camry has, which is a huge selling point for people that need or want it. The Camry is your only option if you want AWD in your hybrid midsize sedan.
reply
lash9400
I bought a 2025 Accord Sport hybrid and I’m happy with it but I would hope Honda would do something special for the 2026 model as it commentates 50 years of the Accord. Agreed hatchback design would be nice, a more sporting model and some more features like pano roof, ventilated seats. I feel like Honda is so slow in offering up to date features, some 2023/4 models didn’t even have rear seat vents. Come on Honda, Hyundai is giving you a run for your money. Look at the extensive range of vehicles they have in the lineup. Honda is falling behind.
reply
I bought a 2025 Accord Sport hybrid and I’m happy with it but I would hope Honda would do something special for the 2026 model as it commentates 50 years of the Accord. Agreed hatchback design would be nice, a more sporting model and some more features like pano roof, ventilated seats. I feel like Honda is so slow in offering up to date features, some 2023/4 models didn’t even have rear seat vents. Come on Honda, Hyundai is giving you a run for your money. Look at the extensive range of vehicles they have in the lineup. Honda is falling behind.
reply
naveenthemachine
Accord k4 sonata are best in class
Considering how well rounded it is I’d be ok w a bit lower mpg for the improved handling power feel build quality roominess etc. what’s the point of outright mpg if the car is poorly built or uncomfortable or boring to drive not to mention expensive
Remember a fwd Honda will always outhandle an AWD Toyota. We’ve seen that over and over. Fwd accord beats an AWD Camry and even an AWD ES
Fwd civic beats an AWD Corolla
Fwd CRV outhandles an AWD rav4
Fwd MDX outhandles an AWD RX / TX
reply
Accord k4 sonata are best in class
Considering how well rounded it is I’d be ok w a bit lower mpg for the improved handling power feel build quality roominess etc. what’s the point of outright mpg if the car is poorly built or uncomfortable or boring to drive not to mention expensive
Remember a fwd Honda will always outhandle an AWD Toyota. We’ve seen that over and over. Fwd accord beats an AWD Camry and even an AWD ES
Fwd civic beats an AWD Corolla
Fwd CRV outhandles an AWD rav4
Fwd MDX outhandles an AWD RX / TX
reply
MugatuJag
Out of the Accord, the camry, and the Sonata If I were to lease it would be the Sonata. The Sonata has the best driving assistance, Infotainment, and most luxurious cabin. But if I were to buy one I would definitely get the Camry for reliability and resale value.
I wish the Accord offered a panoramic sunroof. if it did it would make the decision more difficult. It's so strange that Honda chose not to put a panoramic sunroof in the Accord and the CRV. In the UK Honda has offered a Pano roof in the CRV and the civic for over 18 years.
reply
Out of the Accord, the camry, and the Sonata If I were to lease it would be the Sonata. The Sonata has the best driving assistance, Infotainment, and most luxurious cabin. But if I were to buy one I would definitely get the Camry for reliability and resale value.
I wish the Accord offered a panoramic sunroof. if it did it would make the decision more difficult. It's so strange that Honda chose not to put a panoramic sunroof in the Accord and the CRV. In the UK Honda has offered a Pano roof in the CRV and the civic for over 18 years.
reply
EmmyJune212008
I considered a 2025 Accord hybrid. It has a lot going for it, but it had two huge issues I just couldn't get past. While the styling is clean, I find it awkward from several angles, especially the profile. The short dash-to-axle combined with the lonnng front overhang looks bad. I just didn't want to look at that in my garage for years. I'm also a big user of satellite radio, and Honda removed the SiriusXM tuner from all its cars. The satellite radio deletion strikes me as a truly odd, unforced error. I decided to move on.
reply
I considered a 2025 Accord hybrid. It has a lot going for it, but it had two huge issues I just couldn't get past. While the styling is clean, I find it awkward from several angles, especially the profile. The short dash-to-axle combined with the lonnng front overhang looks bad. I just didn't want to look at that in my garage for years. I'm also a big user of satellite radio, and Honda removed the SiriusXM tuner from all its cars. The satellite radio deletion strikes me as a truly odd, unforced error. I decided to move on.
reply
tomhockman6267
Wow, little to no refresh for 2026 exterior is SOOO disappointing. Honda has a remodeled Accord for China that would address all the haters of the current Accord design. It returns to a more aggressive front end similar to the last generation Accord and keeps the back end pretty sharp. Honda is just too lazy to bring it here and give the Accord the treatment it deserves. I have a 24 Touring and am very happy with it, but it's disappointing that Honda is giving such short shrift to its former flagship model.
reply
Wow, little to no refresh for 2026 exterior is SOOO disappointing. Honda has a remodeled Accord for China that would address all the haters of the current Accord design. It returns to a more aggressive front end similar to the last generation Accord and keeps the back end pretty sharp. Honda is just too lazy to bring it here and give the Accord the treatment it deserves. I have a 24 Touring and am very happy with it, but it's disappointing that Honda is giving such short shrift to its former flagship model.
reply
chrisurban2866
If you stand on the principles everyone around you makes then you will become the foundation to which they succeed.
One of the most concrete selfless gifts of information spoke to me by my grandfather which I’ve held on to for what seems like an entirety now and through that time past he’s never been more right. You want guidance You want facts You want straight talk Find the oldest person in your family that everyone has forgotten and strike up a conversation, what you will learn will
reply
If you stand on the principles everyone around you makes then you will become the foundation to which they succeed.
One of the most concrete selfless gifts of information spoke to me by my grandfather which I’ve held on to for what seems like an entirety now and through that time past he’s never been more right. You want guidance You want facts You want straight talk Find the oldest person in your family that everyone has forgotten and strike up a conversation, what you will learn will
reply
tomhockman6267
One other question Honda hasn't addressed is the Accord's move from Marysville Ohio to Greensburg Indiana. It was supposed to happen by this year, but the Accord is still being made in Marysville based on the latest models on the lot with the VIN of the Marysville plant. With the TLX being discontinued and EVs delayed or canceled, I'm not sure what models the Marysville plant will be building. If they get rid of the Accord at Marysville, there will be minimal production happening there.
reply
One other question Honda hasn't addressed is the Accord's move from Marysville Ohio to Greensburg Indiana. It was supposed to happen by this year, but the Accord is still being made in Marysville based on the latest models on the lot with the VIN of the Marysville plant. With the TLX being discontinued and EVs delayed or canceled, I'm not sure what models the Marysville plant will be building. If they get rid of the Accord at Marysville, there will be minimal production happening there.
reply
bigcjm
So alex you're going to sit on here and repeat the talking points honda gave you. The accord isn't selling poorly because honda merely cut production. They cut production because it was selling poorly. What you stated would give the impression that honda selling every model they can produce and the on the lot time is among the lowest among all cars. The new accord is a good car that's too conservative. When its parked next to certain camry, k5, or sonata trims the accord is boring.
reply
So alex you're going to sit on here and repeat the talking points honda gave you. The accord isn't selling poorly because honda merely cut production. They cut production because it was selling poorly. What you stated would give the impression that honda selling every model they can produce and the on the lot time is among the lowest among all cars. The new accord is a good car that's too conservative. When its parked next to certain camry, k5, or sonata trims the accord is boring.
reply
suspectedcrab
You probably know this, but, if you brake torque the car it doesn't do the fake shifts, so you get the 6. 6 number. I've done it a couple times. If you do it with full battery, the engine will kick on after 2 seconds after launching, so it could be faster. I agree there should be an option to turn it off. I haven't tried it with traction control off though. I imagine it would also cut power if it detects wheelspin.
reply
You probably know this, but, if you brake torque the car it doesn't do the fake shifts, so you get the 6. 6 number. I've done it a couple times. If you do it with full battery, the engine will kick on after 2 seconds after launching, so it could be faster. I agree there should be an option to turn it off. I haven't tried it with traction control off though. I imagine it would also cut power if it detects wheelspin.
reply
RickyPatterson-x8z
I have a 2017 BMW 330e. When I get onto the freeway, I put it in Sport Mode. I walk away from these things all the time. I've had many Hondas and 3 Accords. It looks good to my eye, and I KNOW that it's way more efficient, BUT it's just too slow. My lead foot would cause me not to get the best gas mileage I could from this one.
reply
I have a 2017 BMW 330e. When I get onto the freeway, I put it in Sport Mode. I walk away from these things all the time. I've had many Hondas and 3 Accords. It looks good to my eye, and I KNOW that it's way more efficient, BUT it's just too slow. My lead foot would cause me not to get the best gas mileage I could from this one.
reply
josemanuelruiz2036
I love Hondas, in fact, I have 2013 Accord EXL with CVT and 157K miles, no problems at all, just maintenance. However, That design hasn’t killed, I just don’t like it. Same thing with performance. A Civic hybrid is faster, cheaper and has the same level of equipment. Like Acura, Honda lost its way with the Accord.
reply
I love Hondas, in fact, I have 2013 Accord EXL with CVT and 157K miles, no problems at all, just maintenance. However, That design hasn’t killed, I just don’t like it. Same thing with performance. A Civic hybrid is faster, cheaper and has the same level of equipment. Like Acura, Honda lost its way with the Accord.
reply
alliejr
18: 40 I get it, the fake shifts are not the absolute most efficient and highest performance implementation, but the extremely minor difference in acceleration time is hardly important. I’m more interested to know the battery size and electric-only range and system characteristics (e. g. how long it stays EV only, etc. )
reply
18: 40 I get it, the fake shifts are not the absolute most efficient and highest performance implementation, but the extremely minor difference in acceleration time is hardly important. I’m more interested to know the battery size and electric-only range and system characteristics (e. g. how long it stays EV only, etc. )
reply
hellbunny9394
I have driven 3rd and 4th gens, owned a 6th gen, and current still driving a 9th gen since new for 10 years. The Accord has always been several notches above the Camry IMO. The 11th gen is a complete no go for me and I would rather go with the Camry. The 11th gen is just too ugly and too big.
reply
I have driven 3rd and 4th gens, owned a 6th gen, and current still driving a 9th gen since new for 10 years. The Accord has always been several notches above the Camry IMO. The 11th gen is a complete no go for me and I would rather go with the Camry. The 11th gen is just too ugly and too big.
reply
MidnightM50
Honestly, I think we're looking at the last generation for the Honda Accord. Sad that such a storied name goes out as something like this. (owned a 1st gen, 6th gen, 7th gen, 8th gen, and two 9th gens, my love for the Accord faded a bit with the 10th gen then fell off a cliff on the 11th gen)
reply
Honestly, I think we're looking at the last generation for the Honda Accord. Sad that such a storied name goes out as something like this. (owned a 1st gen, 6th gen, 7th gen, 8th gen, and two 9th gens, my love for the Accord faded a bit with the 10th gen then fell off a cliff on the 11th gen)
reply
revaddict
Honda screwed up with the looks this gen, the frontend was a massive let down compared to previous gen. It needs 3 things to make it much more desirable: new front end, hatchback and AWD. They should have offered it as an Acura at least but they don't really know what to do with that brand.
reply
Honda screwed up with the looks this gen, the frontend was a massive let down compared to previous gen. It needs 3 things to make it much more desirable: new front end, hatchback and AWD. They should have offered it as an Acura at least but they don't really know what to do with that brand.
reply
Add a review, comment
Other channel videos
