Used 2022 Honda Accord Hybrid

The 2022 Honda Accord Hybrid midsize sedan performs well on the road and in the financial department. Not just because it’s so sparing with gasoline, but it also retains a lot of its value when the time comes to sell.

It’s affordable up front as well. The base hybrid model starts at only $1,200 more than its all-combustion counterpart. Admittedly, it would take a lot of miles to recoup that in fuel savings, but most buyers seeking a strong, reliable hybrid are happy in the knowledge that their emissions are lower from day one of ownership.

We named the regular, non-hybrid Accord a best buy among midsize sedans and we include the Accord Hybrid in this accolade. It’s the prime example of its kind.

The regular 2022 Honda Accord is reviewed separately.

Efficient rather than energetic, the 2022 Accord Hybrid makes the most of its gasoline/electric drivetrain in situations where low-end thrust is the main requirement, like moving away from a stop light or diving for that gap in traffic. At higher speeds, passing maneuvers take more planning.

Throughout the whole drive, though, the ride quality remains fluid and forgiving — almost at luxury levels. The Touring model gets even closer to an Acura or Lexus with its adaptive suspension.

The old complaint about hybrids was that — because of brake energy regeneration — brake pedal feel was weird compared with regular cars. The Accord Hybrid turns that into ancient history.

This Honda is easy to drive, easy to make it second nature. When drivers feel like increasing the level of regeneration — on long downhill stretches, for example — there’s a paddle just under the steering wheel.

One look at that sloping roof and tall types could be arguing about who gets to sit up front. They’d be worrying unnecessarily.

Honda has managed to achieve a decent amount of rear headroom, while throwing in class-leading rear legroom of 40.4 inches. This is a comfortable and spacious cabin, with high-quality materials all assembled to an exemplary standard.

It’s not until we get to the third of four trim levels that leather seating surfaces are fitted. But every version has a decent-sized 8-inch infotainment touchscreen. And naturally, hybrid instrumentation differentiates this model from the gas-only Accord.

Every Honda Accord, regardless of drivetrain, has a set of buttons instead of a gear lever. Getting used to it doesn’t take long.

Another reminder of Honda’s packing prowess is that trunk space — a class-leading 16.7 cubic feet — doesn’t suffer in the slightest because of the extra hybrid-related components. The rear seats also split and fold in 60/40 fashion for extra luggage-carrying flexibility.

The one tiny compromise is the lack of a spare wheel. In its place is a tire repair kit and 24-hour roadside assistance.

They’re not really exterior elements, but the 2022 Accord Hybrid has active grille shutters for optimum thermal control and aerodynamics. Those parts that are visible follow the same design lines as the non-hybrid Accord.

It’s a look that attempts to please the most people possible, while limiting the number of individuals it might offend. Classy yet not especially memorable, it works fine.

Buyers can choose from a selection of premium paints, such as Radiant Red Metallic or Sonic Gray Pearl. They also have various alloy wheel designs on the options list. A black-finished set goes well with a Black Accent package, adding a few exterior elements in the appropriate color. The same formula applies to another set of wheels that seem destined to be paired with the Bronze Accent package.

A set of extra aerodynamic pieces — like a lower front lip and side sills — is also offered. That’s the same as the regular Accord. Apart from a couple of little badges, this hybrid model makes no special distinctions.

HYBRID DRIVETRAIN
Sure, it had better be a good feature since there’s no point to a new Accord Hybrid without a decent drivetrain. But this one is really well considered. Whenever demand for energy is light, the electric motor handles most of the work. When the gasoline engine chimes in, to add drive or act as an onboard generator, it does so smoothly.

EVERYTHING ELSE
To choose just one aspect — like build quality, ride comfort, reliability, occupant space, or trunk area — would be an injustice to the other fine traits of the 2022 Accord Hybrid. The Accord is a Kelley Blue Book Best Buy Award winner because it’s so good at so many things.

The trim with no name is the first model in the 2022 Accord Hybrid range. It has 17-inch alloy wheels, LED low-beam headlights, LED taillights, Smart Entry with Walk Away Lock, push-button start, dual-zone automatic climate control, and cloth upholstery.

Safety features include forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning/lane-keeping assistance, road departure mitigation, rear-seat occupant reminder, audible warning sound for pedestrians/cyclists, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams.

The infotainment system has an 8-inch touchscreen, plus Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone integration, Bluetooth, two USB ports, and a 4-speaker/160-watt audio setup.

We’d be more inclined to spend an extra $3,350, take a small fuel economy hit, and go for the new-for-2022 Accord Hybrid Sport trim. This version brings a leather-wrapped steering wheel, full LED headlights/fog lights, heated front seats, 12-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, wireless smartphone integration, wireless charging, satellite radio, and an 8-speaker/180-watt audio system.

The main method for obtaining more features in a 2022 Accord Hybrid is to choose a higher trim. But some extras are offered across the range. These include a couple of appearance packages, different designs and sizes of alloy wheels, premium paint, and extra aerodynamic pieces.

One step higher than Sport trim is the EX-L, which — like the base model — has the best fuel economy figures of the lineup, averaging 47 mpg combined. It also adds blind-spot monitoring, front/rear parking sensors, powered moonroof, self-dimming rearview mirror, universal garage door opener, leather seating surfaces, memory settings for the driver’s seat, 4-way power-adjustable front passenger seat, and a 10-speaker/450-watt sound system.

The range-topping Touring trim has an adaptive suspension, rain-sensing wipers, head-up display, low-speed braking control, passenger-side mirror with a tilt-down function when reverse gear is engaged, heated/ventilated front seats, heated outboard rear seats, navigation (with turn-by-turn directions in the head-up display), and Wi-Fi.

On the combustion side of the 2022 Accord Hybrid’s drivetrain is a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine running on regular gasoline. This is complemented by an electric motor running off a lithium-ion battery.

Both methods of motivation add up to 212 horsepower. Torque is a trickier thing to pin down. The gasoline engine makes 129 lb-ft and the electric motor develops 232 lb-ft. But they peak at different points, so let’s just say that it isn’t short of thrust. All this output goes solely to the front wheels through a special automatic transmission.

2.0-liter inline-4 + AC synchronous permanent-magnet electric motor
212 combined horsepower @ 6,200 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 48/47 mpg (base, EX-L), 44/41 mpg (Sport, Touring)