2020 Honda Accord Hybrid Pros vs Cons. Should You Buy?

Shopping around for a new hybrid vehicle? If so, then you've probably already stumbled across the 2020 Honda Accord Hybrid. The gasoline-powered Accord is already pretty fuel savvy, but its hybrid variant goes above and beyond expectations. So, is it worth buying? What are some of the downsides to driving it, if any? Let's find out.

What's New for 2020?

The only significant change that was made to the 2020 Honda Accord Hybrid is that the exterior now has alert chimes that will go off while the Accord Hybrid is being driven in EV mode. Everything else carries over from the previous model year. Of course, Honda probably won't change a whole lot on the Accord Hybrid since it was just introduced for the 2018 model year, which marked the start of the tenth generation for the Accord.

 

Top 10 Reasons to Buy a 2020 Honda Accord Hybrid – The Pros

1. A Spacious Cabin

If the word "sedan" has become synonymous with "small" for you, the 2020 Honda Accord Hybrid will surely surprise you. This is a full-sized sedan, and the cabin has been designed in a way that affords a lot of head, shoulder, hip, and leg room. Only the tallest of drivers will feel crunched in the front seat. Taller passengers will enjoy the rear seat's leg room, where you can comfortably seat three average-sized adults.

2. A Magnificent Fuel Economy

Fuel efficiency is something that tops Honda's lists of priorities, right up there with safety and comfort. So, as you can imagine, the already fuel-efficient gas-powered Accord becomes even more fuel-savvy with the hybrid powertrain equipped. Its 212-hp engine gets the Accord about 48 mpg in the city and 47 mpg on the highway. And those are just rough estimates. The Accord Hybrid might even be able to top 50 mpg.

3. Same Amount of Cargo Space as the Accord

A lot of hybrids lose cargo space to the placement of the battery. This is not the case for the 2020 Honda Accord Hybrid. Because its battery pack is placed elsewhere, the Accord Hybrid gets 16.7 cubic feet of cargo space with the 60/40-split folding rear seat left in place. Fold that down, and you can fit even longer items in the trunk. This is especially helpful for those who tote a lot of bulky items around or have to fit a lot of groceries into the car.

4. Quick Acceleration

Hybrids are not exactly known for being speed demons - far from it. But the Accord Hybrid does pretty well when it comes to accelerating. In fact, it is able to go from 0 to 60 mph in 7.2 seconds, which is close to being a best-in-class number. Just give it some pressure, and the Accord Hybrid will get a good thrust of power. Getting up to speed and passing other vehicles on the highway is not a problem whatsoever.

5. Exceptional Handling

While the regular Accord's handling is flawless, the 2020 Honda Accord Hybrid does well enough. The eco-friendly tires and weight are really the only thing holding it back from being as flawless as the traditional Accord. Otherwise, expect the Accord Hybrid to feel controlled while rounding through turns. There is no noticeable body roll, and the vehicle's composure should definitely inspire driver confidence.

6. Climate Control Setting Are Easy to Use

Climate control is something that Honda gets right. The Accord Hybrid's system has a lot of physical controls that are well-labeled for easy use. Honda even added a neat little touch with the temperature adjuster knob; the light will brighten to blue or red when you turn the temperature toward cool or warm (respectively). A lot of competitors rely on digital controls that are nothing short of confusing and can be a distraction while driving.

7. Outward Visibility is Vast

Visibility out the front, rear, and sides of the 2020 Honda Accord Hybrid is absolutely vast. The slender roof pillars and smartly placed windows mean that the rear three-quarter view is plenty wide. And, of course, the view out of the front is just as expansive as you could possibly ask for. Blind spots are minimal, but the blind spot monitoring system is there to help if you feel like you need it. However, the rear view camera should really be all the assistance you need with any outward visibility. And that is only something you will need for getting into or out of tight parking spots.

8. A Modern Interior Design

The Accord Hybrid, like its gas-powered counterpart, has a remarkably upscale, modern-looking interior. There is no questioning that the materials used are of high quality, and everything you will touch is soft-touch in design. Everything is pieced together well, so you will not likely find gaps in the paneling or hear strange rattles and rolls as you drive.

9. LATCH is Extremely Easy to Use

As many parents already know, LATCH can be a pain to use if the anchors are buried in the seats. Getting child safety seats in and out should be easy, right? Well, Honda thinks so too. That's why this LATCH system has anchors located beneath labeled flaps that are not buried in the seat cushions. Also, with the back seat being as spacious as it is, you will not have a hassle fitting car seats in there. You will just have to stoop a little bit while getting your kids in and out since the roofline takes a downward slope.

10. Smartphone App Integration is User-Friendly

Smartphone app integration via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto comes standard on the 2020 Honda Accord Hybrid, and it is easy to use. They are already integrated into the infotainment system, and navigation and music will appear on separate screens if you have the head-up display. You can also pair it up with Bluetooth for quick access while you are on the go.

 

Reasons Not to Buy a 2020 Honda Accord Hybrid – The Cons

1. Noise From the Powertrain

This is not the quietest powertrain Honda has ever created. The 2020 Honda Accord Hybrid gives a good amount of noise - mostly from the gas engine - when taken up to speed on the highway. You will also hear some high-pitched whines while driving at slower speeds. While they are not terribly intrusive noises, you will notice the growling from the engine when you put the pedal to the metal.

2. Hard to Get In and Out

As previously mentioned, getting kids in and out of the rear seat can be tough because of the sloping roofline. It also makes it difficult for adults to get in and out without bonking their heads. There is also quite a step-over since the doors sills are both wide and high. Those who have limited mobility in their feet and lower legs might have a hard time entering and exiting the vehicle. Otherwise, this should just be a minor gripe for most people.

3. The Throttle Gets Finicky

Do not expect totally steady driving from the 2020 Honda Accord Hybrid. The powertrain gets surges of power that will require you to make more adjustments to the throttle than what feels natural. It is not excessively intrusive, but it is something that you are going to feel when you just want to be cruising steady on. With some time, you might find yourself getting used to it.

4. Long Panic Braking Distance

135 feet - that is how far of a distance the Accord Hybrid needs to make a safe panic stop from 60 mph. That's 13 feet more than the gas-powered Accord, and that is not good. While the transition between the regular and regenerative brakes feels smooth, trying to make an emergency stop is a little unnerving. The way the vehicle comes to a panic stop just does not feel safe. This is probably the biggest problem on the Accord Hybrid.

How It Stacks Up to the Competition:

2020 Honda Accord Hybrid vs. 2020 Toyota Camry Hybrid

The 2020 Honda Accord Hybrid receives some tough competition from the 2020 Toyota Camry Hybrid. Every model year, these two tend to duke it out. But who comes in first place? While the Camry Hybrid has a great fuel economy and spacious cargo area, it suffers from a wishy-washy driving performance from the base trim. Also, the Camry Hybrid does not give you effortless transitions between the regular and regenerative brakes. However, the Camry Hybrid does feel more secure when panic braking.

2020 Honda Accord Hybrid vs. 2020 Honda Clarity Plug-In Hybrid

Competition comes from within this model year as the 2020 Honda Clarity puts in a strong overall performance. The Clarity has a combined 110 MPGe fuel rating, and the cabin is build just as beautifully as the Accord Hybrid's. Also, on full battery, it has a 48-mile electric range. Unfortunately, the Clarity's other variants are only available in limited numbers. But, since the demand for these sedans is growing, it is likely that the Clarity will be a strong competitor in the hybrid market this model year.

Conclusion

The brakes are the one real downfall of the 2020 Honda Accord Hybrid. Otherwise, there is a lot to like about it. It takes everything drivers love about the gas-powered Accord and makes it more eco-friendly. The powertrain itself is solid, and the interior design makes you feel like you are driving something a little bit more expensive. It is a car with some spunk to it, so do not worry about trying to get up to speed in this sedan. You will likely find yourself enjoying the time you spend behind the wheel, and your passengers probably will not find much - if anything - to complain about. Overall, the Accord Hybrid should prove to be a relaxing ride, especially if you have the adaptive suspension that comes on the Touring trim level. All trim levels on it are worth checking out.