Introducing
2026 Honda Accord Hybrid EX-L
As previously mentioned, we found it time to replace the Passat, and ended up with this Accord.
It was about a 4 month search for what we felt would be the right fit for us. Neither of us wanted a SUV/CUV, and are appreciators of a proper sedan. We really loved the Passat for its down to earth styling, great interior room, and most importantly manual transmission. We tried to find a direct replacement, but our ideals are not the ideals of car manufacturers.
Manuals, in and of themselves, are virtually non-existent for the common driver. We toyed with the idea of a VW Jetta GLI or a Subaru WRX, but my wife was pretty uncompromising on interior space. So the search went on. Ultimately, we refined or criteria to only two points, fuel economy and interior space. How adult... how boring.
Initially, I started looking at a new Toyota Camry. We currently have two Toyotas parked, the Tacoma and a 2003 Tundra, so I figured let's go all out and add a third. After months of research, I started leaning towards a Honda Accord. We knew we wanted a hybrid, we new we wanted mid/full size, we just didn't know exactly what yet.
I started geeking out over hybrid systems, and comparing the different hybrid types, styles, and functions/strategies. The more I researched, the more I was drawn to Honda, and it's e:HEV Hybrids.
Both hybrid systems are Series-Parallel, Two Motor systems. That saying that both the Camry and the Accord have a gas engine, a drive/traction motor, and a generator motor (standard hybrid set up). Where they differ is in how they manage the gas engine/electric motor power transfer.
I started geeking out over hybrid systems, and comparing the different hybrid types, styles, and functions/strategies. The more I researched, the more I was drawn to Honda, and it's e:HEV Hybrids.
Both hybrid systems are Series-Parallel, Two Motor systems. That saying that both the Camry and the Accord have a gas engine, a drive/traction motor, and a generator motor (standard hybrid set up). Where they differ is in how they manage the gas engine/electric motor power transfer.
Toyota uses a planetary gearset to blend the output of the gas engine and electric motor. It can run both at the same time at various ratios to maximize power output and efficiency. It does this automatically and seamlessly. Because of this blending and leaning a little more on the gas engine, the Camry has a larger engine, a 2.5 four cylinder. The Camry can also come with an AWD system that has a completely detached electric rear axel unit. The Camry is praised for its hybrid system and it's ability to blend in and disappear with normal driving.
Honda approaches this hybrid blending a little different. Where the Camry has a bigger engine, the Accord has a higher output traction/drive motor. Honda wants to use this motor at all times. Because of this, the Accord is much more EV-like. It prefers to drive on electric motor power, using the engine and generator as power source to recharge the battery pack. However, at high speeds, it will use a clutch to direct drive the wheels using the engine. This allows the engine to only operate at its peak efficiency, and only when using it as a drive source outweighs using at a generator. Accord drivers like that around town driving is very EV-like and low/mid range torque and acceleration is strong. (I can attest to that.) No AWD is available.
Basically, Toyota doesn't want you to know it's a hybrid by seamlessly blending the engine/motors, and Honda doesn't want you to know it's a hybrid by only using the gas engine when absolutely needed.
We finally chose the Honda Accord after finding out that the Camry had less rear space than our current Passat, and that the Accord had more than both (more truck space as well). The interior styling of the Accord was a big selling point as well. Very functional and slightly upscale, without the "we are really trying to be upscale" feel. The Camry was just a little too small, and a little too... exciting (said no one of a Toyota Camry ever.) We also really liked the exterior styling all around.
Well, sorry for going a little overboard and getting a little too wordy.
Follow up posts will include interior, gadgets, and the weird/cool thing it does when it accelerates depending on whether you power brake it, or just floor it at a red light.
Follow up posts will include interior, gadgets, and the weird/cool thing it does when it accelerates depending on whether you power brake it, or just floor it at a red light.