All-new 2013 Honda Accord Previews Plug-in Hybrid Version

Like a growing number of automakers, Honda is shining a notably greenish light on its powertrain program by coming up with a friendly new name for its products. Thus, the heart of the 2013 Honda Accord lineup will showcase two high-tech “Earth Dreams” engines: A 2.4-liter I4 with direct injection, mated to either a revised continuously variable transmission or a brand-new six-speed automatic, along with a significantly upgraded 3.5-liter V6 engine with cylinder de-activation that, in the sedan, gets the upgraded six-speed auto.

All setups offer increased fuel-efficiency and power as compared to the Accord's current powertrain portfolio, and some show notable competitive benefits. For example, that V6 will leverage the car’s more aerodynamic shape to achieve 34 mpg on the highway—it’s a best-in-class performance that bests even the much-hyped Nissan Altima (in V6 configuration) by 2 mpg and the current V6 Camry by 4 mpg. Of course, that being said, it’s worth pointing out that many new mid-sizers are moving to turbocharged I4 engines for their premium powertrains; on ye olde other hand, the new Accord V6 will be competitive with those players, too.

FYI: The four-cylinder Accord tops out at 36 mpg highway.

To provide a little context here, this is how the 2013 Honda Accord sedan will match up—efficiency-wise—with a few of the other top entries in the mid-size segment. Just be aware that full specs are not yet available on the 2013 Fusion lineup, so its EPA marks are missing from our first chart, covering the entry-level, automatically transmissioned models:

Next, let’s take a gander at the automatically transmissioned models featuring their high-performance engines, although here, both the Malibu and the Fusion will be missing their fuel-economy ratings, which are as yet unreleased by the EPA:

There are a couple of other competitors that need to be mentioned here: There is a high-efficiency, non-hybrid Fusion coming, and it will feature a 1.6-liter EcoBoost I4 that delivers 178 hp, 184 lb.-ft. of torque and EPA marks of 26 mpg city/37 mpg highway—however, it will require a price premium over the entry Fusion. Also, the Malibu Eco, with GM’s eAssist technology, can post an EPA line of 25/37/29, while supplying 182 hp/172 lb.-ft. of torque, but, again, it will require some extra cash as compared to the base model.

The completely redesigned 2013 Honda Accord also will welcome a pair of even greener choices early next year—and technically, they’ll be 2014 models—in the shape of the Honda Accord Plug-in Hybrid and Honda Accord Hybrid. The duo will rely on a powertrain that integrates an Earth Dreams 2.0-liter I4 engine with Honda’s first two-motor hybrid system, with the plug-in Accord also carrying a 6.7-kWh lithium-ion battery pack. That choice will provide drivers with “10 to 15 miles” worth of all-electric, zero-emissions driving range at 100 MPGe, along with an overall travel range of more than 500 miles and 196 combined hp.

Those numbers are right in line with the preliminary specs of the segment’s only other plug-in choice, the coming Fusion Energi, and the Accord Plug-in also will introduce a three-mode driving system that allows drivers to tailor the car’s motivation to meet their own specific needs. In its normal mode, the Accord Plug-in will first rely on its batteries to provide EV driving for up to 15 miles, then switch to supply more traditional, yet still very efficient, hybrid performance that blends gas and electric power. Alternatively, drivers can “reserve” the electric power for particular driving scenarios, operating the car as a standard hybrid until they proactively switch over to all-electric mode.

Finally, the Accord Plug-in can use its leading-edge regenerative-braking setup to recharge its battery pack even as owners drive the car in its regular hybrid mode. Actually plugging in the Accord Plug-in will recharge the batteries in less than an hour when using a 240-volt charging unit, and in less than three with a 120-volt household-type outlet.

Note: Beyond that initial MPGe rating, neither Honda nor the EPA has provided details about the specific fuel-efficiency ratings of the Accord hybrids. Based on what data are currently available, the Fusion hybrid is expecting to hit 47 mpg city/44 mpg highway; the Camry Hybrid goes 43/39 and the Sonata Hybrid comes in at 35/40.

As mentioned at the top of this article, the 2013 Honda Accord will be available with all the bells and whistles found throughout the mainstream mid-size sedan segment, but it will distinguish itself with an unbeatable level of standard content, including a breakthrough in the airbag department: The next-generation Accord will debut with SmartVent side airbags, featuring an innovative design that allows the units to help lower the risk of injury from excessive deployment forces, but without the need for additional sensors. The fresh design also enhances the performance of the car’s available heated front seats.

Further standard features on the 2013 Accord sedan will be a Bluetooth HandsFreeLink, rearview camera, expanded-view driver’s mirror, dual-zone automatic climate control, Honda’s intelligent Multi Information Display (i-MID) with eight-inch screen, active noise cancellation, full-function iPod integration, Eco Assist driving technology, a Pandora Internet radio interface and SMS text-messaging assistance.

Stay tuned for more information about the 2013 Honda Accord, including pricing, in the near-term future.