But though these revised figures may be more realistic, doesn’t mean that you’ll actually achieve them, especially in seriously cold temperatures. With an initial drive of the ’15 Accord Hybrid in February, it was so cold that the EV mode that normally helps drive the Accord Hybrid on battery power alone was rarely functional, never at start up and only rarely once getting up to operating temperatures.

In fact, it actually sent a driver warning about this, saying ‘Low Temperature, Power Reduced’ at start up a few times, though it went away quickly.

My Accord Hybrid’s lifetime display averaged out 7.7 L/100 km, according to the dash display. That same display suggested the Accord Hybrid still offered up a massive range of 1,173 km even at seriously frigid temperatures, though the likelihood of achieving that range with a 60L tank of fuel seems fairly unlikely, no matter what time of year.

For comparison’s sake, the most fuel efficient regular Accord sedan has an official rating of 7.8 L/100 km, with the 2.4L four-cylinder that starts just over $24,000. That’s not a huge stretch from the Accord Hybrid’s starting price of $29,995, especially considering the mid-level equipment on the base Hybrid on top of all the advanced technology. But this tester was the top-line Touring model, which has an MSRP of $36,090, or basically on par with the Accord V6 Touring model.

Similar Features, but Still Some Hybrid Compromises

You’ll be able to tell the Accord Hybrid apart from the much more numerous gas-only models by the blue-tinted upper grille and headlights, unique wheels and of course the badging on the fenders and trunk. Plus there’s a spoiler back there that helps the aerodynamics, but also gives the Hybrid some extra visual kick.

Like any Honda Accord, the Hybrid offers plenty of space for five, a comfortable ride, and a host of family-friendly features as standard: heated seats, proximity key entry, power driver’s seat, rear-view camera and a LaneWatch feature that automatically highlights what’s behind the right side of your car in the large central screen whenever you touch the right turn signal.

Why no similar view on left hand signals? Honda argues you don’t want folks looking right towards the dash when they’re heading left.

The Touring adds niceties like a sunroof, LED front and rear lights, satellite radio, leather seats with heating elements added for the outboard rear passengers, and a navigation system. Plus from safety perspective, it adds a forward collision warning system (FCW), and a lane departure system (LDW), though neither offer the automatic braking or steering capabilities that are starting to appear on other mid-size mainstream sedans.

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