The Honda Accord has long been considered the benchmark for the mid-size sedan segment. And for the 2023 model year, the top trims of the Accord are hybrid only. So, how efficient is the top-level Honda Accord Touring? In this article, we subject the 11th generation Accord to our real-world highway fuel economy test to find out.
A Closer Look at the 2023 Honda Accord Touring
Before we dive into the fuel economy test, let’s take a moment to examine the Accord Touring. This top trim level of the Accord is fully loaded and features a fresh new look both inside and out. The design language of the Accord is consistent with other recent Honda models, such as the Civic, CR-V, and Pilot. It has a mature and sophisticated appearance while still retaining the classic Accord aesthetic.
The Purpose of the Test
The EPA’s fuel economy test rates the Honda Accord Hybrid Touring at 41 mpg on the highway. However, this test is conducted at an average speed of 48 miles per hour, which may not reflect real-world driving conditions. To provide a more accurate representation of the Accord’s fuel efficiency, we conduct our test at a higher speed of 70 mph, covering a distance of 50 miles each direction to negate the effects of wind and elevation.
Test Conditions
Before we begin the test, let’s establish the conditions under which it will be conducted. The outside temperature is 46 degrees Fahrenheit, and the climate control inside the cabin will be set to 73 degrees. The tire pressures have been set to the factory-recommended levels of 35 psi in the front and 32 psi in the rear. We will be using the same gas pump for both fill-ups, following the three-click filling method to ensure accurate results.
Setting Up the Accord for the Test
With the test conditions established, let’s prepare the Accord for the highway fuel economy test. We start by filling up the tank with just over five gallons of fuel. The trip meter is reset, and the climate control is set to 73 degrees with the auto setting turned on.
On the Road
Now that everything is set up, it’s time to hit the road and see how the Accord performs in real-world driving conditions. The Accord hybrid offers four drive modes: individual, sport, normal, and econ. For this test, we will be running in econ mode to maximize fuel efficiency.
As we merge onto the highway, we set the cruise control to a GPS-indicated speed of 72 mph. It’s important to note that this test is not about hypermiling or driving in an unrealistic manner. We aim to drive the Accord like any normal person would, maintaining a steady speed and following the flow of traffic.
Impressions of the Accord on the Highway
During the highway drive, the Accord proves to be a great car. Sedans often get overlooked in today’s market, but they offer a smooth and quiet ride, along with ample room for both the driver and passengers. The Accord’s cabin is spacious, and the seats are supportive and comfortable. Even with backseat passengers, there is plenty of legroom.
The Accord Touring is equipped with various driver aids to assist on the highway. These include radar cruise control, which allows for adjustment of the following distance, and steering assist, which can be toggled on for added assistance. The infotainment system features a large screen, and the Touring model comes with a 12-speaker Bose sound system, providing much improved audio quality over previous Accords.
Expectations for Fuel Efficiency
Before the test, it’s important to set realistic expectations for the Accord’s fuel efficiency. Typically, hybrid cars perform better at lower speeds because the battery and electric motor can take over from the internal combustion engine. However, at higher speeds like 70 mph, the engine runs more frequently, resulting in lower fuel efficiency.
Based on this understanding, it is unlikely that the Accord Hybrid Touring will fully meet its EPA rating of 41 mpg on the highway. In previous tests, hybrids tend to fall a few mpg short of their EPA ratings at higher speeds. Therefore, it is reasonable to expect the Accord to achieve high 30s in terms of fuel efficiency.
Final Results
After completing the highway drive, the Honda Accord Touring indicates a fuel economy of 36.3 mpg on the cluster. This result aligns with our expectations, falling within the high 30s range. However, after fueling at the pump, we calculated 37.7. Since neither of these numbers are a perfect science, we split the difference for a final test result of 37 miles per gallon.
Despite not meeting its EPA rating, the Accord still offers respectable fuel efficiency. During mixed driving scenarios throughout the week, the Accord achieved an average of 44 mpg, which is in line with its EPA rating. With a fuel tank capacity of 12.8 gallons, the Accord Touring has an effective highway cruising range of 480 miles.
Overall, the 2023 Honda Accord Touring Hybrid offers a comfortable and enjoyable highway driving experience. The seats are supportive, the cabin is spacious, and the Bose sound system provides excellent audio quality. The Accord’s driver aids enhance the driving experience and make long highway trips more convenient.
If you want to see more on the 2023 Accord, check out our video on the mpg test here, and see the rest of our videos over on Daily Motor’s YouTube channel.
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