Honda Accord Plug-in Hybrid Earns Higher MPGe Rating than Fusion Energi, Prius Plug-in and Volt

Honda has announced pricing on the 2014 Accord Plug-in Hybrid, which is on sale now in California and New York. Starting at $40,570 (including a $790 destination charge), the Accord Plug-in Hybrid is more expensive than competitors like the 2013 Chevrolet Volt and Ford Fusion Energi, which start at $39,995 and $39,495, respectively, after destination fees. The Accord Plug-in Hybrid is also more expensive than the Toyota Prius Plug-in, which starts at $32,760.

Despite a higher base price, Honda says in a press release that the Accord Plug-in Hybrid earns a better MPGe rating than the Volt, Fusion Energi and Prius Plug-in. In pure electric mode, the automaker says that the Accord Plug-in Hybrid delivers the equivalent of 115 mpg. At 100 MPGe, the Fusion Energi comes closest to matching the Accord Plug-in Hybrid’s rating, while the Volt and Prius Plug-in deliver 98 and 95 MPGe, respectively.

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The 2013 Honda Accord Plug-in Hybrid is powered by a 2.0-liter Atkinson cycle four-cylinder engine, which is paired with an electric motor that also functions like a continuously variable transmission (e-CVT). Honda says that the Accord Plug-in Hybrid can travel up to 13 miles in EV mode, and that it can be fully charged from a “low-charge indication point” in less than three hours using a standard household outlet.

The Accord Plug-in Hybrid lines up closely with the Honda Accord Touring in terms of standard equipment. The Touring trim includes standard features like a rearview camera, dual-zone automatic climate control, navigation, Bluetooth, a USB port, adaptive cruise control, leather upholstery and heated front seats. Edmunds points out that the plug-in hybrid costs $6,150 more than the Accord Touring, which starts at $34,420 after destination. The Accord Plug-in Hybrid also has some styling cues that set it apart from other models in the Accord line.

Jim Sharifi/U.S. News amp; World Report

Hybrid car shoppers in New York and California can lease the 2014 Accord Plug-in Hybrid for $429 per month for 36 months with $2,499 due at signing. A $3,334 federal tax credit is also available, which is more than the Prius Plug-in’s $2,500 credit, but less than what the Fusion Energi and Volt qualify for ($3,751 and $7,500, respectively). Cars.com writes, “Remember, battery capacity determines the plug-in credit. That's why most pure-electric vehicles, which need higher-capacity batteries, qualify for the highest $7,500 credit.”

Shopping for a Honda Accord or a hybrid car? Check out the U.S. News rankings of this year's best cars. Then, look for a great deal on a new car by checking out this month’s best car deals. Also, be sure to follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

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