Featuring a host of new standard and available technologies, the 2017 Accord Hybrid offers a wide range of active and passive safety and driver-assistive features and technologies, including as standard the Honda Sensing™ suite of advanced safety and driver-assistive technologies. The following technologies comprise Honda Sensing:
- Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS)
- Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
- Forward Collision Warning (FCW)
- Lane Keeping Assist (LKAS)
- Road Departure Mitigation (RDM)
- Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
Also, all 2017 Accord Hybrids feature a standard Multi-Angle Rearview Camera with dynamic guidelines and Expanded View Driver’s Mirror. Also, for the first time on the Accord Hybrid, the Touring trim features new auto high-beam headlights, which enhance nighttime visibility and driving convenience by automatically defaulting to the high-beam setting and switching to low beams when an oncoming or proceeding vehicle is detected.
Collision safety engineering in the Accord Hybrid is also significantly enhanced, thanks to a next generation Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure. More extensive use of high-tensile steel allows a high level of protection to be provided while reducing the weight of vehicle structures. An important evolution of the previous ACE system, ACE improves occupant protection and crash compatibility in frontal collisions. Like other Honda models, the new Accord Hybrid also has an impact-absorbing front body design to help attenuate energy in the event of a frontal collision with a pedestrian.
Inside, passive-safety features include a total of six airbags, including dual-stage, multiple-threshold front airbags, improved new front side airbags, and side curtain airbags. The front side airbag construction helps mitigate the risk of excessive airbag deployment force while eliminating the need for the prior Accord Hybrid’s Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS).
The 2017 Accord Hybrid targets the highest available crash safety ratings – a TOP SAFETY PICK+ rating from the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS) and a 5-Star Overall Vehicle Score in the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) crash test ratings program.
Active Safety Features
- Advanced Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®) with traction control
- Anti-lock brake system (ABS), Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist
- Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
- Available Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS)
- Available Forward Collision Warning (FCW)
- Available Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
- Available Road Departure Mitigation (RDM)
- Auto-locking doors
- Multi-angle rearview camera
Passive Safety Features
- Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure
- New high-tensile steel unit body
- 3-point seat belts in all seating positions
- Front seat belts with automatic tensioning system
- Dual-stage, multiple-threshold front airbags (SRS)
- Front side airbags
- Side curtain airbag system (front and rear outboard seats)
- Front seat design to mitigate rear collision injuries
- Side-impact door beams
- Pedestrian-injury mitigation design in the front of the vehicle
- Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren (LATCH)
- Child-proof rear door locks
Driver-Assistive Technologies
- Lane Keeping Assist (LKAS)
- Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
- Expanded view driver’s mirror
- Honda LaneWatch™
- Auto High-Beam Headlights
Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™)
The Accord Hybrid utilizes the latest version of Honda’s proprietary Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure to enhance occupant protection and crash compatibility in frontal collisions. Like the original ACE, the next-generation ACE body utilizes a network of connected structural elements – with an improved design and a greater use of high-tensile steel – to distribute crash energy more evenly throughout the front of the vehicle. This enhanced frontal crash energy management helps to reduce the forces transferred to the passenger compartment and can help to more evenly disperse the forces transferred to other vehicles in a crash. Additionally, ACE helps minimize the potential for under-ride or over-ride situations that can happen during head-on or offset frontal impacts with a larger or smaller vehicle.
Unlike most conventional designs that direct frontal crash energy only to the lower load-bearing structures in the front end, ACE actively channels frontal crash energy to both upper and lower structural elements, including the floor frame rails, side sills and A-pillars. By creating specifically engineered “pathways” that help distribute these frontal impact forces through a greater percentage of the vehicle’s total structure, ACE can more effectively route them around and away from the passenger compartment to help limit cabin deformation and further improve occupant protection. Integral to the ACE concept is its unique front polygonal main design structure. (See Body and Exterior Section for more information.)
Pedestrian Injury Mitigation Design
Structures in the front of the 2017 Accord Hybrid are designed to help absorb energy in the event of a collision with a pedestrian. Research by Honda shows that the following features can dramatically improve a pedestrian’s chance of survival if struck by a moving vehicle.
Specific pedestrian head injury mitigation features include:
- Hood is designed to deform if contact is made with either an adult or a child pedestrian
- Sufficient clearance exists between the hood and hard engine parts, allowing the hood to deform if impacted by a pedestrian
- Windshield base has a unique section structure for efficient impact energy absorption
- Energy-absorbing fender mounts and supports
- Break-away windshield wiper pivots
- Deformable hood hinges
Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®) with Traction Control
Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®) is an Electronic Stability Control system that works in conjunction with the Accord’s Drive-by-Wire™ throttle and its 4-channel ABS systems to enhance control capability while the vehicle is accelerating, braking, cornering or when the driver makes a sudden maneuver. VSA functions by applying brake force to one or more wheels independently while also managing the throttle, ignition and fuel systems to help the vehicle maintain the driver’s intended path of travel.
The VSA system constantly analyzes data from sensors that monitor wheel speed, steering input, lateral and longitudinal G forces and yaw rate. It compares the driver’s control inputs with the vehicle’s actual response. Whenever the actual response falls outside of a predetermined acceptable range, VSA intervenes with a corrective action. For instance, if VSA detects an oversteer condition, the system may apply braking force to the outside front and rear wheels to counteract the unintended yawing effect. In the event of understeer, VSA may apply braking to the inside rear wheel while reducing engine power to help return the vehicle to its intended course.
VSA also provides a limited-slip differential effect for the front wheels by applying braking force to a slipping wheel, thereby redirecting driving force to the wheel with more traction. VSA is calibrated to function in a near-transparent manner, and in many cases a driver will not even be aware of its operation. However, anytime the system is enhancing vehicle stability, an indicator light flashes in the instrument cluster. While the driver can reduce the traction control effectiveness allowing more wheel slip during stuck condition by pressing the VSA button, ABS remains fully operational at all times (see the Chassis Section for more information).
Motion-Adaptive Electric Power Steering (EPS)
Motion-Adaptive Electric Power Steering (EPS) is standard on all Accord Hybrid models. The system incorporates driving stability technology that initiates steering inputs that prompt the driver to steer in the correct direction during cornering and in slippery road conditions. Using vehicle speed and steering angle data, Motion-Adaptive EPS works with Honda’s Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA®) and Electric Power Steering to detect instability in slippery road conditions both during cornering and under braking and automatically initiates steering inputs aimed at prompting the driver to steer in the correct direction. This advanced technology supports the driver’s action in operating the vehicle more safely and comfortably.
Two examples of how Motion-Adaptive Electric Power Steering (EPS) functions in conjunction with VSA are:
Stabilizes Vehicle under Braking
This function helps to correct the driver’s steering input to reduce vehicle instability when the driver is braking hard on road surfaces with different friction coefficients (such as pavement that is partially covered with dirt or snow).
Mitigates Understeer and Oversteer
To mitigate potential understeer or oversteer situations, the system helps correct the steering inputs to help the driver trace the curve.
For more information see the Chassis Section.
Brake Assist
A function of the VSA® system, the Brake Assist feature recognizes hard braking situations and almost instantly applies added braking force. This Brake Assist feature is controlled by a special logic in the system that evaluates the pedal application rate and force to recognize hard braking or a panic stop situation. At that point, the VSA modulator pump increases braking pressure while the pedal is still being pressed to ensure maximum stopping force, an action that can help shorten braking distance. For more information see the Chassis Section.
Advanced 4-Channel ABS with Electronic Brake Distribution
The Accord Hybrid is fitted with 4-wheel disc brakes with four-channel anti-lock braking (ABS). The ABS system also incorporates Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) circuitry that automatically proportions front-to-rear brake force based on the vehicle’s dynamic load on each wheel. For more information see the Chassis Section.
Dual-Stage, Multiple-Threshold Front Airbags (SRS)
Both the driver and front passenger are protected by advanced front airbags (SRS) that incorporate dual-stage and multiple-threshold activation technology. If deployed, these airbags are capable of being inflated at different rates depending on crash severity, seatbelt usage and other factors. Like other Honda vehicles, the driver’s front airbag is located in the steering wheel while the passenger airbag is located on the top of the dash. When deployed, the passenger airbag inflates upward and then rearward to maximize its protective potential while reducing the likelihood of injuries caused by airbag deployment.
Driver and Front Passenger Side Airbags
Side airbags mounted in the outboard area of each front seatback are designed to help provide pelvic and thorax protection for the driver and front passenger in the event of a severe side impact. In the 2017 Accord Hybrid, a revised side airbag design allows the side airbags to deploy in a manner that helps mitigate the risk of injury to a smaller seat occupant. This advancement eliminates the need for the previous-generation Accord Hybrid’s passenger side Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS).
Side Curtain Airbags
All outboard seating positions in the Accord Hybrid include a side curtain airbag system. The side curtain airbags deploy from modules in the roof in the event of a sufficient side impact, providing a significant level of head protection for outboard occupants. The side curtain airbags have a wide deployment profile to enhance ejection mitigation.
Front 3-Point Seat Belts with Automatic Tensioning System
Three-point seatbelts are standard for all seating positions. The front seatbelts are equipped with automatic tensioners to help minimize injury potential in a frontal collision. When an impact occurs, the automatic tensioner tightens the seatbelt (shoulder and lap) to help hold the seat occupant firmly in position, but then slightly relaxes the pressure to minimize the chance of injury from the seat belt itself. The front seatbelts of the Sedan also feature adjustable-height shoulder anchors.
Driver’s and Front Passenger’s Seat-Belt Reminder
To help increase seat-belt usage, a reminder for the driver and front passenger has been incorporated into the instrument cluster. After starting the vehicle, a weight sensor detects whether the front passenger seat is occupied. If the driver or front passenger has not already fastened the seat belt, an icon in the cluster illuminates and a chime sounds as a reminder to do so.
Front Seat Design
Accord Hybrids feature a front seat design that helps mitigate the likelihood of neck injury in a rear collision. Featuring specially calibrated spring settings in the seatback and bottom cushions, this design is intended to help mitigate the severity of neck injuries in the event of a rear impact.
Adjustable Head Restraints for All Seating Positions
All front and rear seating positions feature individually adjustable head restraints.
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
The Accord Hybrid is fitted with a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) that alerts a driver whenever the air pressure in one or more of the vehicle’s tires decrease significantly below the recommended level. When the pressure in one or more tires drops sufficiently, it causes a low tire-pressure indicator, located in the instrument cluster or in the Multi-Information Display (MID), to illuminate.
Multi-Angle Rearview Camera
The 2017 Accord Hybrid incorporates as standard a multi-angle rearview camera with dynamic guidelines. Viewable on the 7.7-inch upper display, the camera can show a top view, normal or wide views, as selected by the driver when the transmission is in Reverse. The rearview camera includes dynamic guidelines that project the vehicle’s future path based on the driver’s steering inputs.
Expanded View Driver’s Mirror
All Accord Hybrid models are equipped with the Expanded View Driver’s Mirror that increases the driver’s field of vision to provide a better view of objects to the back and side of the vehicle. The Expanded View Driver’s Mirror uses a flat reflective plane on the inner portion of the mirror closest to the door, while the outer portion of the mirror uses a convex element to provide a broader field of view.
Parking Sensors
To assist in maneuvering in tight spaces, such as entering or exiting a parking space, the 2017 Accord Hybrid Touring features a set of six parking sensors. A sensor is located at each corner of the vehicle with an additional two at the rear. When a sensor(s) detects an object close to the vehicle, the system provides an audible warning plus a visual alert on the MID and, when backing up, also on the Display Audio screen when showing the rearview camera view. With each type of visual alert the system indicates in what direction the detected object is located. The sensors are of a low profile type to improve their appearance.
Honda LaneWatch™
The 2017 Accord Hybrid includes the Honda LaneWatch™ display. Honda LaneWatch uses a camera located at the bottom the passenger-side exterior mirror to display a wide-angle view of the passenger side roadway on the new, larger 7.7-inch upper display. The image appears when the right turn signal is activated or when a button on the end of the turn signal stalk is pressed.
The typical field of view for a passenger-side mirror is approximately 18 to 22 degrees, but the LaneWatch™ display field-of-view is about four times greater, or approximately 80 degrees. The system helps the driver to see traffic, pedestrians or objects often in the vehicle’s blind spot. To help make judging distance easier, three reference lines are shown. Drivers should visually confirm roadway conditions prior to changing lanes.
LaneWatch™ can be customized to suit the driver’s preferences. Turn-signal activation of the LaneWatch™ system can be switched on or off, as can the three on-screen reference lines. Screen brightness, contrast and black level are also adjustable.
Honda Sensing™
Comprised of a suite of standard and available safety and driver assistive features, Honda Sensing™ helps provide greater awareness of driving conditions around the vehicle. Honda Sensing™ is standard equipment on all Accord Hybrid models.
Honda Sensing™ features include the following:
- Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS)
- Forward Collision Warning (FCW) – Integrated into CMBS
- Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS)
- Road Departure Mitigation (RDM)
- Lane Departure Warning (LDW) – Integrated into RDM
- Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
Collision Mitigation Braking System™ (CMBS™)
Honda’s Collision Mitigation Braking System™ (CMBS™) is one of the most sophisticated driver-assistive technologies available. The CMBS’s millimeter wave radar unit, located in the lower air intake of the front bumper, and monocular camera, located between the rearview mirror and windshield, scans traffic conditions ahead of the vehicle.
When the system determines a collision is possible with a detected vehicle, the CMBS’s integrated FCW system’s visual and audible alerts to prompt the driver to take corrective actions. The visual alert appears on the Multi-Information Display (MID). If the situation is not resolved, CMBS can apply different levels of autonomous braking action to help reduce vehicle speed and eventual collision forces, and therefore to help reduce the severity of a collision if the driver doesn’t take corrective action on their own. The radar unit and camera work simultaneously and cooperatively to control the VSA modulator, which initiates any required braking.
Due to the effectiveness of its monocular camera, the CMBS on the Accord Hybrid can recognize shapes and differentiate between a vehicle and a pedestrian, warning the driver when either is detected.
It is important to note that CMBS cannot detect all objects ahead, nor is it intended to replace the driver’s assessment of traffic conditions and control of the vehicle. The driver must intervene in certain situations, and must always be attentive when using the system. Although in many cases CMBS will stop the vehicle, it is not intended to apply enough braking force to prevent all collisions. Based on the conditions, the system also may not perform all visual- and audible-alert stages, and may instead automatically engage the brakes if the system deems it necessary.
Forward Collision Warning (FCW) – Integrated into CMBS
Now integrated with CMBS, Forward Collision Warning (FCW) uses the monocular camera to detect vehicles ahead and to determine whether a collision is likely. This reduces the stress of driving in traffic, while also contributing to an increased level of passive safety.
If the FCW system detects a vehicle in front of the Accord Hybrid and then determines that a collision may occur (due to a speed differential between the two vehicles), it will trigger visual and audible alerts for the driver. These include a “BRAKE” message on the Multi-Information Display (MID), and a series of beeps to alert the driver to apply the brake pedal. The FCW system will not automatically brake, and the driver remains responsible for safely operating the vehicle and avoiding collisions. If the driver doesn’t respond to the FCW warnings, however, the CMBS is triggered into operation.
Drivers may adjust the distance at which FCW alerts occur by pressing the “SETTINGS” button, selecting “Vehicle Settings,” and then choosing “Driver Assist System Setup” and the “Forward Collision Warning Distance” option. At this point they may choose between “Long,” “Normal” or “Short.” And if they choose to, drivers may also select “Off” to disable the FCW system entirely.
Note that the FCW system cannot detect all objects ahead and may not detect a given object; accuracy will vary based on weather, speed and other factors.
Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS)
Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS) provides a less stressful driving experience by reducing steering correction movements and driving effort on the highway. LKAS uses a camera to read lane markings and uses the Electric Power Steering to assist the driver in maintaining their position within the lane.
Designed for the U.S. road structure, the system uses a monocular camera mounted on the upper portion of the windshield to identify painted lanes, Botts’ Dots and Cats eye markers at speeds between 45 mph and 90 mph. When LKAS senses that the driver is drifting from the middle of a detected lane, the system generates corrective steering torque to assist the driver in maintaining lane position.
LKAS may be activated and deactivated using a switch located on the lower right part of the steering wheel. The system will suspend operation after several seconds if the driver takes his or her hands off the wheel, accompanied by a visual warning in the MID, resuming when the driver makes a steering input.
Road Departure Mitigation (RDM)
Integrated with LDW, Road Departure Mitigation (RDM) uses a monocular camera (mounted on the upper portion of the windshield) to identify solid or dashed painted lane lines, Botts’ dots and cats eye markers. RDM uses both steering force, via EPS, and, if the vehicle is detected leaving a lane marked by solid lines, braking force, via VSA, to help the vehicle stay in its lane.
The monocular camera recognizes lane features and identifies the lane. If the RDM system determines that the vehicle is about to leave a detected lane, it will provide steering assist (primary) and in rare occasions when steering assist is not sufficient to avoid leaving a lane marked by a solid line, braking assist, to help the driver stay on the road. RDM is integrated with the Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) system to provide moderate braking, and with the Electric Power Steering (EPS) system to provide steering input.
Multiple visual and audible warnings alert the driver when the RDM system is taking corrective action. These include a lane departure warning on the driver’s Multi Information Display (MID) along with an audible warning.
RDM also has a customizable initial warning of either a steering wheel shake/vibration, or an audible alert. This can be customized in the vehicle settings.
Lane Departure Warning (LDW) – Integrated into RDM
Lane Departure Warning (LDW) is designed to alert the driver if the vehicle is leaving a detected lane without the turn signal being activated. The system functions at speeds from 45 to 90 mph on straight or slightly curved roads, alerting the driver of deviations from a detected lane. The LDW system utilizes the same upper front windshield camera used for CMBS® and LKAS and provides the visual and auditory alerts prior to the other systems actively engaging.
If the vehicle begins to move out of a detected lane without the turn signal activated, LDW illuminates a Lane Departure message on the Multi-Information Display (MID) and sounds an audible warning, advising the driver to take appropriate action. The system can be activated and deactivated by pressing the LDW button located on the instrument panel, to the left of the steering column.
There are certain conditions under which the system may not engage or operate, including inclement weather (e.g., snow, ice or heavy rain) and extreme cabin heat (due to operability of the camera). The system will automatically suspend operation when the brakes are applied or the turn signals are used. LDW may not detect all lane markings or lane departures; accuracy will vary based on weather, speed and road condition. The driver remains responsible for safely operating the vehicle.
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) allows the driver to set a desired speed and following interval from a vehicle detected ahead, allowing the use of cruise control in light traffic conditions. This significantly reduces the driver stress of driving in traffic. The system uses the millimeter wave radar and monocular camera to continually track the distance to the vehicle ahead, and then adjusts the vehicle’s speed to maintain the set following interval. A short, medium, long, or extra-long interval can be selected. When required, the vehicle autonomously brakes using the Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®) modulator. ACC operates in the following ways in the listed circumstances:
A preceding vehicle is detected in the lane ahead – decelerates automatically, if required, and then controls the following distance.
Another vehicle merges in between the Accord Hybrid and the preceding vehicle – automatically switches “targets” to the nearest preceding vehicle.
The preceding vehicle exits the lane – ACC system continues at cruise-control speed previously selected by driver (25 to 90 mph).
A Multi Information Display (MID) message and audible warning alert the driver when the ACC function is activated. See the Powertrain Section for more information.
2017 Accord Hybrid Safety and Driver Assistive Features