Honda Automobiles: 2017 Honda Accord Hybrid Press Kit

To give the Accord Hybrid every advantage in the highly competitive mid-size class, a completely new interior was designed for the ninth-generation 2016 Accord that is being applied to the 2017 Accord Hybrid, bringing with it a level of luxury and craftsmanship never before seen in the Accord Hybrid. Available in Black and Ivory with new wood grain accents, the Accord Hybrid’s interior combines welcoming comfort with an impressive new range of standard and available technologies.

Ergonomically designed seating and features like dual-zone automatic climate control enhance passenger comfort inside the roomy cabin, and the operation and positioning of controls and instrumentation help the driver feel in command and control.

The Accord Hybrid’s interior offers spacious accommodations for five passengers, upscale style and high-quality fit and finish. Due to the compact nature of the new Intelligent Power Unit (IPU) battery pack, the Accord Hybrid’s trunk capacity is increased by 0.8 cu. ft. to a class-leading 13.5 cu. ft. for plentiful cargo space.

The Accord Hybrid audio and digital experience is also significantly upgraded for 2017 with the application of a new 7-inch Display Audio touchscreen interface (EX-L and Touring trims) featuring Apple CarPlay™1 and Android Auto™1, as well as HondaLink Assist (e911) and HD Radio. Smartphone pairing is now simplified with a single USB cable connection, no longer requiring a separate HDMI cable connection. The new Display Audio system serves as the interface for new Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™, offering a multitude of new functions and features, including smartphone-linked navigation (Apple Maps or Google Maps), audio streaming, voice-controlled SMS text messaging and more.

Key Interior Features

  • Roomy and comfortable interior offers upscale style and high-quality fit-and-finish
  • Spacious layout offers room for up to five passengers
  • Roomy trunk  with more space for greater utility
  • Passenger volume, cu-ft.: 103.2 (100.8 EX-L/Touring)
  • Trunk volume, cu-ft.: 13.5
  • Extensive safety equipment including six airbags (See Safety and Driver Assistive Section for more information.)

Key Interior Technology

  • 7.7-inch “Intelligent” Multi-Information Display (i-MID )
  • Available 7-inch Display Audio touchscreen interface
  • Available Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™ with compatible cell phones
  • Standard Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink® with audio streaming
  • Pandora®4 integration with compatible cell phones
  • SMS text messaging function with compatible cell phones
  • Available Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System™ with Voice Recognition with HD digital traffic on Accord Hybrid Touring
  • Eco Assist™ driving system to enhance fuel efficiency
  • Standard dual-zone automatic climate control
  • Standard multi-angle rearview camera with dynamic guidelines
  • Standard Honda LaneWatch™
  • Standard Honda Sensing™

Interior Colors
The Accord’s interior palette is sophisticated and coordinated and is offered in black, and ivory – Tricot fabric in the Accord Hybrid and leather in the EX-L and Touring.

Interior Materials
Inside the Accord Hybrid, all tactile surfaces, from the interior door handles to the seat controls to the instrument panel, steering wheel and switchgear, are designed to be pleasing to the touch and easy to operate. The upper instrument panel is now one seamless piece of soft-touch material, the product of a new in-house Honda manufacturing process. This soft upper pad has an improved fit, a luxurious finish and an integrated passenger-side airbag cover. Tricot upholstery is standard in the Accord Hybrid, while EX-L and Touring trims have standard leather seating surfaces.

Accord Hybrid Interior Colors and Trim

Control Layout
During the development of the significantly freshened 2016 Accord, designers created a highly functional and intuitive interface between the vehicle and the driver, improvements that have been incorporated into the 2017 Accord Hybrid. Key design features include large analog instrumentation complemented by the new upper 7.7-inch color “intelligent” Multi-Information Display (i-MID) positioned high in the central part of the instrument panel. Positioned beneath the i-MID on the Accord Hybrid are the vehicle’s audio and HVAC controls. For EX-L and Touring trims, the hard key audio system is replaced by a 7-inch touchscreen Display Audio system. The final elements of the Accord Hybrid’s smart interface approach are its steering wheel mounted controls. By allowing the driver to operate a range of features without taking their hands off the wheel, the potential for driver distraction can be reduced in many situations.

Instrumentation
The Accord Hybrid has elegant analog instrumentation with a sophisticated and technical appearance. The centrally positioned speedometer is the largest feature in the instrument cluster. A Multi-Information Display (MID) is positioned in the center of the speedometer and provides a range of information and trip computer functions. The high-contrast white-on-black display can provide a wide range of information for the driver, including exterior temperature, trip information and much more.

MID information categories include:

  • Average fuel economy
  • Digital odometer and dual digital trip meters
  • Engine oil life
  • Exterior temperature
  • Instant fuel economy
  • Maintenance Minder™
  • Miles to empty
  • Energy flow indicator
  • Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)

Illuminated Eco Assist arcs on each side of the speedometer indicate when the vehicle is being operated efficiently. The speedometer is flanked by an analog tachometer, coolant temperature and fuel level gauge.

Sliding Sunvisors
To provide more flexible shading from the sun, all Accord Hybrids come equipped with sliding driver and front passenger sunvisors that can be extended four inches along their mounting shaft, a distance that provides perpendicular shade for the eyes even when the front seats are in their rear-most position.

Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror
Accord Hybrid EX-L and Touring trims feature an electro chromatic interior rearview mirror that automatically dims during nighttime driving to reduce glare from the headlights of following vehicles.

Multi-Angle Rearview Camera
A multi-angle rearview camera is standard on all Accord Hybrids, with three viewing angles (wide view, normal view and top view). Drivers may select the preferred view according to driving conditions. The rearview image is displayed on the i-MID display. All rearview camera systems feature distance dynamic guidelines that project the vehicle’s future path based on the driver’s steering inputs. For more information see the Safety and Driver Assistance Section.

Steering Wheel
For greater convenience, many of the controls that are most frequently used are positioned on the Accord Hybrid’s steering wheel within easy reach. An improved circular switch layout helps make operation simple and intuitive. All Accord models feature a manually adjustable tilt and telescope steering column that allows drivers to easily adjust the steering wheel position to their liking. For greater comfort, the Accord EX-L and Touring steering wheels are wrapped in upgraded leather using fine chain stitching for improved comfort.

Comfortable, Supportive Seating
Ergonomic seats with a supportive internal structure and comfort padding are roomy and accommodating. The front and rear seats are designed to help reduce the likelihood of neck injuries in rear collisions and the front seats have pronounced lateral support to help secure the occupant when cornering. Smoothly contoured shapes give the seating an appealing appearance and help make entry and exit easier. The front headrests are of a size to afford rear passengers a better view forward, and the headrests have soft padding for greater comfort. The side airbag technology allows a seatback heater in the front seats on EX-L and Touring models.

Interior Utility and Storage
The Accord Hybrid’s interior is designed to offer excellent day-to-day livability, with plenty of storage space. A revised center console adds to the Accord Hybrid’s versatility, and offers ample internal storage space. A USB port and 12-volt power outlet are positioned in front of the console, and another 12-volt power outlet is positioned inside the console. The padded console lid serves as a comfortable armrest for the driver or front passenger.

A pair of large cupholders are positioned just ahead of the storage compartment within easy reach, and there is a bottle holder and storage bin in each door. The rear seating area has a fold-down padded center armrest with dual cupholders.

Cargo Capability
Due to the new more compact Intelligent Power Unit (IPU) containing the hybrid battery pack, the Accord Hybrid’s trunk capacity was increased by 0.8 cubic feet to 13.5 cubic feet, now the largest within the competitive set. To make loading and packing easier, the largest area of the trunk floor is almost flat, the length of which was also increased by almost 3.5 inches. Storage hooks on the left and right walls make it easy to secure cargo.

The trunk is carpeted and lined, and a temporary spare tire is located in a well under a removable section of the cargo-area floor. For more information see the Body and Exterior Section.

Dual-Zone Automatic Climate Control
All Accord Hybrid models feature a dual-zone automatic climate control system with independent left and right temperature controls. A single temperature can be selected for the entire cabin, or the driver and front passenger can set different temperatures for their sides of the cabin. Dual adjustable vents located in the rear of the Sedan center console help keep rear seat passengers comfortable.

Eco Assist™
All Accord Hybrid models come with an Eco Assist™ function. Located on either side of the speedometer, Eco Assist has illuminated arcs that show if the vehicle is being driven in an efficient style. The system operates in essentially the same manner as on other Honda models, in this case with white and green “coaching” arcs that illuminate on either side of the speedometer. A white color signifies inefficient driving, while green means a more efficient driving style is being used. The color changes gradually in response to overall driving style.

ECON Mode
Every Accord Hybrid is equipped with a green ECON button to the left of the steering wheel. When the ECON mode is activated, several operating characteristics of the vehicle are modified for enhanced fuel efficiency. The drive-by-wire throttle system provides more gradual response and, to save additional energy, the climate control’s fan speeds are lowered incrementally, while other climate control system characteristics are altered based on the conditions.

EV Button
Immediately behind the shifter is an EV button that lets the driver select purely electric operation. A green EV icon lights on the instrument panel in this mode. When the battery charge is sufficiently depleted, EV Mode is automatically cancelled and the gasoline engine will automatically restart to recharge the battery in Hybrid Drive Mode or to power the front wheels in Engine Drive Mode.

HomeLink Remote System
The 2017 Accord Hybrid features the HomeLink wireless remote system. Built into the overhead module, HomeLink can be programmed with the remote-control codes of up to three devices, such as a garage-door opener, a remote lighting system, or a home security system.

Power Windows with Auto-Up/Down
All Accord Hybrid models have front and rear power windows with a one-touch auto-up/down driver’s and front passenger’s windows. In all models illuminated controls allow for easy operation at night.

Power Door Locks with Remote Entry
Power door locks are standard on all Accord Hybrid models, and a customizable auto-locking feature can be configured using the i-MID and steering wheel mounted controls. Remote entry is standard equipment on all Accord models. All Accord Hybrids have the keyless Smart Entry system.

Smart Entry and Push Button Start System
The Accord Hybrid includes Smart Entry and Push Button Start. The Smart Entry system lets the Accord Hybrid owner gain access to the vehicle without having to unlock it with the remote transmitter or a conventional key. The Smart Entry remote has a unique digital identity and the Accord Hybrid can be unlocked when the driver pulls one of the front door handles while the remote in his/her possession. When carrying the fob (or if all doors are unlocked), the trunk can be opened by pressing a button located on the underside of the Accord Hybrid’s trunk lid.

Once the driver has opened the door and is seated, the Smart Entry system allows the Accord Hybrid to be started by pushing the Engine Start/Stop button positioned on the instrument panel. When leaving the car, a press of the soft-touch button on exterior door handle locks all the doors. Alternatively, a press of the Lock button on the Smart Entry remote will also simultaneously lock all the doors. The Smart Entry system will not allow the transmitter fob to be locked in the interior or the trunk of the Accord Hybrid.

Remote Engine Start
All 2017 Accord Hybrids feature standard remote engine start. This enables drivers to start their vehicle in advance of the drive, thereby activating the climate control system with a target temperature of 72 degrees before he or she enters the vehicle. The system can provide owners with the comfort of a pre-warmed vehicle on a cold winter morning – or a pre-cooled interior on hot days. The system will automatically operate the heater, front and rear defrosters, front heated seats (if equipped) or air conditioning as needed.  

The remote engine start feature is built into the key fobs supplied with the vehicle. To start the engine remotely, the owner presses the LOCK button and then holds the ENGINE button for a second. The Accord Hybrid’s hazard lights will flash, indicating that the signal has been received. When the engine is started remotely, the wipers, lighting and audio systems remain off, and the security system remains set. The engine will run for up to 10 minutes after remote starting and can be extended by another 10 minutes using the same procedure, and then shut off automatically if the owner doesn’t reach the vehicle within that time. When the owner does get to the vehicle within 10 minutes, or extended period if the procedure is initiated a second time, the engine will keep running while the owner unlocks the vehicle, gets in, applies the brake and presses the Accord Hybrid’s START button, which turns on all of the vehicle’s systems.

Active Noise Control (ANC) and Active Sound Control (ASC)
Key contributors to the Accord Hybrid’s quiet, refined interior are Active Noise Control (ANC) and Active Sound Control (ASC). The two systems are comprised of dual overhead microphones, an ANC/ASC electronic processor, and the audio system’s four door-mounted speakers. ASC/ANC operates whenever the Accord Hybrid is running, even if the audio system is turned off.

ANC is designed to reduce low frequency sound in the cabin caused mainly by the roughness of the road surface. The overhead microphones pick up sound waves and send them to the ANC/ASC processor, which creates and sends a precisely timed “reverse phase” audio signal to a special amplifier. In turn, the amplifier drives the door speakers to cancel the original noise signal.

ASC is a related technology designed to improve the engine sound quality by making the sound pressure level more linear as the engine revs increase. Typically, engine noise doesn’t increase in a linear way with rising revs; instead there can be many resonances that create peaks and valleys in the sound pressure level and an uneven sound. ASC helps smooth out the engine sound by reforming the sound signal as needed and sending it to the door speakers offering benefits from idle to redline.

Instrumentation

Engine Immobilizer
Complementing the remote entry system is a standard engine-immobilizer system. A special electronically coded key prevents the car from being started-even if a mechanical duplicate of the key is used. A transponder, built into the key, signals the immobilizer control unit that the key is genuine. If the car is hot-wired, or an unauthorized key is used, the engine will not start.