2018 Honda Accord Hybrid starts at $25,100, undercuts predecessor model by $4,500

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It arrives in dealerships on March 23 packing Honda’s latest two-motor hybrid system

The 2018 Honda Accord Hybrid will arrive in U.S. dealerships from March 23 as the automaker's latest electrified vehicle that gets the new two-motor hybrid powertrain. Despite being based on an all-new platform and packing more sophisticated technology, the 2018 Accord Hybrid is significantly cheaper than its predecessor.

The starting MSRP is $25,100 (excluding $890 destination), which accounts for a $4,505 drop compared to the previous-generation model.

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The 2018 Accord Hybrid comes in five trim levels: Hybrid, EX, EX-L, EX-L Navi, and Touring. The base model's standard specification includes 17-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights (low beam) and taillights, dual-zone climate control, Smart entry with Push-button Start, a 7-inch TFT digital driver's meter, a multi-angle rearview camera, and the Honda Sensing suite of advanced safety and driver-assistive technologies.

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The driving assist pack includes Adaptive Cruise Control with Low-Speed Follow, Collision Mitigation Braking System, Road Departure Mitigation, Lane Departure Warning, and Traffic Sign Recognition.

The 2018 Honda Accord Hybrid is powered by the third generation of the company's two-motor hybrid powertrain that pairs a 2.0-liter i-VTEC Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder gasoline unit with 40-percent thermal efficiency to an electric motor that delivers 232 lb-ft (315 Nm) of torque for a total system output of 212 horsepower. There's also a second electric motor that works as a generator.

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As with the previous Accord Hybrid, the 2018 model's two-motor system operates without the need for a conventional automatic transmission. The powertrain operates by shifting between three distinct drive operations: EV Drive (all-electric), Hybrid Drive (electric motor and gasoline engine driving the generator motor), and Engine Drive (gasoline engine), utilizing power from the ICE and electric motors.

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The sedan features steering wheel-mounted Deceleration Selectors that help maximize energy generation via regenerative braking. Similar to transmission paddle shifters, the selectors toggle between four levels of regenerative braking performance. EPA fuel economy ratings are 47 mpg city/47 mpg highway/47 mpg combined.

The 2018 Honda Accord Hybrid features a 32-percent smaller intelligent power unit (IPU) that is now mounted under the rear floor instead of in the trunk. As a result, the sedan features a 60/40-split rear seat and provides the same passenger and cargo space as conventional Accord models.

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READ MORE: Honda Insight Prototype accurately previews production hybrid model