Staunton and Charlottesville drivers hunting for the perfect, family-ready hybrid sedan have a few options to choose from, but there's one model that stands out in the crowd regarding fuel efficiency and safety ratings.
If you're caught in the decision between the 2017 Honda Accord Hybrid and the 2017 Ford Fusion Hybrid, there are some differences you should know about. Read our one-to-one comparison to see which model comes out ahead:
Engine and Fuel Economy
Honda Accord Hybrid
The 2017 Accord Hybrid is powered by a 2.0-liter inline-4 combined with an AC synchronous permanent-magnet electric motor with a lithium-ion battery pack in the rear. The engine is mated to a continuously variable automatic transmission and makes a net 212 horsepower and 232 lb-ft of torque, making it a powerful and decidedly fun-to-drive sedan.
According to EPA estimates, the Accord Hybrid gets 49 MPG city and 47 MPG highway, making those trips to Richmond or Virginia Beach a little easier on the wallet.
Ford Fusion Hybrid
The 2017 Fusion Hybrid has a 2.0-liter inline-4 engine combined with an AC synchronous permanent-magnet motor, mated to a continuously variable automatic transmission. On paper, the engines look similar, but the Ford model makes slightly less horsepower at a net 188 and 129 lb-ft of torque.
The Fusion also lags behind the Accord in fuel economy, getting an EPA-estimated 43 MPG city and 41 MPG highway.
Safety
Honda Accord Hybrid
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety named the 2017 Accord a Top Safety Pick+. It earned best possible scores in small and moderate front overlap impact, side impact, roof strength, and head restraint and seating tests. The IIHS also named its front crash prevention system Superior, and gave it Acceptable ratings for headlights and child seat anchors.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gave the 2017 Accord a best-possible 5-Star Overall Rating. It earned four stars in frontal crash, and five each in evaluations for side crash and rollover. The NHTSA has reported no recalls on this year's Accord.
Ford Fusion Hybrid
The 2017 Fusion was named a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS, but fell short of the + due to Poor ratings in headlight tests and a Marginal rating for child seat anchors. It did, however, earn best-possible scores in all other crash tests by the organization.
Meanwhile, the NHTSA gave the 2017 Fusion a 5-Star Overall Rating. It earned four stars overall in frontal crash tests, five stars in side crash, and four stars in rollover. The NHTSA reports one recall for the 2017 Fusion, which affects the rear seat back pivot pins. According to the organization, models were recalled because if the pins failed, it could send cargo stowed in the trunk into the back seat in the event of an accident.
Pricing
Honda Accord Hybrid
Starting at $29,605 MSRP
Ford Fusion Hybrid
Starting at $25,785 MSRP
