New Honda Accord Hybrid Rated at 47 mpg

Honda Motor Co. has unveiled official photos of the 2014 Accord Hybrid due in U.S. dealerships in October.

The car delivers an estimated federal combined fuel economy rating of 47 mpg (49 mpg city/45 mpg highway).

That compares with 38 mpg for the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid, 41 mpg for the Toyota Camry Hybrid, 47 mpg for the Ford Fusion Hybrid and 50 mpg for the Toyota Prius.

Honda did not announce pricing, but observers predict the Accord Hybrid will start at roughly $37,000.

The new model shares most of its front-drive powertrain with the Accord Plug-in introduced by Honda in January. Components for both models include a lithium-ion battery, 166-hp electric traction motor and 2.0-liter Atkinson-cycle 4-cylinder gasoline engine that makes 141 hp. The electric motor (along with a smaller second motor used to recharge the battery) fits within an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission.

The new system replaces an unpopular earlier hybrid layout that Honda phased out five years ago. That configuration sandwiched a less powerful electric motor between a five-speed manual transmission and 3.0-liter, 253-hp V-6 engine. The setup was noticeably quicker than a standard V-6-powered Accord but managed a relatively unimpressive ratings of 24 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway.

The new configuration operates in electric mode at low speeds and during low-load higher-speed cruising, engine-only mode under higher-load conditions and a combined hybrid mode during brisk acceleration.

Honda distinguishes the hybrid from the standard Accord sedan with badging, blue-accented grille and light lenses, LED daytime running lights, turbine-style wheels and a rear deck lid spoiler.