The 2023 Honda Accord lineup, including the Accord Hybrid, has achieved top scores in crash tests conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the agency revealed on Friday.
Enhanced protection against side impacts, part of the redesign received by the Accord lineup for 2023, contributes to the improved performance. It now earns a “Good” rating in the updated side crash test, compared to a “Marginal” rating for outgoing 2022 models, securing it a spot on the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ roster.
The IIHS confirmed to Green Car Reports that it does not distinguish hybrids in its current ratings, so the results announced last week for the Accord apply to all versions, including the Accord Hybrid.
The requirements for Top Safety Pick status evolve as more automakers meet the criteria. The IIHS now tests front crash prevention systems under both daytime and nighttime conditions, and although those results for the Accord lineup are also respectable, there is room for improvement. The Accord Hybrid and other Accord models achieve the highest “Superior” rating in daylight but “Advanced” in the dark.
As in previous years, models must earn the highest “Good” ratings for small and moderate overlap front tests. The IIHS has streamlined roof strength, head restraints, and vehicle-to-vehicle categories this year.
In a review, the 2023 Honda Accord was praised for modest improvements in most aspects and being more enjoyable to drive than its predecessor. Its hybrid system tends to provide electric car-like driving capability and operates as a series hybrid at times. A reconfigured version of the powertrain, also given to the CR-V Hybrid, makes the Accord Hybrid feel more spirited at higher speeds.
Alongside the Toyota Camry Hybrid and Hyundai Sonata Hybrid, it stands among the midsize or large sedans with the highest fuel efficiency you can buy in the U.S., boasting an impressive range of 614 miles on its 12.8-gallon tank, according to the agency (based on the combined number).
As of the publication, the Camry Hybrid is on the 2023 Top Safety Pick+ list, while the Sonata Hybrid has not made the cut.
