In the past, the Honda Accord has always seemed to be one of those sedans that just tend to tick all the right boxes. Good looking, check; good fuel economy, check; fun to drive, check; easy on the checkbook, double check. But now, in a world where crossovers are the favorable option and fuel economy is preferred over performance, Honda is going strong into a losing battle with a whole new take on their new generation Accord.

The new Accord is, uhhh¸ interesting to say the least… it’s not a very handsome car with Honda taking a far more conservative approach to its design. Granted, most of the previous generation Accords seem to carry a cautious design; but their subtle details gave it a polished, attractive look.  However, you have probably heard the old saying opinions are like butts, we all have one; and while you’re probably more familiar with the inappropriate version of that statement, my opinion on looks only matter when I’m paying the monthly payment.  

However, should you happen to agree with my persistent outlook, breathe for a moment, and continue reading for though I may not approve of its anti-personality skin, it’s what’s underneath that really counts. And in the eyes of our parents, that’s what really matters, right?

Using the same over-complicated hybrid system in the Honda CR-V, the Accord Hybrid is a phenomenon. Since the explanation of the CR-V’s powertrain is long winded, I’ll sum it up…. It’s not the usual hybrid set up where a standard hybrid uses a gasoline engine to apply power to the wheels and is then supported by an electric motor as a sort of crutch to fill in the gaps and save on fuel. Instead, the Accord Hybrid uses an electric generator to supply power to the front wheels – the generator is then powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and an electric motor energized by some batteries under the floor. Truly is some complicated engineering.

Overall, the system provides a total output of 204-combined horsepower through a direct-drive transmission. Despite the loss of the 2.0-liter turbocharged engine from the previous generation, we get the sense that this hybrid system will satisfy those that desire more performance out of their Accord. Now, it’s not nearly as quick as the 2.0T, but with 0-60-mph, in 6.5-seconds, it doesn’t feel slow either. Because the Accord essentially doesn’t have a transmission; Honda has incorporated a false sense of reality with a computerized transmission that gives the sound and sensation of a traditional multi-geared system; so, you the driver, isn’t the wiser.

At least one thing is for certain with this new generation, Honda kept the spirit of the Accords driving dynamics alive. It continues to handle well with nicely tuned steering and balanced body control in the corners. It’s not something you’d seek thrills on a mountain road, but for the daily commute it gives a more gratifying sensation of driving. The suspension, however, was a tossup; there were moments when the Accord felt planted with solid composure and other moments when an unsuspecting bump in the road would send the suspension into a I don’t know what do unflattering jolt.

If you’re familiar with the all new Civic and CR-V, then you won’t be surprised to find the same sort of interior in the Accord. Which in the grand scheme of things, feels out of place. Had the Accord been first to release this interior, we’d probably be more impressed and then wowed by the premium findings in the Civic; however, with the Civic first launched, the Accord feels like a mere copy and not nearly as upscale as its price tag leads to be.

Inside, the styling is at least a little more interesting with a comfortable setting for all passengers and decently outfitted with technology. However, to get some of this technology, Honda doesn’t exactly make it easy for the average consumer. A non-hybrid Accord LX starts at $27,295, but let’s say you want the larger 12.3-inch touch-screen and Wireless Apple CarPlay connectivity, you have to step up to the $31,345 Sport Hybrid. And if you want your Sport Hybrid to have leather seats like ours did, that’ll be an extra $2000 with the Sport-L Hybrid starting at $33,325; thus, saving all the extra amenities for the $37,340 Touring Hybrid with Google Built-in software, a Heads-Up Display, upgraded Bose Sound System, ventilated front seats, a wireless phone charger and 360-degree camera.

Prior to receiving our example Accord Hybrid Sport-L, we were informed of the impressive fuel economy with the chance of achieving over 50-miles-to-the-gallon. At first, we were skeptical, but as the weekday commutes pressed on, it became a game to see how long we can maintain that 50-mpg rating. Unfortunately, the demands of our job required more 75-mph freeway driving and ultimately dropped our average to 43.3-mpg’s combined, darn near hitting it close to the EPA rated 44-mpg combined. Overall, it is still an impressive figure from a mid-size sedan that provides a healthy balance of driving enjoyment and comfortability, even if it is a bit boring to look at.