The Japanese Hybrid Car That Holds The Best Value After 1 Year

Hybrid cars are becoming increasingly popular in the U.S. as more drivers demand better fuel consumption returns because of the constantly increasing gasoline prices. New hybrid offerings benefit from the best balance of performance and efficiency thanks to extensive advancements made in the electromobility industry. The Japanese remain industry leaders in the gasoline-electric hybrid industry, which is why their products tend to benefit from some of the best depreciation rates in the industry.

There are a lot of factors that affect a car’s value once it hits the used market, but reliability and efficiency tend to be the most noteworthy attributes. There are quite a few Japanese hybrid cars currently available in the U.S., but one particular and highly trusted option stands at the very top when it comes to holding the most value after the first year of ownership.

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A Honda Accord Hybrid Loses $3,887 In One Year

The new Honda Accord Hybrid starts at $33,655 for the entry-level Sport trim. The EX-L costs $34,940, followed by the Sport-L at $35,375 and the Touring at $39,300. J.D. Power gives the 2023 model year an 88/100 rating for resale value, which is the highest score compared to any other Japanese hybrid car.

For reference, the 2023 Camry Hybrid gets 83/100 resale rating, and the Corolla Hybrid 82/100. According to CarEdge’s depreciation calculator, you can expect the base derivative to be worth $29,768 after three years and 12,000 miles, reflecting an 88.45 percent value retention. This equates to a $3,887 depreciation. Within the three years, it loses $9,999, followed by an $11,651 value decline after the fifth year. The same calculator estimates that within 10 years, the same car will be worth $14,724, reflecting an $18,931 loss in value and 43.75 percent value retention.

Using the Consumer Reports valuation tool, a one-year-old Honda Accord Hybrid EX-L with 12,000 miles on the clock in outstanding condition should fetch $33,675. It’s worth noting that only five percent of cars remain in outstanding condition, as it needs to reflect almost the same condition you would find them when they leave the showroom. These values are also based on private sales, so these are the highest and most preferable values you can expect to enjoy. Using the same parameters for the base Camry Hybrid reveals that it loses just under $3,000, revealing a marginally worse depreciation rate.

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The Best Way To Keep Your Accord’s Value High

The Honda Accord Hybrid typically manages to retain strong value in the used market, but there are some habits you can form if you want to maximize how much of its value it holds within the first year of purchase. Regular maintenance should be your priority. Thankfully, this is a very easy aspect to stay on top of in the first year, because the Accord Hybrid will only need a minor oil and filter change. Beyond this, you’ll need to stick to as per the manufacturer’s suggested intervals and ensure that you take it to a Honda-accredited workshop. The HondaCare package includes three years or 36,000 miles worth of services, which you can optionally extend for a year.

It’s also very important that you subject the Accord Hybrid to careful driving and general usage. This includes protecting the exterior and interior through regular cleaning and maintenance. Staying on top of these aspects will show potential buyers that the car has been well-maintained and can prevent costly issues from arising, which is always the biggest concern when shopping in the used market. It goes without saying that you should avoid aftermarket modifications, as they will reduce resale value. Thankfully, it’s highly unlikely that you’ll find aftermarket parts in a new Honda Accord Hybrid. While it may be impractical, it’s worth keeping the mileage low by minimizing unnecessary trips, especially if you only plan to keep the car for three years.

If your Accord Hybrid sustains any cosmetic damage, you’ll have to get it professionally repaired immediately, before any corrosion sets in. Any structural damage to the car will obviously massively affect its value, and there really isn’t anything you can do to resolve this. There’s also a lot of value in protecting the upholstery by using seat covers and mats, and cleaning spills immediately to avoid staining. Keeping the interior clean and free of odors is crucial for resale appeal. This rings especially true for smokers, as tobacco smells have one of the strongest impacts in this area.

It would also be good to stay up to date with any recalls or software updates, and consider purchasing a Honda extended warranty to reassure future buyers. Selling the car privately rather than trading it in at a dealership can also help you get a better resale price. If you’re looking for the perfect time to sell, you’ll have to stay informed about market trends, as timing your sales when hybrids are in high demand will maximize the amount of money you get.

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The Accord Hybrid’s Reliable Reputation

While the Honda Accord Hybrid is a relatively new car, the brand has equipped it with its trusted drivetrain configuration that benefits from one of the best reliability reputations in the industry. The start of the show is the brand’s direct-injection Atkinson-cycle 2.0-liter four-cylinder LFC5 engine, which is known to be one of the most reliable engine families ever made. It gets support from a pair of permanent-magnet motors that act as an eCVT direct-drive unit to the wheels. Interestingly, Honda opted to turn down the new-generation Accord Hybrid’s power output, resulting in improved EPA-estimated efficiency ratings.

Consumer Reports awards the Accord Hybrid range with a 66/100 predicted reliability score, which isn’t the best in its class, but remains a very respectable result. There are currently no active recalls for the Honda Accord Hybrid, marking a great start for the new-generation model. There are two active communications relating to the suspension and windshield wipers. J.D. Power holds it to a higher standard, with an 80/100 quality and reliability rating.

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Honda Accord Hybrid Performance Specifications

In terms of performance, the Accord Hybrid produces a combined 204 horsepower and 247 pound-feet to the front wheels. In return, you get to enjoy some really impressive fuel consumption returns, including an EPA-estimated 48 MPG result on the combined cycle and up to 614 miles on a single tank of gas with some help from the 1.06 kWh battery pack.

It’s not the best-performing car, but it still manages to pull in a 6.5-second 0-60 MPH time and 125 MPH top speed limit. While the Accord Hybrid finds a pleasant balance between performance and efficiency, the Camry Hybrid still gets better efficiency ratings, with a 51 combined MPG estimate and 663-mile range claim.

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The Honda Accord Hybrid Faces Stiff Competition

While the Honda Accord Hybrid may be a very attractive proposition, it still has to compete with the likes of the Toyota Carmy Hybrid and Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. These are two rivals that offer an equal level of performance and efficiency, making the niche midsize gasoline-electric hybrid sedan segment a very competitive arena. The Honda Accord Hybrid has thus far maintained a respectable lead over the South Korean option, but it continues to struggle against the Camry, as per the first three quarters of this year. Toyota now sells the Camry as a hybrid-only option, which benefits from a higher combined power output, better efficiency estimates, and a lower starting price.

Despite this, Honda maintains a very respectable margin away from the Camry. This is primarily thanks to the reputation that the brand has built with the moniker, particularly in the U.S. This is primarily thanks to a combination of its consistent reliability, fuel efficiency, and long-term value. Since the badge was first introduced in the country in 1981, it has offered a balance of practicality, performance, and affordability, making it a top choice for families and commuters. Owners praise its durability, often seeing high mileage with minimal major issues, which reinforces trust in the brand.

Despite this competition, it’s still very impressive to see that Honda’s midsize hybrid sedan manages to maintain so much value as the years pass. Value retention in today’s market is a real challenge to maintain, as brands tend to push new products out more frequently. It appears that consumers will always value reliability and efficiency much more than