Honda Wins Wards Auto 10 Best Engine & Propulsion Award

Honda has long been a player in the hybrid vehicle space, offering some of the industry’s most refined and forward-thinking propulsion systems. The automaker has recently improved its hybrid technologies, making its electrified models more exciting to drive than their gas-only counterparts in some situations. Its efforts are getting attention and Wards Auto recently awarded the company with a spot on the “Wards 10 Best Engines and Propulsion Systems” awards for 2023.

Wards recognized Honda’s two-motor hybrid system in the 2023 Accord for its awards this year. The car shares its powertrain with the 2023 CR-V, with both hybrid models accounting for more than half of the models’ combined sales. 

Honda builds its two-motor hybrid system at its Transmission Plant in Ohio. The system uses a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, also built in Ohio, which has recently been redesigned with stronger components, including the cylinder head, crank, connecting rods, and camshafts. Honda built the parts in-house for the first time.

That powertrain produces a combined 204 system horsepower and 247 pound-feet of torque. Its electric motor gives the system a more energetic feel off the line, and it makes the Accord and CR-V much more engaging to drive as a result. Honda worked on throttle response and braking systems to make the vehicles as seamless and easy to drive as possible. Improvements to the brakes make stopping much smoother, as the regenerative system isn’t as grabby or jarring as many hybrids, and the same is true for the throttle, which feels linear and refined in everyday driving.

The new Accord Hybrid is also a marvel of value, bringing a long list of standard features, including a 12.3-inch touchscreen – Honda’s largest to date. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, Amazon Alexa, several USB ports, HD radio, and more come standard.

Honda also equips a generous suite of advanced driver aids, including forward collision warnings, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warnings, lane keep assist, automatic high beams, traffic jam assist, and more. 

If you’re interested in learning more about Honda’s hybrids, Rairdon’s Honda of Burien has you covered. We can answer any questions, and we’re more than happy to demonstrate the benefits of Honda’s electrified powertrains during a test drive.