There is so much to like and enjoy about the 2022 Honda Accord. But there could be even more to love about the 2022 Honda Accord Hybrid. Some were wondering how you could improve a near-perfect driving and ownership experience. But Honda may have done just that with its latest Honda Accord Hybrid variation.

So, what’s so different about the two Honda Accord models? And what makes the Honda Accord Hybrid potentially better? While most car buyers can agree to disagree on features, amenities, and driving dynamics, no one can dispute the amount of money saved by buying the Honda Accord Hybrid. Here’s how the data shakes out in a complete cost comparison.

The 2022 Honda Accord’s internal combustion engine versus the hybrid

The first substantial area of potential cost savings between the 2022 Honda Accord and the 2022 Honda Accord Hybrid is in the fuel economy projections. Looking at a side-by-side comparison chart with FuelEconomy.gov, the difference is clear. The Honda Accord Hybrid, in both its base and Sport/Touring variations, is impressive, with 47 mpg combined and 43 mpg combined, respectively. The 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, with hybrid technology, translates to annual fuel costs of $1,450 for the base model and $1,550 for the Sport and Touring models.

Alternatively, the traditional gas-powered Honda Accord demonstrates a more costly ownership experience with its internal combustion engine. The base model Honda Accord with its 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine, achieves an average of 33 combined mpg, with annual fuel costs hovering around $2,050. The next-level Honda Accord Sport/Touring versions come in at 32 mpg and $2,100 annual fuel expenses. Bumping up to the 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine compromises even more with a combined rating of 26 mpg and overall fuel costs at $2,600.

Using FuelEconomy.gov to estimate the overall cost savings between the two Honda models, the totals make a bit more of an impact. Considering today’s rising fuel costs, these are the savings metrics that might resonate with you most. The 2022 Honda Accord Hybrid can save between $4,750 and $5,250 over five years of ownership. The 2022 Honda Accord, in its gas-powered treatment, will only save between $2,000 and $2,250 over five years compared to the average 2022 vehicle on the market.

What Consumer Reports predict in savings

According to Consumer Reports estimates, a few vehicles will more than pay for themselves within the first three years of ownership. We shared the details about these vehicles, and it may not surprise you to learn the Honda Accord Hybrid is among them. Based on the $4 per gallon estimates and the Consumer Reports average of 12,000 miles of annual driving, or less, the “payback period” would extend to three years of ownership.

2022 Honda Accord Hybrid trims, MSRPs, and additional specs

If you want to look beyond the fuel efficiency side of the cost savings, it might be helpful to compare trims, MSRPs, and additional specifications for both the 2022 Honda Accord and the 2022 Honda Accord Hybrid.

The Honda Accord comes in six available trim options: the LX, the Sport, the Sport Special Edition (SE), the EX-L, the Sport 2.0T, and the Touring. Honda quotes the base MSRP as $26,520, with the higher-level trims and extras running upwards of $47,000.

The Honda Accord Hybrid is available in four trims, including the base Hybrid, the Sport, the EX-L, and the Touring. These trims come outfitted with the 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine married to the hybrid system capable of producing a total of 212 hp. 

Honda suggests the starting MSRP be roughly the same as the internal combustion engine version, around $27,320. At the highest end, it will cost $36,540. So there are even more cost savings to be had upon purchase.

Consider these cost comparisons if you’re wavering between the 2022 Honda Accord Hybrid and the 2022 Honda Accord Hybrid. In the end, the Accord Hybrid could save a ton of money, upfront, at the pump, and over time.