Minor update - test drives:
- Accord Hybrid: I likes the ride of the car. The hybrid system does well and is balanced. The trunk is quite small but that is too be expected in some ways. The seats are not as good as my current car (s60) but I know that volvo has made me a bit spoiled. The pickup from a red light is a bit underwhelming - not from an acceleration point of view - but rather sound. It sounds like the engine is uncomfortable revving up. I want to drive it again with some highway runs to see how it does over 60.

- Mazda 6: Obviously this will ride better than the honda. The seats are closest to the volvo in terms of comfort and sportiness. Drive is solid. I like the layout of the dash but the info screen seems a bit dated as compared to other cars. Obviously it is not a hybrid so mpg will pale in comparison.

- Sonata plug in: Drove this one today. I was impressed as I was not expecting much. The car is noticeably heavier than the other two for obvious reasons. It seemed to have more pep from a full stop compared to the Accord Hybrid. Layout was fine. Some quirks but nothing that is a deal killer. The dealer I went to did not have any non-plugin hybrids available to compare it to in stock. The trunk batteries have a better layout than the Accord

Side note - a buddy of mine has the Fusion Plugin and I have to take back what I said after sitting in it. It was nicer than I originally thought. That is my next test drive.

To answer a couple of questions above - My commute is average (25-30 mins each way). It is a mix of suburban and highway driving with just a little city at the ends. Some stop-and-go traffic on the way home. Some long trips on the weekends (family stuff). I average about 11-12k per year. I had the original Mazda6 (2003) which I really enjoyed and I like cars that drive well which is why the Mazda is on the list for me. I do like the concept of the hybrid though and I like to keep cars for 7-9 years (if possible).

 

If you can, I'd maybe wait a few months for the new 2018 Camry hybrid to hit the streets. If you're dead set on a hybrid, Toyota invented this technology and does it the best as far as non-plug in hybrids go. Since you are going to keep this car a while, the Toyota hybrids have been proven to be very durable and cheap to own over the long haul(ask all the UBER drivers who rack up miles in older and newer model Prius)

 

Test drove the Fusion Energi (Titanium package) and it was definetly the sportiest hybrid of the bunch. The trunk is the smallest though which is a problem. I will have to test drive the regular hybrid to do a comparison.

Oddly enough the dealer near me has some corporate 2017 Energi models (Titanium) with about 10,000 miles on them for about $9k off sticker price. The downside is that they would be sold used instead of new (no 0% financing available) but that is a decent chunk of change off the regular price of the car.

 

Honda Accord is more stylish and better choice here. I have driven it a couple of times and, wow, it is just awesome. Brandwise, Honda can be trusted more than Hyundai. Mazda 6 is a fair option too.

 

Accord isn't nearly as nice inside, or as refined a drive as the Mazda 6.

 

Good catch, and those other restrictions are what I generalized and will definitely make me shy away from a purchase. Bottom line is that Hyundai and KIA still do not feel like a solid purchase to me...maybe that will change in the future, though, like how Ford and Chevy came around with vast improvements (and government subsidy).

 

Of the 3 I would go for the Honda Accord Hybrid. The Accord is a excellent all around car with a very good powertrain and will have the best resale value. Is a hybrid really that important though? It is still pretty pricey at over 29K, the 4 and 6 cylinder versions get very good fuel economy, you would save a lot of money with the regular 4 cylinder, the 6 cylinder is very smooth and quick.

 

^^ I have a email price quote for a fully loaded Accord Hybrid (sticker $36,500) for $30,500. With that much taken off the car, it does make the math a lot easier.

 

If you are in doubt about the Accord Hybrid, check out the review by "Alex on Autos" available on you tube. He does a very thorough review and is unbiased. Hint: He loved it.
Steve

 

seems like an awesome deal and no brainer...

 

Alex is indeed a good reviewer....IMO one of the best.

 

Unless you get an Accord Sport or V6, I say the Mazda will be the most fun car to drive. Maybe its just me, but a car is more than fuel economy and interior room. I like a little sporty driving dynamics or somewhat utilitarian (suv or crossover).