Latest news with #IIHS
Yahoo
21 hours ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
This 2025 Hybrid Isn't Flashy—Just Smart, Sleek, and Budget-Friendly
Let's face it—going full EV still feels like a leap for many drivers. That's why hybrids are having a moment in 2025: they're practical, efficient, and don't come with the range anxiety or price tag of a full-electric switch. And guess what? You don't need to splurge on something flashy to get the good stuff. Some of the most innovative tech on the market is hiding inside affordable, no-fuss sedans that are way more clever than they look. If you want a daily driver that's easy on gas, packed with brains, and totally drama-free, there's one midsize hybrid sedan from a big-name Japanese brand that nails the formula. It's smart where it counts, subtle where it matters, and ready to make your everyday drive a whole lot better. In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from the Honda website and other authoritative sources, including the EPA, IIHS, J.D. Power, and the NHTSA. If you're after a midsize sedan that keeps things low-key on the outside but genius-level smart on the inside, the 2025 Honda Accord Hybrid is calling your name. It skips the showboating and gets right to the good stuff—like a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen with Alexa built in, plus Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and wireless charging. You also get clever touches that make daily life easier, like Smart Entry with walk-away auto lock and remote start for those too-cold or too-hot mornings. And across the lineup, Honda loads it up with safety tech that's actually useful, not just a long list of buzzwords. We're talking collision mitigation, blind spot alerts, adaptive cruise, traffic sign recognition, and more. Unsurprisingly, it snagged an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award and a five-star NHTSA crash rating, with J.D. Power giving it solid marks and zero recalls so far—just a couple of minor notices. Smart, safe, and seriously reliable? That's the Accord Hybrid for you. Under the hood, the 2025 Honda Accord Hybrid combines brains with efficiency. It pairs a 2.0-liter Atkinson-cycle engine with not one but two electric motors, one for driving and one for generating power. These motors work together in both series and parallel setups, depending on what the car needs in the moment—pretty clever, right? Power flows from a compact 1.06 kWh lithium-ion battery that keeps the system humming without taking up too much space. In short, it's a smooth, responsive setup that feels more high-tech than you'd expect from a sedan this practical. Honda keeps things smooth with a direct-drive eCVT transmission, complete with handy deceleration selectors. You also get a four-mode drive selector—Sport, Economy, Individual—and a Motion Management System to tailor the ride to your mood. Under the hood, the Accord Hybrid packs a combined 204 horsepower and 247 pound-feet of torque, sending power straight to the front wheels. That means a zippy 0 to 60 mph in just 6.5 seconds and a top speed of 125 mph—quick enough to keep things interesting on your daily drive. Get ready to smile every time you fill up, because the Accord Hybrid delivers some seriously impressive fuel numbers. Think 51 mpg in the city, 44 on the highway, and a combined 48 mpg that stretches your tank way farther. Speaking of tanks, with 12.8 gallons, you can cruise up to 614 miles before hunting for gas again. According to the EPA, that adds up to about $3,500 saved on fuel every five years, roughly $950 a year, leaving more cash in your pocket for the fun stuff. Driving 25 miles will set you back just about $1.62—that's cheaper than your daily coffee run. Filling up the tank? Around $40, which feels pretty sweet for all the miles you get in return. If you're leaning toward the Premium Sport or Touring trims, expect slightly different numbers: around 46 mpg city, 41 highway, and a solid 563-mile range. That still adds up to about $3,000 saved on gas over five years, or roughly $1,050 a year, plus $1.77 to drive those same 25 miles. The 2025 Honda Accord Hybrid kicks things off with the $33,655 Sport trim—anything but basic. You get bold 19-inch alloy wheels, full LED headlights, a slick black spoiler, and even a trunk that opens itself (because why not?). Inside, it's all about comfort and convenience: cloth seats, a one-touch sunroof, dual-zone climate control, an 8-speaker sound system, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel that feels just right. Plus, the rear seats fold 60:40, so you've got flexibility for gear, groceries, or an impromptu weekend getaway. Want a little more luxury with your efficiency? Step up to the EX-L trim at $34,940, and you'll roll on 17-inch aero wheels, enjoy heated side mirrors, and settle into plush leather seats—complete with a memory-setting driver's seat that remembers exactly how you like it. If you're after a bit more edge, the $35,375 Sport-L Hybrid brings attitude. It wears 19-inch black alloy wheels, a gloss-black spoiler, a rear diffuser, and heated front seats to keep things cozy when the temperature drops. The Touring model is the top of the range at $39,300 and pulls out all the stops. You'll get ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, Bose premium audio, HD Radio, a head-up display, and even a memory function for the front passenger seat—because they deserve luxury, too. All trims come standard in Crystal Black Pearl or Solar Silver Metallic, but you can upgrade to standout shades like Radiant Red or Urban Gray for $445. Want more flair or protection? Honda offers accessory bundles ($333–$445) and 19-inch HPD wheels for $2,040. Don't forget the $1,150 destination fee that applies across the board. Every Accord Hybrid comes with Honda's solid standard warranty: three years or 36,000 miles of general coverage, plus five years or 60,000 miles on the powertrain. They'll even back you up with a five-year, unlimited-mile corrosion warranty—because rust never sleeps. Need a part replaced? You're covered for a year; any genuine accessories come with a generous three-year or 46,000-mile warranty. Hybrid systems get three years or 36,000 miles of coverage, but the big-ticket item—the battery—is protected for a full eight years or 100,000 miles. Roadside assistance is included for three years, and if you're planning to hang onto your Accord for the long haul, Honda's extended warranty options let you customize that peace of mind. Honda's hybrid battery warranty has your back if the battery fails due to defects in materials or workmanship—basically, if it breaks, and it's not your fault, you're covered. It's a nice layer of reassurance when driving around with a pricey battery under the hood. That said, it doesn't cover damage from misuse, accidents, or extreme conditions (think off-roading or desert heat). And if you've modded your ride in a way that messes with the hybrid system? That's a no-go too. Wear and tear over time, like the battery slowly losing juice, is also not covered. So don't expect a new one just because the range isn't what it used to be after a few years. Remember that towing, rental cars, and off-the-books repair shop fees aren't included either. Plus, you'll need to show you've kept up with regular maintenance at Honda-authorized centers if you want to make a claim. When they do replace your battery, it'll likely be a reconditioned one, not brand-new, but it still gets the job done. Coverage details can vary depending on the model year, so it's worth checking the fine print for your specific Accord.
Korea Herald
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Korea Herald
Hyundai, Kia outpace competition in safety ratings
Over 100 models of Korean auto conglomerate earn top safety recognition from US institute Hyundai Motor Group has earned the highest number of top safety recognitions from the US Insurance Institute for Highway Safety over the past five years, the Korean auto conglomerate said Friday. According to the auto group, its three brands — Hyundai Motor Company, Kia, and Genesis — combined for a total of 106 Top Safety Pick or Top Safety Pick Plus ratings from the IIHS between 2021 and 2025, followed by Toyota Group with 80 and Volkswagen Group with 62. The IIHS, established in 1959, is a non-profit organization that evaluates vehicles sold in the US. Its annual safety ratings serve as a major benchmark for the automotive industry's safety standards. The Korean auto conglomerate's safety technology has earned top ratings in Europe as well. The European New Car Assessment Programme, or Euro NCAP, awarded its maximum five-star ratings to all electric vehicles launched by Hyundai Motor Group in the region, including the Hyundai Ioniq 5, Ioniq 6, the Kia EV6, EV9, EV3, and the Genesis GV60. The Euro NCAP has been releasing annual assessments of cars sold in Europe since 1997, based on four protection criteria: adult passengers, child passengers, pedestrians, and safety assistance systems. Hyundai Motor Group pointed its safety-first research and development efforts as a key factor behind its continuous growth on the international stage. The auto conglomerate sold 5.4 million cars in 2021, 5.61 million in 2022, 5.97 million in 2023 and 5.98 million in 2024 worldwide. According to Hyundai Motor, each model undergoes over 100 crash simulations along with an average of about 3,000 virtual crash tests using supercomputers to refine safety systems to ensure the maximum level of safety. The Korean auto conglomerate has developed multi-frame structural designs, ultra-high strength steel and structural adhesives to enhance the rigidity of vehicle bodies. The group has crafted a number of advanced driver assistance systems, or ADAS, such as forward collision-avoidance assistance, lane keeping assistance, lane departure warning and intelligent speed limit assistance to advance the level of safe driving.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
One Unexpected Automaker Dominated 2025 IIHS Safety Rankings
One Unexpected Automaker Dominated 2025 IIHS Safety Rankings originally appeared on Autoblog. Safety is important to most new car buyers, and one metric customers look at is the IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) crash safety ratings. As an independent non-profit organization that tasks itself with evaluating vehicle safety, the group's ratings are generally considered more or less synonymous with how safe a vehicle might be in an accident. For 2025, the automaker that takes home the most victories may surprise you. But then, if you've been paying attention, maybe it won't. View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article It wasn't Volvo, it wasn't Subaru, and it wasn't any number of other brands you might have guessed. Hyundai Motor Group earned 15 IIHS Top Safety Pick and Top Safety Pick+ (TSP and TSP+) awards. But you shouldn't be so surprised, as it's the group's second consecutive year winning this award. The Genesis G90 took home a TSP award, and the list of TSP+ winners is considerably longer, including electric models like the IONIQ 5 and IONIQ 6, mainstays of the brand like the Hyundai Tucson and Santa Fe SUVs, and sedans like the Elantra and Sonata. Earning a TSP or TSP+ rating isn't easy and hasn't gotten easier for 2025. In fact, the organization added stricter requirements for second-row occupants just this year, updating the moderate overlap front test. How do the usual suspects compare? Currently, the IIHS lists three Subaru vehicles as award winners: the Forester, Solterra, and Ascent. Volvo's only winners are the XC90 and XC90 plug-in. While it isn't even close, there is a small asterisk next to Hyundai's accolade. Hyundai Motor Group comprises the Kia, Hyundai, and Genesis brands. Most automakers rely on a single nameplate, or at most two, which means there were simply fewer opportunities for awards. Another factor to consider is that some of these vehicles are, underneath, very similar or almost identical. For example, both the Elantra and K4 won TSP+ awards, but are mechanically almost twins. But hey, that doesn't make them any less safe. View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article Even with some fine print, the latest round of IIHS safety awards paints a vastly different picture of the Hyundai Motor Group than what you would see even ten years ago. In 2015, Hyundai and Kia each had four award-winning vehicles, and only the Tucson and Genesis took home TSP+ designations. The latter of which, remember, was a standalone model, rather than an entire brand as it is today. A growing portfolio has a lot to do with it. Hyundai had around a dozen models back then, but today, it has 19 to choose from. Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis have taken giant steps forward over the last few years, and safety is just one area where the Koreans have exceeded expectations. Need proof? Look no further than offerings like the IONIQ 5 N, which seems to reinvent what it means to be an engaging-to-drive EV. Remarkable what a few years of progress can add up to, isn't it? One Unexpected Automaker Dominated 2025 IIHS Safety Rankings first appeared on Autoblog on Jun 30, 2025 This story was originally reported by Autoblog on Jun 30, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Poor mental health, police cuts fueled pandemic spike in impaired-driving deaths
An IIHS study about the rise in impaired-driving deaths during the COVID-19 pandemic finds mental health issues as well as cuts to police rosters played a role. ARLINGTON, Va., July 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- A national mental health crisis and reductions in policing may have helped fuel an increase in impaired-driving deaths during the COVID-19 pandemic, while the role of more liberal alcohol policies was unclear, a new study from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety shows. 'These results reinforce the need for a Safe System approach that incorporates multiple measures to combat impaired driving,' IIHS President David Harkey said. 'Sobriety checks and other visible policing efforts can only happen if we have enough officers. We should also boost programs that include treatment for substance abuse and mental health disorders.' In 2019, prior to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, 28% of passenger-vehicle drivers killed in crashes had a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08% or more, the legal limit in most states. In 2020, as the effects of the pandemic set in, that proportion increased to 30% and remained elevated through 2022. Increases in self-reported depressive episodes and suicide plans and reductions in full-time law enforcement personnel were both associated with rises in impaired-driver deaths, an IIHS analysis of fatal crashes from 2018-22 showed. The effects of changes in alcohol policy were mixed. Allowing home delivery of alcohol from bars and restaurants was associated with more impaired-driver deaths, but allowing those establishments to sell to-go drinks was associated with fewer. At the most basic level, the rise in impaired driving was related to an increase in alcohol consumption, studies conducted by researchers from other organizations have shown. In surveys conducted in May 2020, 60% of U.S. adults reported they had been drinking more with the onset of the pandemic. Sales figures for alcohol also showed a higher volume sold from March 2020 to August 2021 than in the same months in 2017-19. Mental health factors likely contributed to those increases in consumption. During the pandemic, many Americans struggled with the isolation of lockdown, stress related to lack of child care and lost income, anxiety about health risks, and other issues. A one-point increase in the percentage of adults reporting a major depressive episode over the past year and a half-point increase in the percentage who reported making suicide plans were associated with 304 and 322 additional impaired-driver deaths per year, respectively, the researchers found. Meanwhile, there was a reduction in policing around the same time, which may have reduced any hesitation that drinkers had about getting behind the wheel. Concerns about contracting COVID prompted some departments to scale back on traffic stops and other routine work. Various municipalities also reduced police funding after the killing of George Floyd in May 2020, and many departments put less emphasis on proactive enforcement in the months that followed. An average loss of five full-time law enforcement officers per 100,000 residents nationwide over 2018-22 was associated with an annual increase of about 214 more impaired-driver deaths. The new alcohol policies had as large an impact, but the two changes moved the needle in opposite directions. The number of states that allowed bars and restaurants to make home deliveries of alcohol rose from 21 to 37 between January and December of 2020, and the number allowing such establishments to sell alcohol to go increased from 21 states to 45. Home-delivery policies were associated with around 304 additional impaired-driver deaths per year in the states that adopted them. In contrast, for reasons that remain unclear, to-go policies were associated with about 450 fewer deaths per year in states with those rules in place. For the most part, the mental health indicators, police employment levels and alcohol policies showed similar trends in separate analyses of crash deaths of drivers ages 16-20 and in single-vehicle, nighttime crash deaths of drivers of all ages and drivers ages 16-20. However, the effects of all the variables were much smaller for younger drivers. 'It's notable that the effect of the mental health crisis was more pronounced than the reduction in policing, as the mental health dimension of the impaired-driving problem receives comparatively little attention,' said study author Angela Eichelberger, a senior research scientist at IIHS. While there have been efforts to bring a mental-health-oriented approach to impaired driving, they are relatively rare. One example is designated DUI courts. Staffed by prosecutors and judges who specialize in driving-while-intoxicated cases, these special courts have been shown to reduce repeat offenses by incorporating counseling, support groups and mental health programs with intense supervision. The National Treatment Court Resource Center reports that there were 295 DWI courts across the United States as of 2024. For more information, go to The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) is an independent, nonprofit scientific and educational organization dedicated to reducing deaths, injuries and property damage from motor vehicle crashes through research and evaluation and through education of consumers, policymakers and safety professionals. IIHS is wholly supported by auto insurers. CONTACT: Joe Young Insurance Institute for Highway Safety 504-641-0491 jyoung@
ArabGT
6 days ago
- Automotive
- ArabGT
Is It Just You? Nope—Visibility Is Worse in New Cars
It's often joked that 'they don't make things like they used to,' and when it comes to vehicles, that cliché might just hold water—especially regarding visibility. Forget conspiracy theories about built-in obsolescence or intentionally shortened gadget lifespans; this time, it's about something more tangible and measurable. If you've ever sat behind the wheel of a modern car and felt like you just can't see as well as you could in your old ride, you're not imagining things. A new scientific study proves you're absolutely right. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Transportation's Volpe Center, has unveiled a new method to assess how much a driver can see out the front and sides of a car. Using a special portable camera setup, researchers captured the driver's field of vision, then used that data to calculate what percentage of the area directly in front of the vehicle—within a 10-meter radius—is actually visible. This new technique highlights just how much of the road is being obstructed by modern design elements like thicker A-pillars, higher hoods, and bulky side mirrors. This isn't just theory—it's backed by data spanning 25 years and multiple generations of some of America's most popular vehicles: the Chevrolet Suburban, Ford F-150, Honda Accord and CR-V, Jeep Grand Cherokee, and Toyota Camry. The findings? Frontal visibility has significantly decreased across nearly all models. ' Take the Honda CR-V, for example: drivers could see 68% of the area within 10 meters in the 1997 model. Fast forward to 2022, and that visibility plummeted to just 28%. The Chevrolet Suburban saw a similar drop, from 56% in 2000 to 28% in the 2023 version. The Ford F-150, which started off at 43% in 1997, dipped to 36% by 2015. The sedans fared slightly better. The 2003 Honda Accord offered 65% visibility, and the 2023 version still retained a respectable 60%. The Toyota Camry dropped from 61% in 2007 to 57% in 2023. These declines, though smaller, still reflect a troubling trend. Why does this matter? Because limited visibility isn't just a nuisance—it's a safety issue. Between 1997 and 2023, pedestrian and cyclist fatalities in the U.S. rose sharply—by 37% and 42% respectively. While the study doesn't draw a direct cause-and-effect line, it strongly suggests a correlation worth investigating. Ironically, while cars have gained more technology to aid visibility—think backup cameras, blind-spot monitors, and 360-degree sensors—these same tools may be enabling designers to rely less on glass and more on metal, reducing natural sightlines. Some vehicles, like the Polestar 4, have even eliminated rear windows entirely in favor of digital screens. It's also worth noting that the very safety standards intended to protect occupants may be contributing to this decline in visibility. Thicker A-pillars and more structural reinforcement help in rollover and crash tests, but they also block a driver's view. The IIHS itself has encouraged some of these changes through its safety ratings, inadvertently pushing automakers toward designs that obscure outward vision. The conclusion from the Volpe Center is clear: this new visibility-measuring technique offers valuable insight, and the trend it reveals—diminishing forward visibility—deserves further scrutiny. As vehicle designs evolve, it's crucial that outward visibility remains a core part of the safety conversation—not just for those inside the car, but for everyone sharing the road.
