24 MPG combined is a reasonable figure for the 2016 Honda Accord V6, but its value lies beyond just fuel economy. This isn’t a hybrid focused on only being frugal; instead, it’s a mature, refined mid-size sedan that provides a satisfying mix of power, reliability, and comfort. People who want a confident, responsive driving experience, but still need a practical family car, are the ones who choose the V6 Accord. They understand that more power means a trade-off at the pump, but consider the performance and smooth character worth it.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates for the 2016 Honda Accord V6 are 21 MPG in the city and 32 MPG on the highway. These numbers show typical driving: stop-and-go traffic in town versus steady speeds on the highway. That 32 MPG on the highway is respectable for a six-cylinder engine and shows Honda’s engineering ability. It also means that longer commutes and road trips won’t cost too much at the gas station. The city figure, while lower, is still competitive for its class, especially when considering the engine’s strong power.

Annual fuel cost

According to the EPA, the estimated annual fuel cost for the 2016 Honda Accord V6 is $1,800. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with a set percentage of city versus highway driving, and using the national average fuel price when the data was gathered. Individual fuel costs will change based on local fuel prices and personal driving, but $1,800 is a good baseline.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA gives standard fuel economy estimates, real-world mileage can be different. Aggressive driving, hard acceleration, and hard braking will lower fuel efficiency. However, using cruise control on the highway and watching traffic can help get numbers close to, or a little better than, the EPA estimates. The S6 automatic transmission also helps; its shift programming focuses on fuel economy in normal driving, but quickly downshifts for fast acceleration when needed.

How it compares

Knowing the competition is important. The 2016 Toyota Camry V6 also gets around 21 MPG city and 30 MPG highway, similar to the Accord. A 2016 Nissan Altima 3.5 SL has similar MPG numbers. The 2016 Chevrolet Malibu 2.0T gets around 22 MPG city and 33 MPG highway in a model with similar horsepower. These small differences should be weighed against handling, interior comfort, and reliability. Looking at this ACCORD MPG across all years could also show that the fuel economy on the 2016 is better than previous renditions. For those considering fuel efficiency higher on the list of priorities, it is worthwhile to consider all Honda fuel economy data. The existence of models that were not V6 that may have had better ratings.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Maintain correct tire pressure. Under-inflated tires increase rolling resistance, making the engine work harder and use more fuel. Check your tire pressure often and inflate them to the pressure on the sticker inside the driver’s side doorjamb.

Avoid unnecessary idling. If you’re stopped for more than a minute or two, turn off the engine. Modern engines start quickly, and idling uses fuel without moving. Especially helpful for city driving with traffic.

Use cruise control intelligently. On flat highways, cruise control keeps a steady speed, which helps fuel efficiency. However, on hills, it can sometimes cause downshifts and more fuel use. Use it wisely.

Anticipate traffic flow. Smooth acceleration and slowing down are more fuel-efficient than fast changes. By looking ahead and predicting traffic, you can reduce braking and keep a more steady speed. This is more helpful than people realize as consistent driving helps save fuel more than fast acceleration.

Keep your vehicle maintained. Regular oil changes, air filter replacements, and spark plug maintenance are important for engine performance and fuel efficiency. A maintained engine runs smoother and more efficiently than one that is neglected, saving money.