Tire well space in the 2021 Honda Hybrid models

Ask them what the safety hazards are . I am guessing they think the tire will catch on fire.

They told me that. But why have a tire well in place? You know some owners will supply their own tire. If they get into a tire / hybrid battery related accident you know who will answer to that. Like the Toyota floor mats and customers replacements getting the gas pedal jammed. I returned my Accord Hybrid and got a non hybrid Accord only because of the lack of a spare tire. .

It's the same body as the non-hybrid, which has a spare tire. Both cars would cost way more if they changed it. Yes, you can buy the parts for a spare, but it is not recommended. Too close to the battery.

Because they use the exact same chassis as the other models. Making a custom body for a hybrid would be more expensive. Do the math but most hybrids are really not worth the extra cost.

Sure Honda just wanted that extra 1/2 mile per gallon for their hybrid by saving the 25 pound weight of the spare and jack. With the fact that most upper end hybrids come with a sunroof and heated everything the cost goes up $3,000 and more just to get an average 5-10 mpg.

@F_O_R: The Accord Hybrid costs $1,600 more than the 1.5L Turbo version of the same car. It is rated at 48 mpg, as opposed to 33 mpg; at $3/gallon, that's $62.50 per 1000 miles as opposed $90.91. It takes 56K miles to make up the difference. Now, consider the fact that Motortrend says the 1.5L turbo does 0-60 mph in 7.6 seconds, the hybrid takes 6.7 second, and the premium engine (2.0L turbo) takes 5.7 seconds. So the increased performance could be considered to be worth half the difference.

From my searching, here's my best understanding of the safety issue and why Honda doesn't recommend putting a spare in that well below the trunk. The hybrid battery is located under the back seat. In a severe rear-impact collision, a spare in that compartment would be driven forward and into the battery compartment, causing who- knows-what: fire, electrocution hazard, etc. So how about carrying a spare in the trunk, above that hidden compartment. A rear collision would drive the tire into the back seat, above the battery compartment. Safety problem solved by giving up some trunk space. That's what I've done.

I just took delivery of a 2024 Accord EXL Hybrid and like others, I'm wondering what they are thinking by not including a spare tire with tools to change it. What would those engineers do on a country road in the middle of a rainy night? So I bought the complete kit from Modern Spare ... not cheap but with shipping and a holiday discount the price is $470 all in. As for where to put it I ordered a nice fitted bag for the entire package. I called the dealer and was told DO NOT put the spare in that well that looks like that's where it should go. (Battery issues) So I'll put the bag package in the truck and give up a fair amount of space but it's not a show stopper. Just my wife and I so the most we put there are groceries or overnight bags for a local trip. First world problem solved. LOVE the car.