The 2017 Honda Accord Hybrid is a sensible way to go green (pictures)

After disappearing for a year, the Accord Hybrid has returned!

It's rocking a fresh set of front and rear fasciae, similar to the revamped 2016 Accord.

The hybrid model features several specific touches, including blue-tinted LED headlights, a special aluminum hood and new wheels.

And, of course, the Accord Hybrid has plenty of hybrid-specific badges littered about.

Standard equipment includes Honda Sensing, a safety-system package that includes automated emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane-departure mitigation and adaptive cruise control.

Mated to Honda's dual-motor electric system is a 2.0-liter, Atkinson-cycle, four-cylinder engine. Net power output is pegged at 212 horsepower, 16 higher than before.

The Accord Hybrid also features a unique gauge cluster.

The addition of a charge/drain meter and battery level indicator let you know this isn't some flashy gas-powered car.

The 2017 Accord Hybrid will achieve an EPA-estimated 49 mpg city and 47 mpg highway.

Honda claims this is the highest EPA fuel economy rating of any midsize hybrid sedan.

The car operates in three different modes.

EV mode allows the car to move on electricity alone, for short distances with light engine load.

In hybrid mode, the electric propulsion motor drives the front wheels while the gas engine powers a second electric motor to supplement current drawn from the battery pack.

In "Engine Drive" mode, the gas engine connects to the propulsion motor, and both drive the front wheels.

The lithium ion battery has been compacted to increase trunk space to 13.5 cubic feet.

That's apparently enough capacity to make it best in class among midsize hybrids.

The 2017 Accord Hybrid goes on sale this spring, but pricing is not yet announced.