2021 Honda Accord review
Honda Accord highlights
Customer rating
Pros
- Engines are both powerful and fuel-efficient
- Interior is cavernous and uses upscale materials
- Sporty handling makes it fun to drive
- Many advanced driver assist aids come standard on all trims
Cons
- Not as quiet as some rival sedans
- Low seating position slightly hampers entry and exit
Mileage (EPA estimate)
22 city, 32 highway, 26 combined
Pricing for current inventory
(no current inventory)
The smartly engineered 2021 Honda Accord adds wireless smartphone integration, enhancing its class-above feel
The Honda Accord leads its class of mainstream midsize four-door sedans with a winning blend of driving dynamics, technology features, and upscale refinement. Available with hybrid and conventional gas engines, standard equipment includes Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ smartphone integration, and advanced driver assist systems such as automatic emergency braking. A refresh for the 2021 model year added wireless smartphone integration, along with a few minor styling tweaks.
However, the Accord is more than the sum of its parts, and distinguishes itself by feeling a cut above its competitors. Credit goes to the upscale exterior and interior styling, which could easily be from a more expensive luxury brand. The Accord is also surprisingly fun to drive, with sharp steering and sporty handling, but maintains a comfortable ride around town. Our partners at Edmunds have found the Accord’s various powertrains don’t quite match their EPA fuel economy estimates in real-world testing, and we wish the interior was a little quieter, but those are minor quibbles for an otherwise class-leading car.
All Honda Accord years
Not sure what year to select? Learn about each Honda Accord generation from 2011 to 2024
What is new for the 2021 Honda Accord?
- The Accord is available in a new trim called the Sport SE.
- The EX trim has been discontinued for 2021.
- Accord trims have been upgraded with Rear Spoiler as standard equipment this year.
- The EX-L trim now comes with Parking Sensors as standard equipment.
- The LX trim now comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard equipment.
- The Sport trim now comes with Parking Sensors as standard equipment.
2021 Honda Accord trims
LX:
Includes dual-zone automatic climate control, four-speaker sound system, forward collision mitigation, adaptive cruise control, and more.
Sport:
Adds a rear spoiler, fog lights, leather-wrapped steering wheel, paddle shifters, rear-seat USB charge ports, and more.
Sport SE:
Includes all features available on the Sport
Leather Seats
Smart Key
Remote Start
EX-L:
Adds front and rear parking sensors, wireless charging pad, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, and more.
Touring:
Adds rain-sensing windshield wipers, heads-up display, low-speed anti-collision braking, navigation system, and more.
Honda Accord photos
5 reasons to buy the 2021 Honda Accord
What We Like
Upscale Feel: Even the base model Accord feels like an upscale car, and not just because of a good set of standard features. Instead, the Accord leaves the driver and passenger alike feeling as if they’re in a more expensive car. Credit goes to the entire package, from how the Accord is styled, to how it’s put together and how it drives.
Performance: The Accord is not a sport sedan, but you could be forgiven for thinking it might be after driving it for a while. Acceleration is average, although with the 2.0T that average is pretty quick, but the responsiveness to driver inputs is where the Accord really shines, responding quickly and smoothly to provide more power when you need it. The Accord corners well, with good grip and no surprises, and the brakes are also strong for smooth stops. We do wish the quick and accurate steering provided more feedback.
Storage: Honda’s reputation for space management is exemplified by the Accord. The trunk is huge, regardless of whether you choose a standard or hybrid drivetrain, and the interior features plentiful spots for small items. There’s a huge center console bin, and a cubby in the dash that easily accommodates a smartphone. Families will also appreciate the easy access car seat anchors in the rear.
What Needs Improvement
Fuel Economy: On paper the Accord has very competitive fuel economy, but our partners at Edmunds show that the Accord comes up short in the real world. Even the smaller 1.5-liter gasoline powered engine and the hybrids can’t quite match their EPA estimates, while other cars in this class can.
Similar vehicles
If you're interested in the 2021 Honda Accord, you should also check out these similar vehicles from Previous generation years.
If you're looking for engaging driving dynamics, check out the sport-styled 2017-2019 Honda Civic. Choose from three body types: sedan, two-door coupe, or hatchback. Stay in control with an available six-speed manual transmission, or enjoy the smooth ride of the continuously variable transmission. When equipped with the optional turbocharged 1.5L four-cylinder engine, the 2017-2019 Honda Civic gets an impressive EPA-estimated 32 mpg city and 42 mpg highway.
You'll get many in-demand features standard on a 2017-2019 Honda Civic, including:
LED daytime running lights
Four-speaker audio system
Multi-angle rearview camera
Automatic climate control
Bluetooth audio streaming
The Toyota Camry has something for everyone, with a range of trims designed to fit your lifestyle. This is a fantastic commuter car with some sporty touches, too. The 2018 Toyota Camry XSE V6 comes with sport seats, paddle shifters, dual exhaust with chrome tips, and, of course, a 3.6L V6 engine. Across the other Camry models, you'll find plenty of tech features, engaging driving dynamics, and a range of packages. Whether you're looking for something to take in the carpool lane or you want a sedan that's ready for long journeys, the Camry could be the car for you.
All 2017-2019 Toyota Camry XLE models include these standard features:
2.5L four-cylinder engine
18-inch alloy wheels
Blind-spot monitor with cross-traffic alert
Three USB ports
Three driving modes (Eco, Normal, Sport)
The newly-redesigned for 2019 Nissan Altima offers two engines: a 2.5L four-cylinder that outputs up to 188 hp and 180 lb.-ft. of torque, and a 2.0L VCT four-cylinder with 248 hp and 273 lb.-ft. of torque. The VCT engine is also shared with the Infiniti QX50 crossover, with unique adaptation abilities depending on driving conditions. For the 2019 model year, the Altima was offered with all-wheel drive for the first time. With a comfortable cabin and steering refinements, you'll find the 2019 Altima a sporty, fun ride. Seating five, this sedan is available in five trim levels: S, SR, SV, SL and Platinum. The base model includes automatic headlights, keyless entry, push-button ignition, remote engine start, rear view camera, forward collision warning, power-adjustable driver seat, 60/40 split-folding rear seat, eight-inch touchscreen display, Bluetooth phone and audio streaming, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and four USB ports, plus more.
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Ratings & reliability
RepairPal gave the Honda Accord an overall reliability rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Excellent. This rating ranks Honda Accord 5th out of 28 among Midsize Cars.
View RepairPal's full rating of the Honda AccordHonda Accord features and specs
LX 2WD 4D Sedan
Standard Features
- ABS Brakes
- Air Conditioning
- Alloy Wheels
- AM/FM Stereo
- Android Auto
- Apple CarPlay
- Automated Cruise Control
- Automatic Transmission
- Auxiliary Audio Input
- Bluetooth Technology
- Cloth Seats
- Lane Departure Warning
- Overhead Airbags
- Power Locks
- Power Mirrors
- Power Windows
- Rear Defroster
- Rear View Camera
- Side Airbags
- Traction Control
- Turbo Charged Engine
- Alloy Wheels
- Heated Steering Wheel
- Rear Spoiler
Drive Wheels
Front Wheel Drive (2WD)
Engine size
1.5L
Horsepower
192
Torque (ft-lbs)
192
Engine type
Turbo Gas
Fuel capacity
14.8
Wheelbase
111.4"
Overall length
196.1"
Width
73.3"
Height
57.1"
Leg room
F 42.3"/R 40.4"
Head room
F 39.5"/R 37.3"
Front tires
P225/50VR17
Rear tires
P225/50VR17
Seating capacity
5
Transmission
Automatic
2021 Honda Accord FAQ
The 2021 Honda Accord is available in multiple trims, each with its own estimated fuel economy, here are the EPA estimates for each trim:
- 30 MPG City and 38 MPG Highway
- 29 MPG City and 35 MPG Highway
- 30 MPG City and 38 MPG Highway
- 22 MPG City and 32 MPG Highway
- 29 MPG City and 35 MPG Highway
The Honda Accord received a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from RepairPal, which RepairPal describes as Excellent. This rating ranks the Honda Accord as 4 out of 28 among Midsize Car
The 2021 Honda Accord has received an average 5.0 out of 5 stars from our customers. If you're in the market for a 2021 Honda Accord, check out reviews from customers just like you. 2021 Honda Accord Reviews.
Here is what's new for the 2021 Honda Accord:
- Sport SE
- Rear Spoiler
- Apple CarPlay
- Android Auto
- Parking Sensors
More about the 2021 Honda Accord
Color options
Exterior colors:
Crystal Black Pearl
Lunar Silver Metallic
Modern Steel Metallic
Platinum White Pearl
Radiant Red Metallic
San Marino Red
Sonic Gray Pearl
Still Night Pearl
Interior details
Seats up to five passengers
Maximum passenger volume of 105.6 cu-ft.
Maximum cargo volume behind the rear seats of 16.7 cu-ft.
Fold-down rear seats
Leather upholstery on Sport SE trims upwards
NHTSA Safety Ratings
The 2021 Honda Accord received an overall 5/5 rating by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Find out more about this rating and how NHTSA’s 5-Star Safety Ratings program evaluates the crash protection and rollover safety of new vehicles.
Keep in mind that certain vehicles may have unrepaired safety recalls. Click here to look up a specific vehicle.
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We hope you found this information helpful. This content is intended to inform and is not meant to indicate that a particular vehicle is currently available or recommended for you.
Statements of fuel economy or EV range are based on EPA and other third-party estimates for vehicles when new. Fuel economy and EV range will degrade with time and vary based on age, driving conditions, vehicle history, and other conditions. See fueleconomy.gov for more info.
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