2021 Honda Accord

 The EX-L trim is the best pick according to us as it adds a whole lot of driver aids and technological features. Some of them include wireless smartphone integration, a 10-speaker audio system, wireless charging, blind-spot monitoring, and many more. But if you can afford to shell out a bit more, then you can get the Sport 2.0T trim as it offers a more powerful 2.0L engine. 

A slew of trims means there’s probably an Accord for just about every need- The Car Connection

Honda has added a new trim level for the 2021 Accord lineup called Sport Special Edition and discontinued the EX trim. The other trims include LX, Sport, EX-L, Sport 2.0T, and Touring 2.0T. Prices begin from $25,985 and ranges up to $37,915 for the top-end model. Also, the manual gearbox has been dropped this year and there is no AWD drivetrain available as well. 

The Accord comes with a decent list of features on every trim level and hence, Honda does not offer any major optional packages. Only a few appearance upgrades are available. The $510 Black Accent package adds a black grille and black accents on the rear side. The base LX trim can be fitted with wireless charging and front and rear parking sensors for $350 and $259, respectively. 

The 2021 Honda Accord is a miserly choice, as long as you shop carefully- The Car Connection

The fuel economy is more or less a mixed bag for the Honda Accord. The base 1.5L turbo-4 engine is the most efficient among the lot. It is good enough for 30 MPG in the city, 38 MPG on a highway, and 33 MPG combined. Switching to the 2.0L turbo-4 sees a reduction in fuel economy as it drinks a lot of fuel. 

The EPA-estimated numbers are 22 MPG in the city, 32 MPG on the highway, and 26 MPG combined, which is quite a considerable drop but can be forgiven for the extra power it packs in. The Accord is fitted with a 14.8-gallon fuel tank, which at its full capacity, can deliver a maximum of 488 miles combined.  

The Hyundai Sonata has very similar fuel efficiency as the Accord but it offers the least range here. The fuel ratings of the Toyota Camry and the Nissan Altima are exactly the same but the Camry has a better power to economy ratio. On the other hand, the Altima's large tank translates for the highest range. 

Material quality is also among the best in class, and we like the current Accord's stylish cabin design- Autotrader

The inside of the Honda Accord is handsome and stylish. The dash is very well laid out and the quality of materials used is really very good. The steering wheel design looks good and feels nice to hold. It is leather-wrapped on some trims. The lower trims come with cloth upholstery but you get leather-trimmed seats on higher models. The seats are well contoured and the cushioning is also just perfect. 

They are broad and large, and even the rear seats are wide enough to accommodate three adults abreast, though you do sit in a bit of a knee-high position in the back. Space in the back is extremely impressive even for a car with a sloping roof. There's still a lot of headroom and plenty of legroom and to make sure those at the back are even more comfortable, there are two cupholders and USB ports. 

The Accord boasts one of the largest trunks in its class. Pop the trunk and you will notice 16.7 cubes of cargo space, which is enough room to stuff in your shopping or grocery bags. Moreover, the leftover height is also low and therefore, loading items will be easy. On the center of the dash, an 8-inch touchscreen is now standard across the range and so are Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

Wireless smartphone integration is available on higher trims. The touchscreen prompts quickly to the user's inputs. The interface is user-friendly and navigating through the menus is also easy. The audio system widely differs depending on the trim that you buy. There is a standard 4-speaker system with the LX trim while with the mid trims you get an 8 and 10-speaker audio system. Standout interior features include:

• Dual-zone automatic climate control
• Auto-dimming rearview mirror
• Leather steering wheel
• Power front heated seats
• Cloth & leather upholstery
• Remote start
• Proximity keyless entry
• 8-inch touchscreen w/ smartphone integration
• 4/8/10-speaker sound system
• Wireless charging 

The Honda Accord maintains a more conservative yet handsome design- Kelly Blue Book

The Honda Accord is a very understated but very smart-looking car. Just like the interior, its exterior is also kept very clean, and there isn't much of a mess here like some of the Koreans. The front, just like other Hondas, is dominated by a big chrome grille that joins the two headlamps, and we especially loved the way it gets into the headlamps. The big bold Honda logo in the middle of the grille and the bumper design looks really good.

The low bonnet profile even adds up to the sporty character of the car, and the cuts on the bonnet make it look a bit edgy as well. Honda played it safe by keeping the design a bit traditional and not adding unnecessary lines and creases to it. Still, the fastback body style is very significant to the Accord and certainly looks good as well. The low curb weight and wide wheelbase of the Accord aids in quicker acceleration and a spacious rear row. 

The Nissan Altima's ground clearance is around 0.6 inches lower than the Accord. This helps to increase its potential for speed, though it is slower than the Accord. The Hyundai Sonata has a slightly wide wheelbase than the Accord but still offers less rear legroom. The Toyota Camry weighs a bit more than the Accord and hence, its acceleration is a bit slow. Some other exterior features are:

• LED auto high-beam headlamps 
• LED DRLs
• LED taillights
• Fog lamps
• Heated exterior mirrors
• Chrome exhaust tips
• Chrome grille
• 17, 18 & 19-inch alloy wheels

An array of standard driver-assistance features puts crucial crash-avoidance technologies in every Accord- CarAndDriver

Honda builds some really safe cars and the Accord is no exception. It has been awarded the 'Top Safety Pick +' award by IIHS which makes it one of the safest cars in the segment. It aced all the tests of IIHS including the highly notorious small front overlap tests. It also scored 5 stars in all the tests by NHTSA.

Every Accord is available with a Honda Sensing Suite which includes a bevy of driver-assist features. As you climb the trim ladder, more safety features are added to the list. Besides this, the eight airbags system also plays its role in occupant protection. Some of the standout safety features include:

• Collision Mitigation Braking 
• Road Departure Mitigation 
• Adaptive Cruise Control with Low-Speed Follow
• Forward Collision Warning
• Lane Departure Warning
• Lane-Keeping Assist 
• Traffic Sign Recognition 
• Blind Spot Monitoring
• Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
• Head-Up Display
• Rear-Seat Reminder
• Front & Rear Parking Sensors
• Driver Drowsiness Monitor
• Automatic Emergency Braking

2021 Honda Accord vs 2021 Nissan Altima

The Nissan Altima is one of the best-looking cars in the segment. It is less athletic than the Accord but it offers a cushioned ride quality and great gas mileage. It offers less rear legroom and cargo space than the Accord but adults can sit comfortably. Its interior is also not as refined as the Accord. Overall, the Accord’s class-leading driving dynamics and interior space make it a better option for enthusiasts.

2021 Honda Accord vs 2021 Toyota Camry

The Toyota Camry scores high on reliability quotient, and with its optional V6 engine, it offers agile acceleration. Both cars have excellent fuel economy and boast a roomy cabin. However, the Accord's trunk space is larger in size. The Camry offers more tech features and some might also like the quirky styling of the sedan. Both sedans are excellent sedans and it all comes down to personal preference. 

2021 Honda Accord vs 2021 Hyundai Sonata

The Hyundai Sonata is another strong contender in the midsize sedan segment. Its optional turbocharged engine isn't as powerful as the Accord and its driving dynamics are also less engaging. But it is known for its healthy list of standard features and long warranty. The Sonata's cabin is adult-friendly, though the Accord offers more rear passenger space. On the safety front, it ties in with the Accord. 

The 2021 Honda Accord offers exceptional value for money and is among the safest sedans in the class. Even the base trim gets a long list of safety features, some of which are not even available as optional extras in others. Also, the Accord’s cabin is also the most spacious and practical one. Though the CVT on the lower trims might not be something everyone will like, the 10-speed gearbox paired with the 2.0L motor is enough to put a smile on our faces.