2021 Honda Accord | Review & Road Test

For the latest Honda Accord pricing and information:

The 10th generation Honda Accord arrived for the 2018 model year. So no, it’s not new.

First, what’s new. Well, following a mid-cycle refresh…there’s the graphic…the Accord benefits from subtly refreshed exterior styling, updated features, and a new Sonic Gray Pearl paint color that I wouldn’t have mentioned if our test car hadn’t come covered in it.


As a man of the people, I’m pleased to note this vivid 8-inch touchscreen with its clearly distinguished icons, intuitive layout, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity have slinked their way down to the cheapest LX trim.


Honda has also updated the standard Honda Sensing suite of active driver assists. They say the adaptive cruise control decelerates more smoothly and that lane-keeping assist has a more natural lane-centering feel.



In terms of safety, a rear seatbelt reminder comes standard, and a low-speed braking control feature has been added to the Touring trim, utilizing the parking sensors to warn of impacts and automatically apply the brakes at speeds below 6 mph.


Elsewhere Honda has changed the accelerator yielding snappier responses…though maximum acceleration remains the same, while EX trims and above now offer all-LED lighting, wireless phone charging, Wireless CarPlay, and Android Auto, and rear USB ports, whose omission I complained about in my original 2018 Accord review.


For a “midsize” car rear-seat legroom is absurd. I’m too damn average to show it off. Mike Danger, show ‘em what I’m talking about.

Upfront the layout is simple and functional with clearly labeled buttons and controls. Oh, and when you turn the knobs they have a nice little click.

The trunk provides a healthy 16.7 cubic feet, enhanced by a sizable passthrough to the cabin.
-Speaking of, the cabin features a big center console, a deep USB-adjacent storage area, and a highly adjustable driver seat.

As a bonus, with the steering wheel set low as I prefer, I can still see the gauge cluster without obstruction.

Alright, that’s enough montage. It’s a useful gimmick I’d rather not wear out.

Amongst all the praise I should also note that more premium rear door panels might be nice in our $32k tester. I also noticed a sizable gap on the passenger side of the hood.


Moving on, the Accord drives really well. Visibility is clear in all directions, road noise is a distant rumble, and the steering provides satisfying heft with direct, predictable responses from the chassis.

Oh, let’s test that more responsive acceleration. Oh yeah, that’s snappier.


While on the subject of acceleration, the Honda Accord’s turbocharged 4-cylinder engine roster includes a 1.5-liter (192hp, 192 lb-ft) that’s powerful enough for most buyers' needs but there’s also a 2.0-liter (252hp, 273 lb-ft).


The 1.5-liter (up to 30city/38hwy) is matched to a continuously variable transmission that, among CVTs, is comparatively inoffensive. Meanwhile, the 2.0-liter (22city/32hwy) is partnered with a generally transparent 10-speed automatic transmission.


Filling out the powertrain lineup is the Accord hybrid whose two-motor hybrid powertrain (212 Total Horsepower) and lithium-ion battery pack deliver stellar efficiency for a midsize sedan. (up to 48city/48hwy)

In base sub-$25k form, the Accord LX includes dual-zone automatic climate control, 8 airbags including front knee airbags, and the previously mentioned Honda Sensing suite of active driver-assist technologies.


Available on higher trims are heated front and rear seats, leather, SmartKey entry to accompany the standard push-button start, ventilated front seats, and, reserved for the loftiest Touring trim, adaptive dampers to improve ride and handling.


Competing for your midsize sedan attention are the sporting Mazda6, the unexpectedly sassy Toyota Camry, the intriguing Hyundai Sonata, plus plenty of others (Nissan Altima, Kia K5, Subaru Legacy).

In short, you’ve got lots of great choices.

But if you come to me and say “Hey Micah, I’d like to buy a 10th-generation Accord”, I still happily give you my blessing.

00:00 2021 Honda Accord
0:25 Exterior
0:35 Interior
3:10 Driving Impressions
3:33 Engine Options
4:47 Competitors

[atl]

I just bought a '20 Accord Touring 2.0T and this car is seriously impressive. The torque is stellar and the car provides a smooth, engaging driving experience that exceeds its price point.

[iBoredomONE]

Just bought a 2021 Honda Accord sport in sonic grey pearl, and I’m in love!

[ronniematrix]

Whoever is designing these new Honda models is doing a terrific job. Great specs. Good review . Thanks.

[Saturdayz_In_The_Fall]

This car is much beautiful in person my goodness I cannot believe next year is the last year for this 10th generation Accord! They did so good with this generation.

[starzzzy]

I really want a small suv but these accords tempt me all the time, I love them!

[chknrsandTBBTROX]

That Sonic Pearl Gray looks just stunning

[floop]

Just bought one as a college graduation gift for myself, andI LOVE IT.

[cakenicole]

I’m getting my 2021 Honda Accord Sport tomorrow! Seeing these cars in passing does no justice but when I got up close to it and got inside
for a test drive. I was sold!

[arnieg]

I will say this… you can’t go wrong with either Camry and Accord, both are awesome cars and there are many reasons why they are leading sales in sedans !

[JamaicanMeCrazy]

I can honestly say that I was one of the few who loved the styling from the beginning. It was so divisive when it was launched

[KealeyOnCars]

Soooo I owned a 2018 Accord 2.0T Touring.... and I loved it. As much as I LOVE the sportiness of my Type R, the accord was more than quick enough for daily driving, it was a monumentally competent road trip car (33-37mpg on most trips), comfortable for commuting, handled well and really just never gave me any trouble. It made my life easier, was competent at everything I asked it to do and that to me, is a hallmark to a great car. I honestly want another one to daily drive in the crowded city streets of LA.

[doodledoofus]

Is Kelly blue book addicted to the ‘mid cycle refresh’ graphic?

No, addictions are unhealthy.

[normt]

11. Honda Accord

• Most common complaint: Service brakes (9 complaints)

• Total complaints 41

• 2019 sales (through Q3): 204, 463

• Vehicle type: Mid-size sedan

Among the 41 complaints about the 2019 Honda Accord filed with the NHTSA, the highest total were in regards to the brakes – specifically the automatic braking system. Several drivers reported the system automatically braking when there was no need. USAToday

[DryBonesandSilver]

As a 2018 1.5L Accord owner, I highly recommend getting the 2.0L--that powertrain can MOVE

[googleit]

I bought the 2021 Hybrid last month. It's a great car!

[andrewlawson]

Always makes my day when I see an upload in my feed. Thank you and a really great job Micah, Lyn and the whole KBB production crew behind the scenes

[jcobix]

I have a 2018 Sport 2.0T and it’s a pretty amazing car. I love the interior, power, tech and styling. For the price you can’t beat it.

[tristangardner]

I've been considering getting a Honda Accord among other vehicles for years. I've been a big fan of the Accord, by the way. I enjoy the safety features, the reliability, and the greater-than-average fuel economy. My grandparents owned a 1989 Honda Accord LX sedan for over two decades. The only thing was it wasn't driven enough, causing problems with the fluids and the battery. I miss that little car.

[georgezhu]

Once you pointed out the hood gap, I can’t unsee it lol 😂

[Tmny]

I honestly don’t know where Honda could go for the next generation I don’t think anything could look better then this