We take a look at the new 2021 Honda Accord and examine the new features and what sets it apart from the previous Accord models.
Family sedans are a rapidly shrinking segment of the car industry, but a bright spot in an otherwise bleak landscape is the Honda Accord. Known for its impeccable driving dynamics, good value, and practical design, the Accord just keeps getting better and better.
The 2021 Honda Accord has some small style changes and a whole host of new features to brag about.
It's worth noting that if you're one of the tiny minority who liked the midsize sedan because of its manual transmission option, you may be disappointed. Just as the Honda warned, they have done away with the six-speed manual transmission option.
For everyone else, let's take a look at how the sedan continues to get better with its 2021 changes.
What's New in the 2021 Honda Accord
The new 2021 Honda Accord has a host of changes that make it a great option for a family sedan. Both small and large, cosmetic and operational, the updates to the 2021 Accord have been carefully thought out to meet the user's needs.
Some Small Design Changes
To start with, Honda has given the Accord models a light style refresh. Changes include a tweak to the grille design, new optional LED headlights, new alloy wheel designs, and a brand new color - Sonic Gray Pearl.
The USB ports have been relocated for easier access and they have introduced a Sport SE trim. This new trim combines the equipment of the obsolete EX trim with the styling of the Sport trim.
A Better Base Accord
Last redesigned in 2018, the Accord's entry-level option, the LX, has some new standard features to brag about. With excellent handling and a sleek interior, Honda has recalibrated the throttle response on all models for better off-the-line performance. With the standard Honda Sensing suite of active safety features, what more could you ask for?
In 2021 smartphone owners will be thrilled to know that Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, are now standard. These were options previously only available in higher-up models. The 2021 Accord lineup will now all include an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Andriod Auto compatibility, and wireless phone charging.
The Accord LX also gains a new rear-seat reminder, to prompt you to check the back seat for a child before leaving the car, and a rear seatbelt reminder.
Performance and Fuel Economy
In 2021 you can pick from 2 turbocharged four-cylinder options or a hybrid that goes light on the fuel consumption. Regardless of which engine you choose, the Accord handles flawlessly, making navigating winding roads or long stretches of highway a delight.
The 2021 lineup starts with a 192 hp turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder, and the line tops off with a 252 hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder 10-speed automatic with seamless automatic shifting.
The steering is light, accurate, and predictable, striking a beautiful balance between a sports sedan and a family car.
Honda has done away with the previous V6 option, in favor of the two turbo fours, with positive results. In real-world highway testing, the new four-cylinders returned strong results.
Interior
The Accord's interior is deceivingly spacious, with roomy rear seats capable of comfortably seating large adults, or accommodating multiple child seats.
The no-options trim structure means that most feature decisions are made for the driver, but every Accord has a sleek interior and offers varying creature comforts.
The top Touring model gives the owner all the bells and whistles, with heads up display, heated rear seats, and heated and cooled leather front seats. But the lower models also offer their own charms.
The sedan has a spacious trunk, making grocery trips a breeze. It has 17 cubic feet of cargo space, showing up its competitors by offering unrivaled amounts of room. If you are after the Hybrid, it loses no cargo space as a result of its components.
Infotainment and Connectivity
All models now come standard with touchscreen infotainment an 8-inch display. USB and Bluetooth are also available in all models, and as previously mentioned so are Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability. The system is user-friendly for all, with an intuitive design that will make navigation a breeze even for the least tech-savvy users.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
The 2021 Accord has a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick classification from the IIHS.
It boasts an array of standard driver-assistance features in all models, including:
- Automated emergency braking
- Lane assist
- Adaptive cruise control
Also available are blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and parking sensors for an additional cost.
The Hybrid Gets Better
The 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid has received some tuning changes to its gas-electric hybrid powertrain to more closely link the engine revs to a feeling of acceleration. In previous models, the engine revs could fall out of sync with the vehicle's speed and acceleration, so this improvement will be welcomed with open arms.
The hybrid once again has a peak of 212 hp from its two electric motors and gas engine, along with 232 lb-ft of torque. Its fuel economy is estimated to stay the same, 48 mpg in the city, and 47 mpg on the highway. As previously, the Hybrid option is offered in base, EX, EX-L, and Touring models.
2021 Honda Accord Pricing
The Honda Accord 2021 price is as competitive as ever, with its base model starting at $25,725 for gas or $27,325 in the Hybrid. The top-end Touring Hybrid will set you back a competitive $37,195, while the gas Touring asks $37,665. Honda Accord Sport models sit within this band, depending on which option you select. With finance available, getting your hands on the Accord is even more achievable.
Buying a Honda Accord
The improvements Honda has made to the 2021 Accord show they've been listening, making both cosmetic and practical changes to make the new Accord a strong competitor in the family sedan category. The enhanced safety and better useability make the Accord hard to go past.
With both new and used options available, come along to Gerald Jones Honda for a test drive today.