2021 Honda Accord

New Honda Accord prices have increased a bit compared to last year, with the base model now being $500 more expensive. The most affordable Accord is the LX with an MSRP of $24,770, followed by the Accord Hybrid at $26,370. Next is the Sport at $27,230, the Sport Special Edition at $28,720, and the Hybrid EX at $30,320, while the EX-L goes for $31,090 and the Hybrid EX-L costs $32,690. The most generously specified models are the Hybrid Touring at $36,240 and, finally, the Touring 2.0T at $36,700. All prices exclude tax, licensing, and registration costs. Honda Accord pricing also excludes a destination/handling fee of $955.

Most trims are available with just a single powertrain, but the Sport can be upgraded from the 1.5L engine and CVT gearbox to the 2.0L/ten-speed automatic for an additional $4,530. Honda doesn't offer much in the way of upgrades besides a few accessories, but a fully-loaded Honda Accord can cost nearly $43,000, including the destination fee.

While the Accord is the second best selling car in its segment, we view it as the current benchmark for a combination of comfort and driving dynamics. It's a sensible car for a family with its full suite of safety technology and all the basic modern tech needs covered, but it reminds us that sensible doesn't have to mean joyless. That applies to the Hybrid model as well, which is a few MPG down on some offerings from other manufacturers, but leads the class when it comes to putting your foot down and getting things moving.

For those on the fence about getting into a new car, now is a great time to pick up an Accord. Any kinks have been worked out of this generation, and the 2021 model year facelift is a welcome refinement.

With nine trims to choose from, there's an Accord for everyone. For most, we're inclined to recommend the Accord Hybrid as it brings the benefit of economy at the fuel pump, but without any compromise in driving dynamics. We would opt for the lower cost Hybrid EX trim, but understand the logic of using the gas savings to offset against the cost of choosing the loaded Touring model.

For gas-only models, the base LX model comes well stacked with features for the more frugal driver. The Sport trims are where the Accord delivers the extra edge Honda is known for when turning its hand to satiating enthusiasts. For those looking at a Sport trim, we recommend splashing out for the 2.0T version for the extra power. We can't quite justify the additional $1,490 on the Sport SE, though, unless wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and heated seats are absolute essentials on the features list.

For those more concerned with having all the bells and whistles than saving extra money, heading for the Touring package brings a lot of bang for the extra bucks and starts to challenge the German brands in its comfort and convenience.

At a starting price that is $3,720 below the Accord, the smaller Civic sedan offers many of the same Honda attributes for shoppers who don't need the extra space. Like the Accord, the Civic is an enjoyable sedan to drive, with quick steering and a comfortable ride. The Civic's base engine delivers just 158 hp, but it can be upgraded to a 174-hp 1.5-liter turbo. Still, the Accord offers more performance and the option of a hybrid powertrain. At just under ten inches longer, the Accord's bigger body frees up more cabin space and a larger trunk, although the Civic can't be called cramped. The Civic is more basic in other aspects as well, seen in its puny five-inch LCD screen fitted to the LX and the absence of Apple CarPlay/Android Auto on this model. There isn't a poor choice here, but the more luxurious Accord does mostly justify its higher price tag.

The top-selling Toyota Camry continues to be a segment stalwart, but is it actually better than the Honda Accord? At a starting price of $24,970 for the Camry, the two cars are very similarly priced. The gas-only Camry uses a 2.5-liter naturally-aspirated four-pot that is surprisingly efficient for its size, while a 301-hp 3.5-liter engine offers burly V6 power and potent acceleration. That 6-cylinder engine remains one of the Camry's unique selling points, plus the Toyota is available with AWD. The hybrid versions of both provide decent, if not spectacular, acceleration, but the Camry Hybrid is four mpg more efficient in a mix of city and highway driving. Although the Camry is more enjoyable to drive than before, it's the Accord that is even better suited to a twisty road. The Accord also has more space for rear-seat passengers and a bigger boot. We would not go so far as to say that the Accord embarrasses the Camry, but it just about does enough here to edge out its Japanese rival.