2021 Honda Accord Hybrid Review

　　

2021 Honda Accord Hybrid Review

byCameron RogersManager, News

　　Cameron Rogers has worked in the automotive industry since 2013. He has tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Today, he leads the news team in developing cutting-edge news articles, opinion pieces and sneak peeks at upcoming vehicles. Favorite cars that he's driven during his tenure at zzdcar include the 991-era Porsche 911 Turbo S, Rolls-Royce Ghost and several generations of Honda Odyssey (really).

　　If you guessed the Accord Hybrid is just like a regular Honda Accord but with a highly economical hybrid powertrain, well, you'd be right. Honda has compromised little of its already excellent Accord platform with its latest hybrid generation, which debuted for the 2018 model year. For 2021, Honda has made a variety of changes to enhance the car's appeal.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.04 per gallon for regular unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$80/mo  for Accord Hybrid Base

　　Accord Hybrid Base

　　4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) - $26,370 MSRPEX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) - $30,320 MSRPEX-L 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) (Most Popular) - $32,690 MSRPTouring 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) - $36,240 MSRP

　　vs

　　$164/mo

　　Avg. Midsize Car

　　The Accord Hybrid's styling is a little different, with the most noticeable being a restyled grille. For 2021, there are also some new and improved technology features, including wireless functionality for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration. Fuel economy is unchanged at an EPA-estimated 48 mpg, but Honda has made changes to make the engine quieter and smoother. So how good is the 2021 Accord Hybrid? Check out our Expert Rating for our in-depth evaluation.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.

　　Great

　　8.1

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

8.0/10

　　How does the Accord Hybrid drive? The Accord Hybrid is a solid performer overall. It accelerates well at low and moderate speeds. In our testing, it covered 0-60 mph in a relatively sprightly 7.6 seconds. Like most hybrid sedans, the Accord runs out of breath at higher speed, and that means you might need to take more care when passing on the highway. In typical driving conditions, the operation of the Accord's hybrid system is almost imperceptible.

　　The Accord Hybrid is stable and composed in moderate-speed cornering. You can take it along a curvy road and enjoy yourself. But we will note that we tested the Touring trim, which has adaptive suspension dampers and grippier 19-inch tires. Lesser Accord Hybrids might not be as athletic. In our emergency braking test, our test car stopped from 60 mph in 118 feet, which is slightly shorter than average. Around town, the brake pedal is consistent and makes it easy to stop smoothly.

　　

Comfort

8.0/10

　　How comfortable is the Accord Hybrid? Refinements to the Accord Hybrid powertrain have resulted in a quieter driving experience with better engine isolation, fixing our major complaint with the previous car we tested. The four-cylinder engine can still be a bit noisy at full throttle or when climbing longer grades, but it now operates in the background as you'd expect. The climate system remains a high point, featuring easily understood labels and controls, with vents that offer good air distribution. Most people will be able to find a comfortable seating position, but some of our editors found the seats too firm.

　　It's not an exaggeration to say the Accord Hybrid is the best-riding hybrid in this class, and by some margin. Our Touring trim test car had an adaptive suspension, which no doubt helped at higher speeds, but the Accord Hybrid was able to shrug off most road imperfections with ease.

　　

Interior

8.0/10

　　How’s the interior? The Accord's interior is impressively roomy. Legroom is abundant all around, and only very tall rear passengers will run out of headroom. The area for the driver is more limited since the wide center console will have taller drivers hitting their knees against hard plastic trim. The Accord's low seating position makes it a challenge to get in and out of both rows.

　　On the bright side, outward visibility is excellent in all directions, virtually eliminating blind spots. We're fans of the Accord's infotainment system and easy-to-reach controls. The confusing steering wheel buttons are the only blemish.

　　

Technology

8.0/10

　　How’s the tech? Honda's infotainment system is integrated nicely with the gauge cluster screen and head-up display. The standard 8-inch touchscreen's graphics are clean and easy to read, and the nav system works well. Wireless charging as well as wireless compatibility for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard on all but the base Accord Hybrid. The sound quality of the Accord Hybrid's available 10-speaker audio system is unremarkable.

　　Active safety features are the name of the game these days. Good thing most of the Accord's work well, though they can be a bit too sensitive at times. Most are standard too, with only blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert not available on the base Hybrid. Voice commands require exact syntax to work. We generally relied on manual controls.

　　

Storage

9.0/10

　　How’s the storage? The Accord offers about as much utility as possible for a sedan. The 16.7-cubic-foot trunk is one of the largest in the class. There's also numerous cubbies inside for stashing small items. The center bin under the armrest is generously sized, and the front charging ports and wireless charging pad (if equipped) are in a cubby with room for more than one phone. The cupholders are large and have anti-tip measures.

　　Given the vast amount of rear-seat room, there's no issue fitting car seats. Car seat anchors are located under clearly marked flaps and close to the surface with no seating material impinging on access.

　　

Fuel Economy

7.5/10

　　How’s the fuel economy? The EPA estimates the Accord Hybrid gets 48 mpg in combined city/highway driving, or 43 mpg combined for the Touring trim. (The Touring trim's 19-inch tires are wider and offer better grip than the tires on other Accord Hybrid trims, but they hurt efficiency slightly compared to the standard 17-inch wheels/tires.)

　　We averaged a somewhat disappointing 38 mpg on our 115-mile mixed-driving test route. It's worth noting that at freeway speeds, the car relies mostly on the gas engine, so driving over about 65 mph starts to noticeably ding efficiency.

　　

Value

7.5/10

　　Is the Accord Hybrid a good value? The Accord Hybrid is just like its non-hybrid sibling: a well-built car with a modern, upscale interior and plenty of features for the money. Only a few surfaces were tacky-feeling hard plastic. The Hybrid offers strong value, with more power and higher fuel economy than the regular Accord and only a modest price increase.

　　From an ownership standpoint, Honda's warranties are average for the segment. Unlike some competitors, Honda does not offer complimentary maintenance.

　　

Wildcard

8.0/10

　　Like its internal combustion-only sibling, the Accord Hybrid offers a level of sophistication far beyond its price point. Nearly every aspect of the Accord Hybrid reflects an impressive level of refinement, and it's entirely possible to forget you're even driving a hybrid. In its top-of-the-line Touring trim, the Accord Hybrid can tackle fast and flowing curves with confidence. If we had our way, we'd only like to see a more robust gasoline engine and fuel economy more in line with its rivals.

　　

Which Accord Hybrid does zzdcar recommend?

The base Accord Hybrid offers a lot of value, especially since it now comes with a larger touchscreen and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. If you're looking to keep costs under control, the standard model is no consolation prize. But if you can stretch your budget, the EX remains our top pick. A blind-spot monitor is always a nice piece of kit to have, and this year the EX adds wireless functionality for Apple CarPlay/Android Auto.

　　

2021 Honda Accord Hybrid models

As its name suggests, the 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid is essentially a Honda Accord driven by a hybrid powertrain. It comes in four trim levels: base, EX, EX-L and Touring. Powering every Honda Accord Hybrid is a four-cylinder engine and a hybrid system that combine to produce 212 horsepower.

　　Base

　　Starts you off with:

　　17-inch alloy wheels LED headlights Heated mirrors Keyless entry and ignition Dual-zone climate control Height-adjustable driver's seat 8-inch touchscreen Four-speaker audio system Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality Two USB portsEvery Accord Hybrid also features the Honda Sensing suite of driver aids, which consists of:

　　Adaptive cruise control (maintains a driver-set distance between the Accord Hybrid and the car in front) Forward collision mitigation (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios) Lane departure mitigation (warns you of a lane departure when a turn signal isn't used and can automatically steer to maintain lane position)EX

　　Adds to the above with:

　　Sunroof Power-adjustable driver's seat Heated front seats Wireless functionality for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (can connect without using a USB cord) Eight-speaker audio system Satellite radio Wireless charging pad Two charge-only rear USB ports Blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert (warns you if a vehicle is in your blind spot during a lane change or while reversing)EX-L

　　Adds to the above with:

　　Auto-dimming rearview mirror Driver-seat memory settings Leather-wrapped steering wheel Power-adjustable passenger seat Leather upholstery 10-speaker audio system Parking sensors (alert you to obstacles that may not be visible behind or in front of the vehicle when parking)Touring

　　The range-topping Accord Hybrid includes the above features, plus:

　　19-inch wheels Adaptive suspension dampers for a smoother ride and more controlled handling Automatic wipers Ventilated front seats Heated rear seats Navigation system Onboard Wi-Fi hotspot Head-up display (displays important information in your sight line onto the windshield)

　　

2021 Accord Hybrid Highlights

Trim: BaseEXEX-LTouringBase

　　

Base MSRP	$26,370
Engine Type	Hybrid
Combined MPG	48 MPG
Cost to Drive	$80/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	16.7 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles