2020 Honda Accord vs 2021 BMW 5 Series

2020 Honda Accord
2020 Honda Accord
$24,270MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 BMW 5 Series
2021 BMW 5 Series
$54,200MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2020 Honda Accord
$24,270MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 BMW 5 Series
$54,200MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2020 Honda Accord is 8.3 out of 10, while the 2021 BMW 5 Series scores 8 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the recommendation is to

Choose the 2021 BMW 5 Series if:

8of 10overall
  • You prioritize a stylish design and a luxurious interior.
  • You seek impressive performance with a comfortable ride.
  • You value advanced safety features and technology at an affordable price.## Choose a 2021 BMW 5 Series if:
  • You prefer a sleek and sophisticated design with high-end materials.
  • You prioritize luxury and comfort in seating and interior features.
  • You are willing to invest in advanced technology and optional packages for an enhanced driving experience.
Overview

MSRP

$24,270

MSRP

$54,200

Average price

$22,679

Average price

$34,786

Listings

1274

Listings

966
Ratings & Reviews
User Reviews
User Reviews

Expert reviews

8.3 out of 10

Expert reviews

8.0 out of 10
Pros
  • Comfortable
  • Multiple powertrain options
  • Easy-to-use technology
Cons
  • Underwhelming base engine
Pros
  • Multiple powertrain options
  • Great ride quality
  • Impressive technology
Cons
  • Advanced safety features are not standard

2020 Honda Accord Reviews Summary

Mary Walton’s “Car: A Drama of the American Workplace” details the development of the 1996 Ford Taurus from sketch to series production. The car was a legendary flop, a collage of compromise. Walton’s book explains why, and in juicy detail.

Bringing a new or redesigned vehicle to market isn’t easy, even if Honda makes it look that way. The 2020 Honda Accord Touring is the family sedan perfected, from its rakish good looks and delightful driving dynamics to its huge back seat and giant trunk. The 2020 Honda Accord also boasts plenty of tech, including Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and adaptive cruise control.

Sure, you can quibble with a few things related to the 2020 Accord. After all, no car is perfect. But the Honda Accord Touring sure does come close in so many of the ways that matter most, from usability to mpg.

2021 BMW 5 Series Reviews Summary

BMW was once known for sports sedans, and the 5 Series was one of the most prolific of those sedans. Sitting between the 3 Series and 7 Series in size and price, previous generations of 5 Series were known for a balance of performance and luxury, with impeccable engineering throughout.

Today, the BMW 5 Series is largely irrelevant. The 3 Series is now so big that there is less reason to upgrade, and most buyers are more interested in SUVs anyway. The competition—including the Audi A6, Jaguar XF, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, and Volvo S90—has also gotten better.

That doesn’t mean BMW has given up on the 5 Series. The current generation (codename G30) arrived for the 2017 model year, but it gets a midcycle refresh (or LCI, short for “Life Cycle Impulse,” in BMW speak) for 2021. Major updates include a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, a bigger infotainment touchscreen, and subtle styling changes.

The 2021 BMW 5 Series is not like the 5 Series models of old. That may drive away hardcore car fans, but the 2021 model makes a strong case to new-car buyers, maintaining sportier-than-average driving dynamics, along with the tech and luxury features expected of a car in this segment.

No video found
No video found
Popular Features & Specs

Engine

1.5L 192 hp I4

Engine

2.0L 248 hp I4

Drive Train

FWD

Drive Train

RWD

Seating Capacity

5

Seating Capacity

5

Horsepower

192 hp @ 5500 rpm

Horsepower

248 hp @ 5200 rpm

MPG City

30

MPG City

25

MPG Highway

38

MPG Highway

33
2020 Honda Accord
2020 Honda Accord
$24,270MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 BMW 5 Series
2021 BMW 5 Series
$54,200MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2020 Honda Accord
$24,270MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 BMW 5 Series
$54,200MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2020 Honda Accord is 8.3 out of 10, while the 2021 BMW 5 Series scores 8 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the recommendation is to

Choose the 2021 BMW 5 Series if:

Shop Now
8of 10overall
  • You prioritize a stylish design and a luxurious interior.
  • You seek impressive performance with a comfortable ride.
  • You value advanced safety features and technology at an affordable price.## Choose a 2021 BMW 5 Series if:
  • You prefer a sleek and sophisticated design with high-end materials.
  • You prioritize luxury and comfort in seating and interior features.
  • You are willing to invest in advanced technology and optional packages for an enhanced driving experience.
Overview
MSRP
$24,270
$54,200
Average price
$22,679
$34,786
Listings
Ratings & Reviews
User reviews
4.4
4.7
Expert reviews

8.3 out of 10

Read full review

8.0 out of 10

Read full review
Pros & cons
Pros
  • Comfortable
  • Multiple powertrain options
  • Easy-to-use technology
Cons
  • Underwhelming base engine
Pros
  • Multiple powertrain options
  • Great ride quality
  • Impressive technology
Cons
  • Advanced safety features are not standard
Summary

Mary Walton’s “Car: A Drama of the American Workplace” details the development of the 1996 Ford Taurus from sketch to series production. The car was a legendary flop, a collage of compromise. Walton’s book explains why, and in juicy detail.

Bringing a new or redesigned vehicle to market isn’t easy, even if Honda makes it look that way. The 2020 Honda Accord Touring is the family sedan perfected, from its rakish good looks and delightful driving dynamics to its huge back seat and giant trunk. The 2020 Honda Accord also boasts plenty of tech, including Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and adaptive cruise control.

Sure, you can quibble with a few things related to the 2020 Accord. After all, no car is perfect. But the Honda Accord Touring sure does come close in so many of the ways that matter most, from usability to mpg.

BMW was once known for sports sedans, and the 5 Series was one of the most prolific of those sedans. Sitting between the 3 Series and 7 Series in size and price, previous generations of 5 Series were known for a balance of performance and luxury, with impeccable engineering throughout.

Today, the BMW 5 Series is largely irrelevant. The 3 Series is now so big that there is less reason to upgrade, and most buyers are more interested in SUVs anyway. The competition—including the Audi A6, Jaguar XF, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, and Volvo S90—has also gotten better.

That doesn’t mean BMW has given up on the 5 Series. The current generation (codename G30) arrived for the 2017 model year, but it gets a midcycle refresh (or LCI, short for “Life Cycle Impulse,” in BMW speak) for 2021. Major updates include a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, a bigger infotainment touchscreen, and subtle styling changes.

The 2021 BMW 5 Series is not like the 5 Series models of old. That may drive away hardcore car fans, but the 2021 model makes a strong case to new-car buyers, maintaining sportier-than-average driving dynamics, along with the tech and luxury features expected of a car in this segment.

Video
No video found
No video found
Popular Features & Specs
Engine
1.5L 192 hp I4
2.0L 248 hp I4
Drive Train
FWD
RWD
Seating Capacity
5
5
Horsepower
192 hp @ 5500 rpm
248 hp @ 5200 rpm
MPG City
30
25
MPG Highway
38
33
Look and feel
2020 Honda Accord
9/10
2021 BMW 5 Series
9/10
The 2020 Honda Accord boasts a stylish design, especially with the 19-inch wheels on the Sport and Touring trim levels. The interior of the Accord, particularly in the Touring trim, exudes a luxurious feel with high-quality materials and sharp contrast colors. On the other hand, the 2021 BMW 5 Series features a sleeker design with new L-shaped taillights and a larger kidney grille. The interior maintains a familiar BMW layout with high-end materials and advanced technology, such as the Live Cockpit Professional digital instrument cluster.
Performance
2020 Honda Accord
8/10
2021 BMW 5 Series
8/10
CarGurus experts rate both the 2020 Honda Accord and the 2021 BMW 5 Series 8 out of 10 for performance. The 2020 Honda Accord offers a range of powertrains, with the turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine delivering impressive acceleration. Equipped with adaptive dampers, the Accord Touring provides a thrilling driving experience while maintaining a comfortable ride. On the other hand, the 2021 BMW 5 Series offers various powertrain options, including a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six engine with a mild-hybrid system. The 540i xDrive model offers sportier handling and precise steering, although it may not deliver the same level of driving excitement as some rivals.
Form and function
2020 Honda Accord
9/10
2021 BMW 5 Series
8/10
The 2020 Honda Accord provides ample rear-seat legroom and cargo space, with a trunk capacity of 16.7 cubic feet. The Accord also boasts a spacious and comfortable interior, making it ideal for long family road trips. In comparison, the 2021 BMW 5 Series sedan offers generous trunk space of 14.0 cubic feet and a 40/20/20 split-folding rear bench for longer items. The 5 Series provides a luxurious and supportive seating experience, although visibility over the long hood can be challenging.
Technology
2020 Honda Accord
9/10
2021 BMW 5 Series
9/10
CarGurus experts rate both the 2020 Honda Accord and the 2021 BMW 5 Series 9 out of 10 for technology. The 2020 Honda Accord features an advanced 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a premium sound system. The Touring trim offers additional tech like HondaLink services and a head-up display. In contrast, the 2021 BMW 5 Series comes standard with a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility, and a WiFi hotspot. The iDrive controller and gesture controls provide easy access to functions, although some may find the instrument cluster layout confusing.
Safety
2020 Honda Accord
8/10
2021 BMW 5 Series
9/10
The 2020 Honda Accord achieves top safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA, with standard Honda Sensing ADAS on all trims. The Accord offers a comprehensive suite of safety features, though some refinement is needed in certain systems. In comparison, the 2021 BMW 5 Series has not been tested recently by the NHTSA but received top ratings from the IIHS for the 2020 model. The 5 Series comes equipped with advanced safety technologies, including lane-departure warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control.
Cost Effectiveness
2020 Honda Accord
7/10
2021 BMW 5 Series
6/10
CarGurus experts rate the 2020 Honda Accord 7 out of 10 and the 2021 BMW 5 Series 6 out of 10 in terms of cost-effectiveness. The 2020 Honda Accord offers good value with low lease payments and strong resale value, despite average warranty coverage. On the other hand, the 2021 BMW 5 Series starts at a higher price point, with significant optional features driving up the cost. Additional packages enhance the driving experience but also increase the overall price of the vehicle.
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