2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI vs 2021 Honda Accord

2021 Honda Accord
2021 Honda Accord
$24,970MSRP
Overview
Overview
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2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI
2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI
$28,695MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Honda Accord
$24,970MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI
$28,695MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2021 Honda Accord is 9.2 out of 10, while the 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI scores 7.8 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the Honda Accord is the clear winner, offering a better balance of comfort, safety, and technology.

Overview

MSRP

$24,970

MSRP

$28,695

Average price

$24,584

Average price

$25,544

Listings

1913

Listings

60
Ratings & Reviews
User Reviews
User Reviews

Expert reviews

9.2 out of 10

Expert reviews

7.8 out of 10
Pros
  • Stylish design
  • Great handling
  • Spacious
Cons
  • All-wheel drive not available
  • Outdated technology
Pros
  • Manual transmission available
  • Great handling
  • Fun to drive
Cons
  • Poor ride quality
  • Not much cargo space
  • Outdated technology

2021 Honda Accord Reviews Summary

For the 2021 model year, Honda is taking the Accord in a more elevated direction. The company has refined the Accord’s features list, added a trim level, and priced it right to compete against other heavyweights in the industry. Honda has made safety a priority in the 2021 Accord, helping this fresh version earn high praise.

2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI Reviews Summary

Now in its last year of production before a major makeover, the 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI five-door hatchback embodies the benefits (and drawbacks) of the hot hatch formula. The quick, nimble, and stylish compact delivers impressive performance—but what does it sacrifice?
No video found
No video found
Popular Features & Specs

Engine

1.5L 192 hp I4

Engine

2.0L 228 hp I4

Drive Train

FWD

Drive Train

FWD

Seating Capacity

5

Seating Capacity

5

Horsepower

192 hp @ 5500 rpm

Horsepower

228 hp @ 5000 rpm

MPG City

30

MPG City

23

MPG Highway

38

MPG Highway

30
2021 Honda Accord
2021 Honda Accord
$24,970MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI
2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI
$28,695MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Honda Accord
$24,970MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI
$28,695MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2021 Honda Accord is 9.2 out of 10, while the 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI scores 7.8 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the Honda Accord is the clear winner, offering a better balance of comfort, safety, and technology.

Overview
MSRP
$24,970
$28,695
Average price
$24,584
$25,544
Listings
Ratings & Reviews
User reviews
4.8
5.0
Expert reviews

9.2 out of 10

Read full review

7.8 out of 10

Read full review
Pros & cons
Pros
  • Stylish design
  • Great handling
  • Spacious
Cons
  • All-wheel drive not available
  • Outdated technology
Pros
  • Manual transmission available
  • Great handling
  • Fun to drive
Cons
  • Poor ride quality
  • Not much cargo space
  • Outdated technology
Summary
For the 2021 model year, Honda is taking the Accord in a more elevated direction. The company has refined the Accord’s features list, added a trim level, and priced it right to compete against other heavyweights in the industry. Honda has made safety a priority in the 2021 Accord, helping this fresh version earn high praise.
Now in its last year of production before a major makeover, the 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI five-door hatchback embodies the benefits (and drawbacks) of the hot hatch formula. The quick, nimble, and stylish compact delivers impressive performance—but what does it sacrifice?
Video
No video found
No video found
Popular Features & Specs
Engine
1.5L 192 hp I4
2.0L 228 hp I4
Drive Train
FWD
FWD
Seating Capacity
5
5
Horsepower
192 hp @ 5500 rpm
228 hp @ 5000 rpm
MPG City
30
23
MPG Highway
38
30
Look and feel
2021 Honda Accord
9/10
2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI
8/10

The 2021 Honda Accord received a mid-generation refresh to stay competitive in a crowded market. It was available in six trim levels, with the Sport 2.0T being a standout. The Accord featured a wider, restyled grille, giving it a more sculpted appearance. LED headlights and lowlights were standard on all but the base model, enhancing nighttime visibility. The car also sported new alloy wheel designs and a fresh Sonic Gray Pearl paint option for select trims. Inside, the Accord offered a mix of cloth and leather-trimmed seats, with higher trims featuring more luxurious materials. A power moonroof was available on certain models, though it reduced headroom slightly. The interior was well-designed, with high-quality materials and a sophisticated look, even in lower trims.

The 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI, a hot hatch icon, maintained its sporty and practical design. It featured subtle enhancements like red GTI badges, a red horizontal strip on the grille, and painted brake calipers. The GTI sat lower than the regular Golf, with a 0.6-inch drop, and had a sporty stance thanks to its side skirts and stainless-steel exhaust tips. Inside, the GTI continued the sporty theme with red ambient lighting, a race-inspired flat-bottomed steering wheel, and aluminum-look foot pedals. Heated front sport seats were standard, with Clark plaid cloth in the S trim and leather in SE and Autobahn trims. The GTI's interior materials were high-quality, and the overall feel was premium.

Performance
2021 Honda Accord
9/10
2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI
7/10

The 2021 Honda Accord offered two engine choices. The base engine was a 192-horsepower turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder, delivering 192 pound-feet of torque and paired with a CVT. The more powerful option was a 2.0-liter turbo-four producing 252 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque, mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission. The 1.5-liter engine achieved an EPA-estimated 30 mpg city, 38 mpg highway, and 33 mpg combined, while the 2.0-liter engine managed 22 mpg city, 32 mpg highway, and 26 mpg combined. The Accord's front-wheel-drive setup and improved braking system provided a smooth and engaging driving experience, though it lacked the athleticism of some competitors.

The 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI was all about performance. It featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The GTI came with either a six-speed manual transmission or a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic (DSG). The manual transmission offered a more engaging driving experience, while the DSG provided quick shifts. The GTI's fuel economy was 23 mpg city, 30 mpg highway, and 26 mpg combined with the manual, and 24 mpg city, 32 mpg highway, and 27 mpg combined with the DSG. The GTI's handling was superb, thanks to its four-wheel independent suspension and adaptive damping in the Autobahn trim. However, its performance-oriented setup resulted in a rough ride on ordinary roads.

Form and function
2021 Honda Accord
9/10
2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI
8/10

The 2021 Honda Accord was designed for daily drivability, offering a spacious and comfortable interior. It could seat five adults comfortably, with ample head-, hip-, and legroom in both rows. Standard convenience features included dual-zone automatic climate control, power windows, push-button start, and multiple power outlets. Higher trims added leather-wrapped steering wheels, heated seats, and ventilated seats in the Touring 2.0T. The Accord's trunk offered 16.7 cubic feet of cargo space, and the rear seats folded down for additional storage. The cabin was well-designed, with easy-to-reach controls and a user-friendly infotainment system.

The 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI excelled in form and function, thanks to its hatchback design. It offered 17.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 24.8 cubic feet with the seats folded flat. The GTI's compact dimensions made it easy to maneuver in tight spaces, and its sharp steering and tight turning circle were assets in urban environments. Inside, the GTI featured clever storage solutions, including large front door pockets and well-sized cupholders. The mechanical handbrake was a bit of a throwback but added to the car's sporty feel.

Technology
2021 Honda Accord
9/10
2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI
8/10

The 2021 Honda Accord came with an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, featuring physical volume and tuning knobs. Standard tech included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, hands-free text messaging, and two USB ports. Higher trims added features like satellite radio, HD radio, a wireless phone charger, a 10-speaker premium audio system, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The top-tier Touring 2.0T model included a head-up display and HomeLink Remote, displaying various driving data.

The 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI featured the VW MIB touchscreen infotainment system. The S trim had a 6.5-inch screen, while SE and Autobahn trims got an 8-inch screen with navigation. The system supported tablet-like gestures and included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and MirrorLink. Bluetooth and two USB ports were standard, with SE models offering a three-month trial to SiriusXM with 360L. Volkswagen Car-Net was available, providing remote access, a hotspot, and Amazon Alexa integration. Standard smart tech included LED daytime running lights, fog lights, keyless access, rain-sensing wipers, and heated mirrors.

Safety
2021 Honda Accord
9/10
2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI
8/10

The 2021 Honda Accord was equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features. Standard equipment included vehicle stability assist, traction control, brake assist, a rearview camera, LED daytime running lights, and automatic high beams. The Honda Sensing suite added lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, traffic sign recognition, and automatic high beams. Higher trims offered rear-seat reminders, low-speed braking control, and blind-spot monitoring with cross-traffic alert. The Accord received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

The 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI also received high safety ratings, with a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and top "Good" scores from the IIHS, except for an "Acceptable" rating in the small overlap front passenger side test and for LED headlights. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and multiple airbags. The Autobahn trim added adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, park distance control, park assist, and high-beam control. The GTI's sharp handling could help avoid collisions, adding an extra layer of safety.

Cost Effectiveness
2021 Honda Accord
10/10
2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI
8/10
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By: CarGurus + AI

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