2021 Honda Accord vs 2022 Honda Civic

The 2021 Honda Accord is ushered into a more elevated direction with refined features, added trim level, and competitive pricing, prioritizing safety and earning high praise. The redesigned 2022 Honda Civic, crucial for Honda's long-term health, excels with its engineering and technology, making it one of the best compact cars available.

Both models impress with their performance, each earning a 9 out of 10 from CarGurus experts. The 2021 Accord offers two engines: a 192-horsepower turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder and a more powerful 252-horsepower 2.0-liter turbo-four, with the latter providing a more engaging drive. The 2022 Civic keeps its engine lineup simple, with a 158-horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder and a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder that delivers 180 horsepower, promising a blend of performance and efficiency.

The 2021 Honda Accord is designed with daily use in mind, balancing style and practicality. It comfortably seats five, with ample room for adults in the rear seats. The Accord offers 16.7 cubic feet of trunk space, surpassing many midsize sedans in its class, making it an ideal choice for families or anyone needing significant cargo capacity. Additional conveniences include dual-zone climate control, auto up/down power windows, and a variety of interior appointments and technology options that vary by trim level. The interior design ensures that controls are easily accessible, enhancing the driving experience. The 2022 Honda Civic, on the other hand, focuses on comfort and support, particularly with its redesigned front seats that offer improved support. Though it sits lower to the ground, which may affect ease of entry and exit for some, the Civic compensates with generous legroom in the back. Despite lacking rear climate control vents, the Civic provides two rear USB ports for added convenience. Trunk space is ample at 14.8 cubic feet (14.4 cubic feet for the Touring trim due to the premium sound system), which is generous for the compact car segment and supports practicality for daily errands and longer trips alike. Both models exhibit Honda's commitment to combining functionality with driver and passenger comfort, but the Accord takes a slight edge with its larger cargo capacity and more accommodating rear seat space.

Technology in both vehicles is highly rated, with the Accord featuring an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and an array of connectivity options. The Civic counters with a sophisticated digital instrumentation panel, a 7-inch touchscreen standard, and a 12-speaker Bose audio system in the Touring trim, emphasizing a rich audio experience and advanced connectivity.

Safety is paramount for both models, but the Accord edges out with a 9 out of 10 rating for its comprehensive suite of driver-assist technologies, earning top marks from IIHS and NHTSA. The Civic, rated 7 out of 10, introduces an improved Honda Sensing suite and new safety features, although its availability of blind-spot warning on base trims is criticized.

The Accord's pricing strategy is deemed fair, with a range that caters to various buyers and competitive features against its rivals. The Civic's approach to premium pricing, especially for the Touring trim, challenges the value proposition, despite its high resale value and overall appeal.