2021 Honda Civic vs 2021 Honda Accord

The 2021 Honda Civic comes in sedan, hatchback and high-performance Type R versions. It has polarizing styling but its interior space rivals some midsize sedans. The 2021 Honda Accord has been refined with more features and safety tech aiming for a more premium midsize sedan.

CarGurus experts score the 2021 Civic at 7 for performance versus 9 for the Accord. The base Civic has a 158-hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder, while higher trims have a 174-hp 1.5-liter turbo. The Accord has a 192-hp 1.5-liter turbo on lower trims and a 252-hp 2.0-liter turbo on higher versions. Though continuously variable transmissions (CVTs) dull their responses, both Civic engines deliver pleasing thrust. The Accord’s 2.0-liter is also genuinely quick. The Civic handles very well, with agile moves not always found in this class, while the Accord provides a smoother, quieter ride focused more on comfort.

Experts give the Civic an 8 and the Accord a 9 for form and function. Though set low, the Civic's front seats have abundant adjustment to find the right position, but rear-seat riders miss out on air vents or charging ports. The Accord interior successfully blends styling and functionality, with storage for small items, easy access controls and roomy, comfortable seats front and rear. Both cars offer spacious rear seats and trunks for the class, with the Civic ranging from 14.7 to 15.1 cubic feet versus the Accord’s 16.7 cubic feet cargo space.

The Civic warrants only a 5 for technology versus the Accord’s strong 9 rating. The Civic’s 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto was advanced in 2016 but lacks features expected today, like integrated navigation or wireless smartphone connectivity. Every Accord gets an 8-inch touchscreen with crisp graphics matched to user-friendly controls. Upper Accord trims even offer wireless charging and smartphone integration. The Accord provides the wider array of tech that buyers now expect.

CarGurus experts give the Civic a 7 and the Accord a perfect 10 safety score. Both come standard with the Honda Sensing suite of advanced driving aids. But starting with the Touring trim, the Civic qualifies for Top Safety Pick status from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), while the Accord earns the highest Top Safety Pick + honor. The Accord also gets superior ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), with 5-star results in all assessments versus 4-star ratings for the Civic in side impacts. With all top marks, the Accord sets the bar for safety.

CarGurus experts rated the Civic at 8 versus the Accord at 10 for value. With high resale value and a reputation for quality and economy, the Civic makes financial sense for shoppers focused on those virtues. The Accord represents an even stronger value with midsize space priced like compact cars. Its generous standard equipment, advanced safety gear, and available upscale features make every version compelling. The Accord stretches dollars further while meeting more auto buyer needs.