2021 Honda Accord vs 2021 Toyota Corolla

The 2021 Toyota Corolla and Honda Accord stand as titans in their respective segments, offering unique propositions to car buyers. The Toyota Corolla, a name synonymous with reliability, affordability, and efficiency, has evolved under Akio Toyoda's leadership into a vehicle that transcends its historical reputation as merely functional transportation. The introduction of the SE and XSE trim levels, including the limited-production Apex Edition, has injected a dose of enthusiasm into the Corolla lineup, making it a more appealing choice for drivers seeking both reliability and a bit of driving pleasure. On the other hand, the 2021 Honda Accord moves in a more refined direction, introducing enhancements across the board to solidify its position in a competitive market. With a focus on safety, added trim levels, and a refined feature list, the Accord aims to deliver a more premium experience without losing sight of the value and practicality that have long been hallmarks of the Honda brand.

The 2021 Toyota Corolla's performance, rated 8 out of 10 by CarGurus, is powered by a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine delivering 169 horsepower, paired with a Dynamic Shift CVT that features a mechanical first gear for improved off-the-line performance. The Corolla's TNGA platform ensures a low center of gravity and enjoyable driving dynamics, with fuel economy rated at 34 mpg combined for the XSE trim. Despite its compact size, the Corolla offers a fun and capable driving experience, making it a solid choice for those who value both efficiency and a touch of sportiness. The Honda Accord scores a 9 out of 10 for performance, offering a choice between a 192-horsepower turbocharged 1.5-liter engine and a more potent 252-horsepower 2.0-liter turbo-four. The Accord's driving dynamics are refined, with notable steering precision and smooth braking. Fuel economy varies significantly between the two engines, with the 1.5-liter achieving an impressive 33 mpg combined, compared to 26 mpg combined for the 2.0-liter. The Accord provides a balanced blend of power and efficiency, catering to a wide range of driving preferences.

Rated 6 out of 10 by CarGurus for form and function, the Toyota Corolla, particularly in the XSE trim, is equipped with numerous comfort-enhancing features such as SofTex leatherette seats with trendy striped fabric inserts, front-seat heating, and an eight-way power driver’s seat. Despite these upgrades, the Corolla falls short in terms of rear passenger space and cargo capacity. The trunk of the Corolla offers 13.1 cubic feet of luggage space, which is less than some of its competitors. While the rear seat provides reasonable support, headroom and legroom can be tight, and the absence of air conditioning vents for rear passengers might be a drawback for some. Despite its compact nature, the Corolla manages to balance form and functionality for those prioritizing efficiency and reliability in a smaller package. The Honda Accord excels in the form and function department, scoring a 9 out of 10 from CarGurus experts. It stands out as a practical, stylish, and comfortable daily driver, offering ample room for five adults. Both front and rear passengers will find the cabin spacious, with generous head-, hip-, and legroom. The Accord shines when it comes to cargo capacity, boasting a trunk space of 16.7 cubic feet, which is superior to most midsize sedans on the market. This makes the Accord highly practical for families or individuals requiring more luggage space. The vehicle's design integrates convenience features such as dual-zone automatic climate control and push-button start as standard, enhancing the overall driving and passenger experience. High trim levels further add luxurious touches like heated and ventilated seats, making the Accord a compelling option for those seeking a blend of sophistication and practicality.

The Corolla impresses with its technology offerings, earning a 9 out of 10 rating. Standard features include Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, Amazon Alexa, and a Wi-Fi hotspot, with the XSE trim adding premium services like dynamic voice recognition and a nine-speaker JBL sound system. The infotainment system is user-friendly, offering a balance of advanced features and intuitive controls. Also rated 9 out of 10, the Honda Accord's technology features are robust across all trim levels, including an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Bluetooth, and standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Higher trims add luxury tech features such as a wireless phone charger and a 10-speaker premium audio system. The Accord combines advanced technology with ease of use, catering to tech-savvy drivers and passengers alike.

The Toyota Corolla's safety features are comprehensive, meriting a 9 out of 10 rating. The standard Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 suite includes advanced driver assistance systems like adaptive cruise control and automatic emergency braking. The addition of rear side-impact airbags enhances passenger protection, maintaining the Corolla's reputation for safety. The Honda Accord is equally committed to safety, also scoring a 9 out of 10. Standard Honda Sensing technologies offer a suite of safety and driver assistance features, with higher trims adding extras like low-speed braking control and blind-spot monitoring. The Accord's safety ratings from IIHS and NHTSA affirm its status as a top choice for safety-conscious buyers.