Is the 2021 Honda Accord a Good Car?

Yes—the 2021 Honda Accord is widely regarded as an excellent midsize sedan thanks to its strong safety scores, roomy interior, refined driving dynamics, and standout fuel economy (especially the Hybrid). It’s a top-tier used-car pick that competes at the front of its class, though shoppers should weigh factors like the lack of all-wheel drive and a few trim-specific trade-offs.

What the 2021 Accord Is and Where It Fits

The 2021 Accord is the refreshed version of Honda’s 10th-generation sedan, slotting into the heart of the midsize segment against the Toyota Camry, Hyundai Sonata, Kia K5, Nissan Altima, and others. For 2021, Honda made an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto standard on all trims and expanded availability of wireless smartphone integration. The lineup included gas models (LX, Sport, Sport Special Edition, EX-L, Touring 2.0T) and the Accord Hybrid (various trims), all with front-wheel drive.

Key Strengths

Shoppers often gravitate to the 2021 Accord for the mix of space, efficiency, and everyday polish that’s hard to beat among used sedans. The following highlights capture what it does best.

• Safety leader: Earned IIHS Top Safety Pick+ (2021) and a 5-star overall NHTSA rating, with Honda Sensing standard across the range (automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, traffic sign recognition).
• Room and practicality: Adult-sized rear seat (about 40 inches of rear legroom) and a large trunk (about 16.7 cu ft) make it family-friendly.
• Refined road manners: Balanced ride and handling with precise steering; the 2.0T model adds strong acceleration, while the Hybrid is especially smooth and quiet around town.
• Fuel economy: Efficient 1.5T in the low-30s mpg combined, Hybrid in the high-40s mpg combined (EPA estimates), keeping running costs down.
• Tech value: Standard 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto; wireless CarPlay/Android Auto available on upper trims; available premium audio and head-up display.
• Reliability and resale: Historically strong reliability and residual values make it a safe used buy.

Taken together, the Accord’s safety, space, and efficiency deliver a well-rounded ownership experience that feels more premium than many rivals in this price class.

Weaknesses and Caveats

No car is perfect, and a few Accord realities may matter depending on your needs and driving environment.

• No AWD option: Competitors like the Nissan Altima and Subaru Legacy offer all-wheel drive for snow-belt buyers; the Accord is front-drive only.
• 1.5T concerns in very cold climates: While improved in later years, some owners in harsh winters have reported fuel dilution in oil; using correct oil, warm-up habits, and software updates help mitigate.
• Infotainment hiccups: Occasional connectivity glitches with wireless CarPlay/Android Auto have been reported; software updates typically resolve.
• Trim trade-offs: The most powerful 2.0T is limited to higher trims; the Hybrid Touring’s larger wheels can trim mpg versus other Hybrid trims.
• Road noise: Quieter than past Accords but still a bit more tire noise on coarse pavement than some rivals.

These drawbacks don’t sink the car’s overall appeal, but they’re worth noting so you can pick the right engine and trim—and check for software updates during a test drive.

Powertrains and Fuel Economy

Honda offered three compelling ways to power a 2021 Accord. Each balances performance and efficiency a bit differently, and your choice can shape the ownership experience and running costs.

• 1.5-liter turbo four (CVT): 192 hp, strong everyday torque; EPA around 30/38/33 mpg (city/hwy/combined) depending on trim and wheels.
• 2.0-liter turbo four (10-speed automatic): 252 hp, 273 lb-ft; quick and refined; EPA roughly 22/32/26 mpg.
• Hybrid (two-motor system): About 212 hp combined; EPA up to 48/48/48 mpg on most trims; Hybrid Touring typically lower due to 19-inch wheels.

In real-world driving, owners commonly see low-30s mpg in the 1.5T, mid-20s with spirited 2.0T driving, and mid-to-high 40s in the Hybrid, making the Hybrid particularly attractive for commuters.

Safety and Driver Assistance

Safety was a 2021 Accord strong suit, combining crashworthiness with a comprehensive suite of standard driver aids.

• Awards: IIHS Top Safety Pick+ (2021) and 5-star overall NHTSA rating.
• Standard Honda Sensing: Forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow, lane-keeping assist, road departure mitigation, and traffic sign recognition.
• Available/trim features: Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert (widespread availability), parking sensors (upper trims), head-up display (Touring), and improved LED headlights on most trims.

When shopping used, verify any open recalls via the VIN at NHTSA’s database and ensure the latest software calibrations for ADAS are installed.

Interior, Comfort, and Tech

The 2021 Accord aims upscale without being fussy, offering excellent ergonomics, quality materials for the money, and family-friendly space.

• Space: Generous rear legroom (about 40 inches) and a wide-opening back seat; large trunk at roughly 16.7 cubic feet.
• Infotainment: Standard 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto on all trims; wireless integration on many upper trims; multiple USB ports and available wireless charging.
• Cabin quality: Supportive seats, thoughtful storage, straightforward controls; available leather, heated/ventilated front seats, and premium audio on higher trims.

Whether in base or Touring spec, the cabin feels airy and user-friendly, with tech that has aged well in the used market.

Reliability, Costs, and Ownership

Accords have a reputation for longevity, and the 2021 model follows suit, with sensible maintenance needs and strong resale.

• Reliability: Consistently above average in owner surveys and independent testing; routine maintenance is straightforward and affordable.
• Warranty (when new): 3-year/36,000-mile basic; 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain. Hybrid components carry longer coverage; hybrid battery is typically 8-year/100,000-mile (10-year/150,000-mile in many CARB states).
• Running costs: Insurance and maintenance are generally moderate for the class; the Hybrid’s fuel savings add up for high-mileage drivers.

With proper care, high-mileage Accords remain solid, which helps keep depreciation in check relative to many competitors.

What to Check on a Used 2021 Accord

A careful inspection and quick checklist can help you land a strong example and avoid avoidable costs.

• Service records: Prefer cars with documented oil changes (especially 1.5T) and regular maintenance; check for any Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) updates applied.
• Software updates: Confirm the infotainment and driver-assistance systems have the latest updates to minimize connectivity or calibration issues.
• Engine/fluids: On 1.5T models in cold climates, review oil condition and change intervals; test cold starts and warm-up behavior.
• Tires and wheels: Inspect 19-inch tires (Sport/Hybrid Touring) for wear and noise; replacements can be pricier than 17–18 inch sizes.
• Hybrid health: Ensure smooth transitions between electric and engine power; review hybrid system warranty status and any dealer diagnostics if available.
• Recalls and accident history: Run a VIN check on NHTSA.gov for recalls and ask for a vehicle history report to screen for collision repairs.

These steps help confirm you’re getting a well-kept car and can surface negotiating points if maintenance or updates are due.

How It Compares to Rivals

The midsize field is strong; here’s how the 2021 Accord stacks up against key alternatives.

• Toyota Camry: Offers AWD on some trims and a V6 option (then); Accord counters with a roomier back seat and a more polished cabin feel in many trims.
• Hyundai Sonata/Kia K5: Feature-forward and value-rich with long warranties; Accord feels more athletic and retains value better, but lacks AWD.
• Nissan Altima: Available AWD and comfortable ride; Accord delivers a nicer interior and sharper handling.
• Mazda6 (discontinued in the U.S. after 2021): Sportier steering feel; Accord is roomier and more efficient.
• Subaru Legacy: Standard AWD and soft ride; Accord is more efficient and upscale inside.

Across most trims, the Accord remains the most complete all-rounder, especially for space, safety, and everyday drivability.

Verdict

The 2021 Honda Accord is a smart buy and one of the segment’s benchmarks. It blends safety, space, and efficiency with an upscale driving experience, and it holds value well. Unless you need all-wheel drive—or prioritize the very quietest cabin—it’s hard to do better in a used midsize sedan, with the Hybrid an especially compelling choice for commuters.

Summary

The 2021 Accord is a top-tier midsize sedan: safe, spacious, efficient, and refined. Strengths include excellent crash-test results, generous rear-seat and trunk space, user-friendly tech, and strong reliability and resale. Watch for trim trade-offs (AWD not offered, 2.0T limited to upper trims) and ensure software and maintenance are current. Overall, it’s a highly recommended used-car pick.

What is the most common problem in a Honda Accord?

Common Honda Accord Issues

• Transmission Problems.
• Engine Issues. Common issues include engine stalling, misfires, overheating, and excessive oil consumption.
• Electrical Failures.
• Brake and Suspension Concerns.
• Fuel System and Efficiency Problems.

Which year of Accord is most reliable?

Q: What are the most reliable years for the Honda Accord? A: As per the guide, the most reliable Honda Accords are the 2006 and 2007 models from the seventh generation and the 2011 and 2012 models from the eighth generation.

How long does a 2021 Honda Accord last?

The Honda Accord is a solid choice for longevity. With an average lifespan of 200,000-300,000 miles, it matches with the typical lifespan for the Honda manufacturer.

Is the 2021 Honda Accord a good car?

Conclusion: Overall, the 2021 Honda Accord LX is a solid choice for daily commuting, offering a blend of reliability, comfort, and efficiency. If you prioritize practicality and long-term value, it’s worth considering. Make sure to check the vehicle’s condition and history if you’re buying used.