2021 Nissan Sentra vs 2021 Honda Accord

The 2021 Honda Accord, a staple in the midsize sedan market, received a mid-generation refresh to keep up with its diverse competition. With six trim levels, including the Canada-exclusive SE, the Accord offered a blend of style and practicality. The 2021 model featured a wider, restyled grille, enhancing its sculpted appearance, while the Honda Sensing safety system's radar unit was better integrated into the design. LED headlights and lowlights improved visibility, and new alloy wheel designs added a touch of sophistication. The interior boasted high-quality materials, with cloth seats in lower trims and leather-trimmed seats in higher ones. The Accord's cabin was spacious, offering ample headroom and legroom, even with the optional power moonroof. The new Sonic Gray Pearl paint option added a unique flair to the Sport and Touring models.

The 2021 Nissan Sentra, entering its eighth generation, showcased an athletic exterior with crisp lines and a bold V-Motion grille. Available in six exterior paint colours, the Sentra offered a dynamic look with options for two-tone paint schemes on the SR trim. The interior featured a layered dash with an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen on SV and SR trims, and a flat-bottomed steering wheel added a sporty touch. The Sentra's second row was roomy, though best suited for two passengers. The trunk offered 404 litres of cargo space, with a 60/40 split rear seat for added versatility. The Sentra's design and features made it a practical choice for those seeking a compact sedan with a touch of style.

The 2021 Honda Accord offered two engine options: a 192-horsepower turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine and a more powerful 2.0-litre turbo-four producing 252 hp. The 1.5-litre engine, standard on SE, Sport, EX-L, and Touring trims, delivered 192 pound-feet of torque and was paired with a CVT. The 2.0-litre engine, available on Sport 2.0 and Touring 2.0 trims, came with a 10-speed automatic transmission and 273 lb-ft of torque. Both engines ran on regular unleaded fuel, with front-wheel drive as standard. The 1.5-litre engine offered better fuel economy, rated at 7.2 to 7.5 litres per 100 kilometres combined, while the 2.0-litre engine consumed 9.1 L/100 km combined. The Accord's driving dynamics were engaging, with paddle shifters on Sport and Touring trims for added control.

The 2021 Nissan Sentra featured a 2.0-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine producing 149 horsepower and 146 pound-feet of torque. Front-wheel drive with an Xtronic CVT was standard, though a six-speed manual transmission was available on S and SR trims in Canada. The Sentra's lightweight design, with curb weights ranging from 1,349 to 1,411 kilograms, contributed to its adequate performance for daily commuting. Fuel consumption was rated at 8.0 to 8.2 litres per 100 kilometres combined, depending on the trim and transmission. The Sentra's driving experience was enhanced by its well-tuned CVT, independent suspension, and dual-pinion electric steering, offering tidy road manners and a balance of fuel efficiency and performance.

The 2021 Honda Accord was designed for daily drivability, offering a stylish and practical interior with seating for five. The cabin provided ample head-, hip-, and legroom for both front and rear passengers. Standard convenience features included dual-zone automatic climate control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and push-button start. The rear seats featured a 60/40 split, allowing access to the 473-litre trunk. The Accord's cabin layout was user-friendly, with essential controls within easy reach and a well-placed infotainment system. While small-item storage was limited, the centre console offered a cubby for personal items or a wireless phone charger in higher trims.

The 2021 Nissan Sentra's interior was thoughtfully designed, with well-placed features and controls. The infotainment touchscreen was positioned at the top of the centre stack, with traditional gear selector and open cupholders in the centre console. Storage options included a big glove compartment, roomy door pockets, and covered storage beneath the centre armrest. The Sentra offered two USB-A ports, one USB-C port, and a 12-volt port, though their placement could lead to clutter. The Zero Gravity front bucket seats provided comfort for long rides, with heated front seats standard. The SR Premium grade added a six-way power-adjustable driver's seat and a power-sliding glass moonroof.

The 2021 Honda Accord came equipped with an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, featuring physical volume and tuning knobs for ease of use. Standard technology included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and two USB ports. Higher trims added features like satellite radio, a wireless phone charger, and a 10-speaker premium audio system. The Touring trims offered an on-board navigation system, rain-sensing wipers, and a head-up display, providing comprehensive information to the driver.

The 2021 Nissan Sentra's standard audio system included AM/FM/USB with four speakers, upgraded to six speakers and SiriusXM satellite radio on SV and SR trims. The SR Premium offered a Bose system with eight speakers. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity were standard, along with Bluetooth audio and hands-free text messaging. The S trim featured a 7-inch touchscreen, while SV and SR trims had an 8-inch touchscreen. Navigation was not available, but smartphone integration allowed access to navigation apps.

The 2021 Honda Accord was equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including vehicle stability assist, brake assist, a rearview camera, and LED daytime running lights. The Honda Sensing suite offered advanced driver-assist technologies like lane-keeping assist, blind spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. The Accord received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with top ratings in all crash tests. The rear seats featured two complete sets of LATCH connectors for child safety seats.

The 2021 Nissan Sentra included a robust array of standard safety features, such as an advanced airbag system, seatbelt pretensioners, and zone body construction with crumple zones. The tire pressure monitoring system with Easy-Fill Tire Alert was a standout feature. The Sentra's driver assistance features, part of the Nissan Safety Shield 360, included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot warning. The Sentra received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS.