2021 Honda Civic vs 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid

The 2021 Honda Civic continued the tradition of being a segment-defining vehicle, with its history of bold redesigns every decade. The 10th-generation Civic, introduced in 2016, was no exception, offering a polarizing design that captured attention. Despite its daring exterior, the interior of the Civic began to show its age, particularly with its maximum 7-inch infotainment screen. However, the cabin still featured quality materials and thoughtful detailing, maintaining its role as a trend-setter. The Civic was available in various formats, including the sedan, hatchback, and the performance-tuned Type R, but the two-door coupe was discontinued for 2021. The Touring sedan, with its Cosmic Blue Metallic paint and 18-inch wheels, presented a stylish appearance, though opinions on its design varied depending on the angle and lighting.

In contrast, the 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid was praised for its elegant design, with a focus on proportion, stance, and detailing. The Accord received minor front styling updates, including a new grille and headlights, enhancing its already attractive appearance. The Touring trim featured new 19-inch aluminum alloy wheels, adding to its visual appeal. Inside, the Accord's cabin exuded an upscale feel, with quality materials and a logical layout of controls. The simulated matte-finish wood trim and polished metallic accents contributed to its classy interior. Despite some hard plastic elements, the overall quality was commendable. The Accord Hybrid's spaciousness and comfort, combined with its refined design, made it a standout choice in the midsize sedan segment.

The 2021 Honda Civic offered a choice between a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing 158 horsepower and a turbocharged 1.5-litre engine delivering 174 horsepower. The latter, standard in the Touring trim, provided ample power and a satisfying driving experience. The Civic's sophisticated suspension and steering contributed to its agile handling, especially with the Touring's 18-inch wheels. However, the continuously variable transmission (CVT) was a drawback, with its droning noise and unsatisfactory paddle shifters. Despite this, the Civic excelled in fuel economy, averaging 6.8 litres per 100 kilometres, surpassing the estimated 7.1 L/100 km.

The 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid featured a two-motor hybrid system, combining a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with an electric drive motor, producing a total of 212 horsepower and 232 pound-feet of torque. The hybrid system offered three operational modes: EV Drive, Hybrid Drive, and Engine Drive, providing flexibility and efficiency. The Accord Hybrid achieved an impressive fuel economy of 5.0 litres per 100 kilometres, with a slightly higher average of 5.5 L/100 km during testing. The car's refined powertrain and athletic handling, aided by its 19-inch wheels, made it enjoyable to drive. The brake-by-wire regenerative braking system further enhanced the driving experience, offering excellent feel and response.

The 2021 Honda Civic sedan, despite its low seating position, offered a comfortable interior with ample space for passengers. The driver's seat provided eight-way power adjustment, while the rear seats accommodated adults comfortably, though lacking rear air conditioning vents. The centre console offered remarkable storage space, and the trunk provided 428 litres of cargo capacity, slightly reduced in the Touring trim due to the premium sound system.

The 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid impressed with its spacious interior, offering a full-size sedan experience. The 12-way power-adjustable driver's seat and heated and ventilated front seats in the Touring trim added to the comfort. Interior storage was generous, with a large centre console bin and hidden compartments. The Accord Hybrid's trunk, measuring 473 litres, was larger than its competitors, providing ample space for luggage. The 60/40 split-folding rear seats further enhanced its utility.

The 2021 Honda Civic's technology was somewhat outdated, with a standard 5-inch LCD screen and limited features. The Touring trim offered a 7-inch touchscreen, a 10-speaker audio system, and navigation, but the voice recognition system was unsophisticated. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available, providing a more user-friendly interface.

In contrast, the 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid came standard with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, including Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Touring trim added a head-up display, navigation, and wireless charging. While the voice recognition system required specific prompts, the overall technology package was more advanced than the Civic's.

The 2021 Honda Civic was equipped with Honda Sensing, a suite of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. However, the LaneWatch system, available from the EX trim, had limitations, and the Civic lacked a traditional blind-spot warning system. Despite these drawbacks, the Civic earned a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA.

The 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid aimed to improve its safety ratings by standardizing LED headlights across all trims. It featured blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and low-speed braking control. The Honda Sensing suite received refinements for smoother operation, though some aspects, like lane departure warning, needed improvement. The Accord Hybrid's safety features contributed to its appeal as a family car.