2021 Honda Civic vs 2021 Honda Accord

The 2021 Honda Civic continued the tradition of being a segment-defining vehicle, following in the footsteps of its predecessors from 1973, 1984, 1992, 2006, and 2016. Each of these models set new standards in the compact car segment, and the 2021 version was no exception. It was available in various formats, including the four-door sedan, five-door hatchback, and the performance-tuned Type R. However, the two-door coupe was discontinued, and the sporty Civic Si was on hiatus. The Civic sedan came in LX, EX, Sport, and Touring trims, with prices ranging from $23,400 to $29,200 CAD, excluding destination charges. The Touring trim, with its Cosmic Blue Metallic paint, was particularly striking, though opinions on its styling were mixed. The interior, while not as dramatic as when first introduced, still featured quality materials and thoughtful design, though the infotainment screen size was limited to 7 inches.

In contrast, the 2021 Honda Accord received a mid-generation refresh to keep up with its competitors like the Toyota Camry, Mazda6, and Hyundai Sonata. It was offered in six trims, including the Canada-exclusive SE, Sport, EX-L, Touring, Sport 2.0, and Touring 2.0. The Accord's styling updates included a wider, restyled grille and smaller fog light openings, giving it a more sophisticated appearance. The Accord's interior was spacious, with ample head, hip, and legroom for both front and rear passengers. It featured dual-zone automatic climate control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a range of convenience features. The trunk offered 473 litres of cargo space, surpassing most midsize sedans. The Accord's cabin was well-designed, with all essential controls within easy reach, though small-item storage was somewhat limited.

The 2021 Honda Civic offered two engine options. The base engine was a 2.0-litre four-cylinder producing 158 horsepower and 138 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) driving the front wheels. While adequate, the turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine was the preferred choice, delivering 174 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque. This engine, standard on the Touring trim, provided a spirited driving experience. The Civic's suspension and steering were well-tuned, offering a composed and enjoyable ride. However, the CVT was a drawback, with its droning nature and unsatisfactory paddle shifters. Despite this, the Civic excelled in fuel economy, achieving 6.8 litres per 100 kilometres on a test loop, surpassing the estimated 7.1 L/100 km.

The 2021 Honda Accord offered two engine choices as well. The standard engine was a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder producing 192 horsepower and 192 pound-feet of torque, paired with a CVT. The more powerful option was a 2.0-litre turbo-four with 252 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque, mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission. The larger engine was available in the Sport 2.0 and Touring 2.0 trims, adding approximately $3,000 to the price. The Accord's fuel economy varied, with the 1.5-litre engine achieving 7.2 to 7.5 L/100 km combined, while the 2.0-litre engine consumed 9.1 L/100 km combined. The Accord's driving dynamics were engaging, with precise steering and smooth braking, though acceleration was not its strong suit.

The 2021 Honda Civic sedan had a low seating position, making entry and exit a bit of a workout. Once inside, the front seats offered comfort and adjustability, though the front passenger seat lacked height adjustment. The rear seats provided ample space for adults, with excellent thigh support and a comfortable backrest angle. However, rear air conditioning vents were absent, affecting comfort on hot days. The Civic's centre console was highly practical, offering abundant storage space. The sedan's trunk was spacious, with 428 litres of cargo capacity, reduced to 416 litres in the Touring trim due to the premium sound system.

The 2021 Honda Accord was designed for daily drivability, offering a stylish and practical interior with seating for five. The front and rear seats provided good head, hip, and legroom, even for larger occupants. Standard features included dual-zone automatic climate control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and push-button start. The rear seats featured a 60/40 split and a centre armrest, allowing pass-through from the trunk. The Accord's trunk offered 473 litres of cargo space, surpassing most midsize sedans. The cabin was well-designed, with all essential controls within easy reach, though small-item storage was somewhat limited.

The 2021 Honda Civic's technology was showing its age. Standard equipment included a 5-inch LCD screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, and HondaLink connected services. The Touring trim was the only one with upgrades, featuring a 7-inch high-definition touchscreen, a 10-speaker audio system, HD Radio, SiriusXM satellite radio, and an on-board navigation system. The voice recognition system was unsophisticated, requiring specific prompts. The premium sound system was nice, but the eight-speaker setup was adequate.

The 2021 Honda Accord did not compromise on technology. It featured an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen with physical volume and tuning knobs. Standard features included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, hands-free text messaging, and two USB ports. Higher trims added satellite radio, HD radio, a wireless phone charger, a 10-speaker premium audio system, an additional USB port, and a Wi-Fi hot spot. The Touring and Touring 2.0 trims included an on-board navigation system, rain-sensing wipers, and a head-up display.

The 2021 Honda Civic came equipped with Honda Sensing, a suite of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS). It included adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, road departure mitigation, and lane-keeping assist. Automatic high-beam headlights and a multi-angle rearview camera were also standard. The Civic offered LaneWatch, a camera-based blind-spot monitoring system, but it had limitations. The Civic earned a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA.

The 2021 Honda Accord prioritized safety with a comprehensive list of features. It included vehicle stability assist, brake assist, a rearview camera, LED daytime running lights, traffic sign recognition, and automatic high beams. The Honda Sensing suite added lane-keeping assist, blind spot monitoring, forward collision warning, 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. It also featured LATCH connectors for child safety seats.