Best 2020-2021 Honda Vehicles

Ray Prince
Mar 12, 2021

Which new Honda is best for you? We explore the iconic Japanese brand’s history and vehicle lineup and come up with three can’t-miss options.

Hondas

The Honda Motor Company was founded in the mid-1940s almost by accident by Japanese master mechanic Soichiro Honda. His early foray into automobile manufacturing happened when he designed and manufactured a small engine that could be attached to bicycles to create a motorbike. It was an immediate success.

From there, he used the profits to develop the Honda Technical Research Institute, which was sold in 1948 for one million yen (equal to less than $10,000 today). That sale helped to bankroll the Honda Motor Company.

In 1949, Soichiro established Honda Motor Co., Ltd. with co-founder Takeo Fujisawa, and they introduced the company’s first original designed and engineered product, which they named the “Dream” D-type motorcycle. Once the Honda Motor Company hit the ground running, there was no stopping its runaway success.

Honda Motor Company enjoyed rapid expansion with the T360 small pick-up truck (1963), the very popular Honda Civic (1972), the Accord (1976), and the CRX-HF (1985), the first car in history to reach 50 miles a gallon. At the same time, Honda increased its global presence, building new plants in new countries.

Today, Honda is the eighth largest automaker in the world and Japan’s second-largest auto manufacturer behind Toyota. It enjoys pole position as a constant innovator, producing the first-ever hydrogen car (FCX Clarity) and the first mainstream production hybrid vehicle (Insight).

Honda’s U.S. lineup is very well diversified, from the two-seater CR-Z to the class-leading Odyssey minivan. Keep reading to learn more about our top picks, chosen from the following current model year list based on quality, longevity, and popularity.

2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid

2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid

Debuting in 1997, Honda’s flagship compact SUV is a perennial top seller, an ideal fit for daily commuters and families alike. Five generations of the CR-V have produced countless improvements with the introduction of multiple trims, key suspension/chassis upgrades, and a complete 180-degree third-generation (2007) revamp that moved from a boxy to a smoother front end, initially ruffling feathers with the automotive industry and the general public. Its five-speed manual was also dropped in favor of a five-speed automatic transmission.

The CR-V’s fourth generation (2012) remained largely unchanged except for a more powerful 185 hp 2.4L four-cylinder engine and upgraded tech, including a first-ever standard backup camera on all trims.

Today, the 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid enjoys numerous features that make it one–if not the–best in its range, such as a class-leading 75.8 cu. ft. of cargo room, HondaSensing safety technology, and notable fuel economy estimated at 28 mpg city/34 mpg highway.

Car & Driver has already noted that the 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid’s simple interior “all but ensures it will age well.”

However, the new CR-V remains largely unchanged from the 2020 version, which got an exterior facelift and for the first time, a new turbocharged engine. The 2020 Honda CR-V was also named a “Top Safety Pick” by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

2020 Honda Civic Sedan Touring

2021 Honda Civic

The Honda Civic’s lineage dates back much further than the CR-V, going all the way back to 1972. Its first generation was a nifty three-door hatchback and sedan hybrid, posing an immediate threat to the Ford Pinto, Chevrolet Vega, and other fuel-inefficient compact vehicles of the time.

Subsequent generations saw advancements with VTEC engines and fuel-injection technology before shifting priorities to style, leading with the fifth-generation’s debut of the two-door coupe. A golden-era-like 2016-2017 also marked the debut of a turbocharged engine and the racing-inspired Civic Type R.

Today, the Civic is racking up the accolades. It has won Car and Driver‘s “10 Best” award 35 times, as well as a 2020 IIHS Top Safety Pick distinction and numerous “Best Buy” awards from leading automotive publications like Kelley Blue Book, whose expert automotive reviewer, in his KBB review of the 2020 Honda Civic, confirms that “the Civic’s impressive resale value…consistently tops the field.”

The 2021 Honda Civic continues the brand’s strong compact car lineage. It offers several powertrains, including a base 158 horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine.

The highest trim level, the Civic Type R, blasts off the gates with a 306 horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder.

However, its claim to fame continues to be near class-leading fuel economy, earning 32 mpg city and 42 mpg highway estimates.

Picking the right trim level pretty much comes down to preferred powertrains. For performance-minded drivers, the Type R and Type R Limited Edition’s 306 horsepower turbo-four engine is the Civic’s most powerful offering.

2021 Honda Accord Hybrid-1200x900

2021 Honda Accord Hybrid

Named after Honda’s desire to use technology to achieve ‘accord’ between people, the Accord has been topping the charts for more than four decades. Honda started the line in the late 1970s in response to a global fuel crisis which increased the demand for fuel efficiency and larger cars.

In 1982, local production began in Ohio, making the Accord the first car built by a Japanese automaker in the country. Shortly after the first U.S.-made Accord, Honda started exporting the Accord Coupe to Japan, a hallmark moment for America as it was being recognized as being the same level as Japanese manufacturing.

Today, the refreshed 2021 Accord Hybrid is an excellent alternative to a Tesla, enjoying 48 mpg city/48 mpg highway estimates, except for the Touring trim, which clocks in just below with 44 mpg city/41 mpg highway estimates.

When compared to 2020, the most noticeable changes come with its interior appointments, primarily a new Apple CarPlay and Android Auto-enabled 8-inch touchscreen.

Exterior changes are subtle, with new full LED lights and lower front bumper LED fog lights on EX and higher trims. The EX-L trim takes it a step further, paired with 19-inch wheels, faux wood trim, a 10-speaker audio system, and leather seating.

2021 Honda Civic Type R Limited Edition

So, Which is the Best Honda?

The best Honda generally comes down to preference in terms of size, fuel economy, and powertrain options. Our recommendations:

All Hondas embody a workmanlike spirit, starting from its humble beginnings by a drifter auto mechanic with an obsession with efficient production. That said, arguably no brand has achieved more in the past 40 years than Honda, which has proven its mettle time and time again.

2021 Honda Passport

2020-2021 Honda Vehicle Prices

SUVs & Crossovers

Sedans

Coupes

Hatchbacks

Minivan & Truck

Electrified

Photos: Honda

Frequently Asked Questions

May 8, 2022

What is the best 2021 Honda?

Choosing the best Honda for 2021 comes down to what you are looking to do with the vehicle. If you want the most versatile sedan then the Accord is the one to go with. This midsize sedan is a great choice because it can fit 4 people comfortably, and it has a larger trunk than compact sedans like the Civic.

If you need to haul a lot of people around then the Odyssey is the way to go. This is a minivan that is packed with the latest technology and a lot of luxury depending on the trim. This is a great option if you are looking to go on road trips, or have to haul people around a lot.

If you want a good midsize SUV and do not need 3 rows then you should check out the passport. This is a more rugged version of the Pilot and is built to go more places. If you are more into camping than hauling kids around this is a great one to check out.

What is the least expensive 2021 Honda?

If you are looking to get the cheapest 2021 Honda that you can find then the best option for you is the Honda Civic Sedan. This has a starting price of $22,005 for the LX trim and that comes standard with a 158 horsepower 2.0L 4 cylinder engine. It includes technology like Apple CarPlay and has LED headlights as well. These are normally features that you would expect to find on much more expensive cars.

If you need a crossover and do not want a compact sedan then the HR-V is the cheapest crossover. This is considered to be a subcompact crossover and it has a starting price of $22,395 for the LX trim. Some of the features of the HR-V LX package include a 141 horsepower engine 1.8L 4 cylinder engine, folding rear seats, Bluetooth audio, and 17-inch alloy wheels.

Honda makes great cars that you can get without breaking the bank. With prices starting around $20,000 there is a good option out there that can fit your budget.

What is Honda's largest car?

For the 2021 model year, the largest sedan that Honda makes is the Accord. This is just a midsize sedan, but it can comfortably fit four adults into it along with luggage or groceries in the trunk. The Accord is pretty standard for a midsize sedan and competes with vehicles like the Toyota Camry or the Nissan Altima sedan.

If you want Honda's largest vehicle then it is pretty close between both the Ridgeline and the Pilot. These are both built on the same platform and choosing one depends on your needs. If you need three rows of seating and room in the back then the Pilot is a good choice. If you plan on hauling more cargo than people then the Ridgeline is a better option for you.

Honda makes vehicles that can fit the needs of most drivers, and getting a larger vehicle can be helpful when you know you will need to carry people. Honda is known for making compact cars, but they do offer some with more room for passengers and supplies.

Owner Reviews

messageEdit Write a Review
accountCircle Katilyn B on June 29, 2021
2020 Honda Accord Hybrid EX-L Hybrid: Best car purchase that will not disappoint!
I absolutely love my Honda accord hybrid. The mileage lasts me so long. Fill ups are once every two weeks based off my limited travel to work. $20 to fill up my tank. The seats are comfortable and the car, although only a 5 seater is very spacious. The technology is high class, as if I am in a spaceship. Love the drive and all the features such as the lane keeping assistance and the lane detection. Even turns on my high beams for me when it senses it is too dark outside. Awesome car!
accountCircle Deborah R on June 26, 2021
2020 Honda CR-V EX-L Hybrid model was worth the wait.
I absolutely love my new Honda CR-V hybrid. It has all of the great safety features available, a big upgrade from my previous 2010 model. I purposely waited for the hybrid model to come out this year and I am so happy that I did. From the minute I drove it off the showroom floor I knew it was my car. The interior is extremely comfortable and the exterior is stylish. The drive is very comfortable and the gas mileage beats any SUV I have ever owned. I am very happy with my purchase.
accountCircle Ace M on June 26, 2021
Est car in its class! No one does it better than 2020 Honda Civic LX Sedan, the looks & features.
Overall great value for the vehicle. All the standard features and comfort are all a plus. The gas mileage is superb. Plenty of space in the front and back seats. Honda sensing features are beyond my expectations. Auto stop feature, lane assistant with adaptive cruise control all help with long drives. Entertainment features with apple CarPlay is a great addition which adds navigation without having to pay extra for it.
accountCircle Sarai B on June 30, 2021
2020 Honda Civic Sport Hatchback dark grey with black details. I love my rims.
I love my new civic sport hatchback and all the little details. To begin, I love that it is a fuel saving car. I love the sport petals it has, which gives it a more sport feeling. This car has 180 hp which is a little bit more than the lx, ex and the ex-l. I really enjoy the center counsel that allows me to fit bigger water bottles. Despite the car being a hatchback, the back seating has more than enough space.
accountCircle Anna C on June 27, 2021
Brand new 2020 Honda CR-V EX-L Hybrid!
I love the Honda CR-V. I just recently started leasing this car in black with black leather seats. I also acquired the all season mats that add a nice look and are easy to clean. The car runs very smooth and clean. I appreciate the extra features for safety including blind spot indicators, lane detecting, backup cameras and easy adjusting mirrors. I have not experienced any problems.
accountCircle Alvaro M on June 28, 2021
2020 Honda Civic EX Sedan drives great and for a great price.
The car drives great I can turn on sports mode and get into and out of traffic without hesitation. It is only 1.5 but with a small turbo that helps it pick up speed when you need it. This car has great gas mileage I am a heavy foot driver and I can only get it down to 30 mpg best I have done with the ecoboost and driving slow everywhere was 40 mpg. I like it for what it cost.
accountCircle Hieu N on June 29, 2021
2020 Honda Accord Hybrid is a great car to own for business and leisure.
It's the best car I ever owned. The look is sporty, the performance is good and the most important is the gas saving. On average the car can get you almost 46 mpg. The features are also good. Save me couple times from rear ended accidents by assist you to stop and couple times for the lane departure. Also the back seat is very roomy even though it doesn't look that roomy.
accountCircle Babu K on June 29, 2021
Honda civic coupe sport 2020 review.
I really like the civic coupe and it's really good the mileage is good and my opinion is its worth the money. The 2nd row leg space is really good for a coupe I would say the trunk is pace good when you fold the seats and remote and windows rolling down is really good for this price. The drive is good too I really like adaptive cruise control and lane keeping assistant.
accountCircle Elizabeth M on June 28, 2021
Beautiful new 2020 Honda civic.
Recently, my family bought the new 2020 Honda civic. It has been my favorite car to drive on the day-to-day basis and also going a little faster on back roads. My favorite has to be the gear shifts behind the steering wheel. It is a beautiful car and one of my favorite purchases I have ever made. You will not regret buying such a nice car.
accountCircle Beth M on June 28, 2021
Love our new 2020 Honda CR-V EX Hybrid.
Love it! Still learning all of its attributes. Drives like a dream. It has been a big switch going from a large SUV to this hybrid you still sit up like a larger vehicle not like a car. Gas mileage has been a little less than stated but we live in the mountains which changes the dynamics somewhat. In the valley we get the stated mileage.
accountCircle Abigail M on June 27, 2021
Amazing and safe daily driver: 2020 Honda CR-V EX Hybrid
The performance of this car is beyond amazing and smooth riding. I love all the features of this car that make it safe to drive. It has heated side mirrors and you can unlock it with the touch of your hand on the handle or trunk door. The noise in the car from the engine is louder than some new cars but still a great car.
accountCircle Catherine G on June 27, 2021
The world's most comfortable safe cruising car: 2020 Honda Accord Hybrid EX.
10/10 very comfortable, the gas a break pedals are easily reachable with the nicely accustomed moving seat. You can go just about anywhere in this bad boy. Also is very spacious without taking up a whole side of the road! Must get! I really enjoy this vehicle and would recommend it to anyone with the price range.
accountCircle Marisa D on June 29, 2021
The 2020 Honda civic is reliable, beautiful and safe.
The 2020 model has plenty of safety features that makes you feel comfortable when driving. Some include lane assist, rear view camera, brake holding, front end sensors to avoid crashes and many more. I love how the civic looks aesthetically as well. It is an all around great vehicle and is also not too costly.
accountCircle Kassandra J on June 30, 2021
Reliable and consistent 2020 Honda Accord Hybrid EX-L Hybrid.
My car works great! It is persistent and does not let me down. When driving it is really smooth and does not feel bumpy. The gas it great it does not run out fast which makes me save money. Overall my experience with this car is great. The seats are really comfortable and great for long drives or family trips.
accountCircle Chris B on June 27, 2021
The 2020 Honda Civic LX Sedan gets great gas mileage when on the highway on trips.
I have a 2020 Honda civic. It is a nice, reliable car and gets good gas mileage. I have a good relationship with my dealership and they take excellent care of my vehicles. I used to have a 2017 civic and this is the first time in my life that I purchased the same make and model of vehicle twice.
accountCircle Diana Q on June 26, 2021
Compact, stylish and very easy to navigate: 2020 Honda Civic Sport Sedan
No problems about this car. Performance is outstanding and this is a very comfortable car that has features that makes life easier. It is compact and very easy to navigate, the trunk size is pretty big and I really like how stylish this car looks. Overall 100!! I love everything about my car.
accountCircle Avalon M on June 29, 2021
One of my favorite details of the 2020 Honda Civic Sport Hatchback is the cruise control.
The performance of the car was really surprising to me. It response incredibly quick and is quite fast yet easy to drive. Honda's have a legacy of reliability and although I have only had this car for a year, it has upheld that legacy. I also love the look of the car, it is clean and sporty.
accountCircle Maria U on June 26, 2021
The 2020 Honda Accord Hybrid is a very well rounded car.
I love my Honda vehicle because it has good miles on it. And very good to drive as well as good quality nice performance as well, this vehicle Honda accord hybrid is a very well rounded car and it gets stellar fuel economy ratings. Although it has a narrow trunk opening and a droning engine.
accountCircle Shari B on June 28, 2021
2020 Honda Civic LX Sedan: a very good car.
I really like this car! Hondas are reliable, good cars. It has great handling and I love the screen and ability to use carplay. It also has a good amount of space and additionally has good mileage. I love taking it for long drives just for fun. I would definitely recommend it.
accountCircle Monica M on June 25, 2021
2020 Honda civic lx - so far no complaints.
I have had my 2020 Honda civic for about 6 months now and so far I have nothing to complain about. The car is really good on gas and has tons of cool features. I really enjoy the traction control and love how the car has a sports and econ features. Overall good car to buy.
accountCircle Ruby H on June 27, 2021
2020 Honda Civic EX Coupe looks like a sports car with the comfort features of a modern, high tech sedan.
Easy acceleration and control. Smart sensors are wonderful and preventing collisions. The tech features for hands free communication are excellent. Lane keep assist is one of my favorites to use on long trips. Mpgs can be excellent depending on driver's use of the vehicle.
accountCircle John M on June 27, 2021
My 2020 Honda Civic LX Hatchback and the future.
I drive a 2020 Honda civic and I love it. So much space and comfort, it drives really smooth and it is features are great. If you need to improve your insurance rate, this car is very helpful with that. It is an awesome looking and running car. I am happy with my vehicle.
accountCircle Lexy B on June 30, 2021
2020 Honda Civic EX Sedan is a great car that is affordable and reliable.
Road mitigation and lane assist is super helpful and a great feature. Also has a backup camera and Bluetooth capability. Has on average 35 miles to the gallon so it is efficient and helps to save gas. Overall a great beginner car that is affordable and reliable.
accountCircle Ariyon R on June 28, 2021
2020 Honda Accord Hybrid review.
The Honda accord hybrid is a very spacious car, it is really good on gas. This car drives smooth, you hardly feel like you are driving. When you turn the car on its silent and not loud like other cars. The interior is really nice, seats are comfortable.
accountCircle Tatiana H on June 28, 2021
2020 Honda Civic Sport Hatchback best features.
Love the leather/suede mixed interior, larger touch screen radio, lane assist, easy climate control. Feels spacious and comfortable. Easy to use features. Automated cruise control is very convenient. Would like better gas mileage and automated seats.
avatar Ray Prince
Ray Prince is a longtime Miami-based automotive journalist who has covered trucks and muscle cars for an aftermarket e-commerce retailer and has been published on "Wide Open Roads," "Art of Gears," "Hybrid News," and "Auto Guide." Ray graduated from New York City's Queens College with a degree in Media Studies, after completing undergraduate studies at Purdue University, Complutense University of Madrid, and CIMBA in Paderno del Grappa, Italy. He has two children, Ray and Lola.
  • Articles
  • chevronRightAlternative
  • Best 2020-2021 Honda Vehicles