2021 Honda Accord Review: Reliable Midsize Sedan With Very Affordable Ownership Costs

Alex Showalter
May 4, 2023

The 2021 Honda Accord lasts around 250,000 miles with relatively minor battery drain and wind noise issues reported. At $21,977 to $37,826, it’s a great value for a dependable midsize sedan loaded with a lot of the latest safety technology.

VehicleHistory Image
likeFilled The Good
There’s a lot of passenger room in the cabin, all of the engines are relatively responsive and steering is excellent.
dislikeFilled The Bad
The suspension is firmer than other sedans, the cabin has some road noise and the low seating position can be difficult to climb out of.

Is the 2021 Honda Accord a Good Used SUV?

  • Overall Rating 9/10 – 2021 is a fantastic year for the Honda Accord since it offers low maintenance costs with a ton of technology. Owner reviews praise the sporty steering, roomy cabin, along with the affordable running costs.
  • Interior, Comfort & Cargo 8/10 – Interior materials are reasonably luxurious, the seats are more supportive than earlier years, cargo space is also excellent.
  • Reliability 9/10 – There are no serious problems reported on the 2021 Honda Accord. Modes from 20132014 have widespread electrical issues, while 20152021 are much more dependable as they age.
  • Performance 8/10 – Performance is okay from the standard engine, while the larger 4-cylinder motor is reasonably quick for a midsize sedan.
  • Safety 9/10 – The 2021 Accord is safe, earning a perfect 5-star rating in government crash tests. It comes standard with automatic emergency braking, as well as lane keep assist. Optional upgrades include a head-up display along with rear-seat reminders.
  • Gas Mileage 8/10 – Fuel economy is great at up to 33 MPG, giving 488 miles of range out of the 14.8 gallon tank. Gas costs are $37 cheaper than average at $179 per month.
  • Value 8/10 – The 2021 Honda Accord is a good value since it’s reasonably affordable for a midsize sedan, with reasonable depreciation rates.

Positive Owner Reviews

accountCircle Travis
Almost the perfect car
I own the 2021 Honda Touring 2.0 model (white w/black interior). This is almost the perfect car. Pros: Sporty & quick. Fun to drive! Very roomy - especially for passengers in the back Wireless Apple Play and Wireless charging Best infotainment system ever built on any car - super intuitive, big screen, and is fast (not laggy) Cons (what makes it not the perfect car) FWD only; really wish it had AWD. If it did, this added feature alone would make it the perfect car. 19" wheels. I would prefer 18" wheels only because of winter driving Driver's seat is just a little too narrow. I'm not a big guy at all but compared to my old Acura TL the seat is narrower and not nearly as roomy and comfortable:( Super annoying constant safety notifications and the inability to turn off said safety features permanently

What Do Critics Say About the Honda Accord?

  • Consumer Reports says the 2021 Honda Accord offers a lot of excellent technology for the money, with high owner satisfaction scores.
  • Edmunds rates the Accord at 4.3/5, praising the powerful and efficient engines, but doesn’t like the road noise.
  • Kelley Blue Book users give the Accord a 4.4/5, enjoying the roomy cabin, but owners don’t like the lack of all-wheel drive for the snow.

What Common Problems Does the 2021 Honda Accord Have?

Common problems found on the 2021 Honda Accord include battery drain, wind noise in the cabin, along with some paint fade issues on the hood. Overall, these problems are relatively minor compared to other midsize sedans, leading to lower repair costs as the Accord ages.

Battery drain is the most widespread complaint from 2021 Honda Accord owners in the first 2,000 miles. There are a lot of electrical accessories in the Accord which sometimes drain the battery when the car is off. Diagnosing the source of the battery drain costs under $50, and repairs can be $10 to $100.

Wind noise in the cabin is another issue reported by Accord owners at around 5,000 miles. The problem is usually caused by a pinched door gasket, which allows more wind to enter the car. Fixing the door gasket can be done for under $100, although if it’s torn then it will need to be replaced, which costs around $300.

Paint fade issues on the hood have also shown up on some Accords at around 45,000 miles. Usually, paint which is not properly cared for and left in direct sunlight will start to fade. The only way to fix paint fade is by repainting the affected panel, at a cost of around $1,000.

There’s only one recall on the 2021 Honda Accord, which is better than many other sedans from the same year. The recall covers seat belt retractors, which can sometimes malfunction. Honda will replace the retractor in affected models for free.

How Long Will the 2021 Honda Accord Last?

A well-maintained 2021 Honda Accord can last around 250,000 miles, which is only slightly shorter than the long-lasting Toyota Camry. Regular annual maintenance costs are cheaper than other midsize sedans, according to data provided by Repair Pal, at $370 per year.

As a used 2021 Honda Accord reaches 100,000 miles, and depending on the vehicle history, owners should be prepared to replace the seat heater switch for $100, fuel tank pressure sensor costing $200, along with the fuel evaporative canister which costs $475.

How Is the Technology?

Entertainment technology is excellent, offering a standard 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Optional upgrades include a more powerful stereo system.

Standard safety technology is great with:

  • Rearview camera
  • Forward collision warning
  • Road departure mitigation
  • Lane keep assist
  • Adaptive cruise control
  • Driver drowsiness monitoring
  • Automatic emergency braking
  • Lane departure warning
  • Traffic sign recognition

Optional advanced driver assistance features include:

  • Head-up display
  • Blind spot monitoring
  • Rear-seat reminder
  • Front and rear parking sensors
  • Rear cross traffic alert

Is the 2021 Honda Accord a Good Value?

Yes, the 2021 Honda Accord is a good value since it’s a very comfortable midsize sedan with plenty of the latest safety technology. The blue book fair purchase price ranges from $21,977 to $37,826, making it more than a Nissan Altima or VW Passat. When new, the price range was $24,970 to $36,900. Depreciation is similar to other sedans, losing about 7% of its current value per year.

What are the Different Models of the Honda Accord?

There are five different versions of the Honda Accord offered for the 2021 model year, from the base LX all the way through to the more luxurious Touring. All of the Honda Accords come standard with front-wheel drive.

LX is the entry-level model with:

  • 17-Inch Wheels
  • Cloth Upholstery
  • Dual-Zone Automatic Climate Control
  • 8-Inch Touchscreen
  • Honda Sensing Safety Features
  • Four-Speaker Audio System

Sport is a step up, adding:

  • 19-inch Wheels
  • Upgraded Upholstery
  • Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel
  • Fog Lights
  • Rear Spoiler
  • Paddle Shifters
  • Power-Adjustable Driver’s Seat
  • Eight-Speaker Audio System

Sport Special Edition (SE) has upgrades including:

  • Keyless Entry
  • Remote Ignition
  • Heated Mirrors
  • Leather Upholstery
  • Heated Front Seats
  • Power-Adjustable Passenger Seat

EX-L is a popular model which has:

  • Sunroof
  • Driver-Seat Memory Settings
  • Universal Garage Door Opener
  • Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
  • Satellite Radio
  • Premium 10-Speaker Stereo System
  • Wireless Phone Charging Pad

Touring is the flagship model with:

  • Premium Leather Seating
  • Head-Up Display
  • Ventilated Front Seats
  • Heated Rear Seats
  • Low-Speed Anti-Collision Braking
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Sport SE Sedan
192 HP 32 MPG
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EX-L Sedan
192 HP 33 MPG
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Sport Sedan
252 HP 26 MPG
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Touring Sedan
252 HP 26 MPG

What Engines Come In the Honda Accord?

  • The base engine in the 2021 Honda Accord is a 1.5-liter turbocharged inline-4, producing 192 horsepower. It comes with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) and offers a combined fuel economy of 33 mpg. The 0-60 mph time for this engine is about 7.3 seconds.
  • An optional engine for the 2021 Honda Accord is a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4, generating 252 horsepower. This engine is paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and has a combined fuel economy of 26 mpg. The 0-60 mph time for this engine is around 5.5 seconds.

What Colors Does the Honda Accord Come In?

How Comfortable Is the Honda Accord?

The 2021 Honda Accord is known for its comfortable and spacious interior, making it an excellent choice for drivers seeking a smooth and enjoyable driving experience. The cabin is designed with high-quality materials and soft-touch surfaces, creating a premium feel. The seats are supportive and well-cushioned, providing comfort even on long journeys.

Both front and rear passengers can enjoy ample legroom and headroom, making the Accord suitable for taller individuals or families with growing children. In addition to its roomy interior, the 2021 Honda Accord features a well-tuned suspension that provides a balanced and composed ride, effectively absorbing road imperfections.

How Much Storage Space Does the Honda Accord Have?

The 2021 Honda Accord offers impressive storage space for a midsize sedan, making it a practical choice for families and individuals alike. The vehicle boasts a spacious trunk with 16.7 cubic feet of cargo room, allowing you to easily accommodate a variety of items.

This generous space can accommodate multiple large suitcases, golf clubs, strollers, or even a bicycle with the front wheel removed. The rear seats fold down in a 60/40 split, providing additional storage room for larger or irregularly shaped items. Overall, the 2021 Honda Accord offers a versatile and roomy cargo area that can handle the needs of most drivers.

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What Are the Differences Between Years?

The tenth generation of the Honda Accord was introduced for the 2018 model year.

2015: No changes.

2016: Minor exterior styling changes, smoother suspension, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto also offered.

2017: No changes from earlier years.

2018: Fully redesigned for the tenth generation with new exterior styling, interior, technology, and engine choices.

2019: 1.5L 4-cylinder engine no longer available on the Touring model.

2020: No major changes from earlier years.

2021: All-new front bumper, manual transmission removed from the lineup.

How Does the Honda Accord Compare to the Competition?

The 2021 Honda Accord is one of the best midsize sedans on the market since it offers more safety technology, comfort, and lower ownership costs compared to most of the competition.

The Toyota Camry is another popular choice which costs around $2,500 more. Where the Toyota Camry stands out is with a lower predicted ownership cost as it ages, while the Honda Accord offers a more engaging driving experience. We recommend the Toyota Camry since it has higher owner satisfaction scores.

The Acura TLX is a slightly more luxurious competitor, which is about $4,000 more. Both the Acura TLX and Honda Accord are built on the same platform, although the Acura TLX has a nicer interior and more powerful engine choices. We recommend the Honda Accord for most shoppers, unless you’re in the market for a more luxurious sedan, then the TLX is a nice choice.

Ranks #2 Midsize Cars by Owners

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Do Owners Recommend the Honda Accord?

Owner Reviews

accountCircle Travis on August 30, 2021
Almost the perfect car
I own the 2021 Honda Touring 2.0 model (white w/black interior). This is almost the perfect car. Pros: Sporty & quick. Fun to drive! Very roomy - especially for passengers in the back Wireless Apple Play and Wireless charging Best infotainment system ever built on any car - super intuitive, big screen, and is fast (not laggy) Cons (what makes it not the perfect car) FWD only; really wish it had AWD. If it did, this added feature alone would make it the perfect car. 19" wheels. I would prefer 18" wheels only because of winter driving Driver's seat is just a little too narrow. I'm not a big guy at all but compared to my old Acura TL the seat is narrower and not nearly as roomy and comfortable:( Super annoying constant safety notifications and the inability to turn off said safety features permanently
avatar Alex Showalter
Alex is an automotive enthusiast with over 15 years of experience in the used car market. He brings a wealth of knowledge to Vehicle History as our Staff Writer and has written hundreds of used car reviews helping buyers make informed purchasing decisions. He is a member of the Automotive Press Association, and keeps up-to-date on the latest changes in the industry. Over the years, he has driven hundreds of cars, working on many of them. His mechanical experience evolved from modifying off-road trucks as a teen to focusing on automotive electrical systems as he got older. He now specializes in reviewing used cars as an automotive journalist. Some of his favorite brands are Toyota and BMW. The Toyota Land Cruiser is one of his favorite vehicles of all time since they’re built to last forever and can go anywhere. One of his current cars is a Lexus LX570, built on the same platform as the 200-series Land Cruiser, but it’s a better value in the used market.