Honda, a globally recognized car manufacturer, owes much of its success to the enduring popularity of the Civic and Accord. Both models have cultivated a reputation for reliability and engineering excellence, but today’s iterations differ significantly from their predecessors. Larger, more sophisticated, and stylish, they also offer a surprisingly enjoyable driving experience. This article provides a comprehensive comparison of the Honda Civic and Accord.
Honda Civic vs. Honda AccordA side-by-side comparison of the Honda Civic and Accord highlights their design similarities and differences.
Design and Dimensions
Built on the same fundamental platform, the Civic and Accord share a family resemblance, though each boasts unique styling cues. Both are currently in their tenth generation, with the Civic dating back to the 2016 model year and the Accord to 2018, receiving an update in 2021. The Accord is exclusively available as a four-door sedan, while the Civic offers both sedan and five-door hatchback body styles, the coupe having been discontinued in 2021. The Civic is classified as a compact car, whereas the Accord falls into the midsize category.
Comparing the 2020 models, the Accord is considerably larger than the Civic sedan, measuring 9.5 inches longer, 2.4 inches wider, and 1.4 inches taller, with a 5.1-inch longer wheelbase. Despite this size difference, passenger space is remarkably similar. The Accord offers marginally more front headroom (0.2 inches) and significantly more rear legroom (3.0 inches). Trunk space also favors the Accord at 16.7 cubic feet compared to the Civic sedan’s 15.1 cubic feet. However, the Civic hatchback boasts a more versatile 25.7 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up.
Civic InteriorThe interior of the Honda Civic offers a balance of comfort and practicality.
Accord InteriorThe Accord’s interior provides a more premium feel with additional space and features.
Technology and Features
The base Civic LX trim features a 5.0-inch screen without Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. Higher trims (Sport and above) upgrade to a 7.0-inch touchscreen with smartphone integration. As of October 2020, all Accord models include Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and an 8.0-inch touchscreen. Higher Accord trims offer additional features like wireless charging, a head-up display, Wi-Fi hotspot, and satellite navigation with voice recognition.
Both models come standard with Honda Sensing, a suite of driver-assistance technologies including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, road departure mitigation, forward collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. Automatic high beams are also standard. Civic EX and higher trims feature LaneWatch, a blind-spot monitoring system using a camera, although this feature is expected to be phased out. The Accord’s Honda Sensing adds traffic sign recognition and low-speed follow for the adaptive cruise control.
Honda Civic DashboardThe Honda Civic’s dashboard features a user-friendly layout with essential controls within easy reach.
Honda Accord Hybrid DashboardThe Accord Hybrid’s dashboard showcases a more modern design with advanced technology integrations.
Engine and Performance
The base Civic engine is a 2.0-liter four-cylinder producing 158 horsepower and 138 lb-ft of torque. A 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder is available, offering 174 hp and 167 lb-ft in the sedan and 180 hp and 177 lb-ft in the Sport hatchback. Both engines are paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and front-wheel drive. The six-speed manual transmission was discontinued in October 2020. The Civic Type R, a high-performance variant, boasts a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine with 306 hp and 295 lb-ft, exclusively mated to a six-speed manual.
The Accord’s base engine is the same 1.5-liter turbo-four found in the Civic, tuned to produce 192 hp and 192 lb-ft, paired with a CVT. Higher trims feature a 2.0-liter turbo-four, a detuned version of the Type R’s engine, generating 252 hp and 273 lb-ft and paired with a 10-speed automatic. Like the Civic, the Accord is front-wheel drive only, and the previously available six-speed manual was discontinued for the 2021 model year.
Fuel efficiency is maximized with the 1.5-liter engine and CVT. The Civic sedan achieves 36 mpg combined (32 city/42 highway), while the Accord achieves 33 mpg combined (30 city/38 highway). Honda also offers a hybrid Accord, rated at 48 mpg combined, and the Insight, essentially a Civic hybrid, rated at 52 mpg combined.
Civic RearThe rear design of the Civic emphasizes its sporty and modern aesthetic.
Accord Hybrid RearThe Accord Hybrid’s rear design blends elegance with aerodynamic efficiency.
Safety Ratings
Both the Civic and Accord earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS. However, neither achieved the Top Safety Pick+ designation due to subpar headlight performance. The NHTSA awarded both the Civic sedan and hatchback a five-star overall safety rating, with five stars in all individual crash tests. The Accord also received a five-star overall rating. The Type R was not rated by the NHTSA.
Pricing
The 2021 Civic sedan started at $21,050, and the hatchback at $22,000. The top-trim Touring model began at $28,100, while the Type R was priced at $37,495. The 2021 Accord ranged from $24,770 for the LX to $36,700 for the Touring. The Accord Hybrid started at $26,370 and reached $36,240 for the Touring trim.
