The Honda Accord and Honda Civic are two of the most popular, best-selling sedans on South Dakota roads today. They are both wonderful family cars. Both sedans seamlessly combine efficiency and power. They both have outstanding resale value. And like any Honda vehicle, both of these cars come loaded with features. But let’s get down to the matter at hand. What is the difference between the Honda Accord and Civic? Vern Eide Honda in Sioux Falls has prepared a side by side comparison of these two sedans, highlighting their performance, dimensions, technology, safety, and more.
The 2021 Accord offers two, turbocharged powertrains, including a 1.5L in-line 4-cylinder and 2.0L in-line 4-cylinder. Accord’s standard 1.5T engine churns out 192 horsepower and 192 lb-ft of torque. One of the most attractive aspects of the Accord is its available, hybrid powertrain which features a 3-mode drive system, 212 total system horsepower, and 232 lb-ft of torque.
Unlike Accord, the 2021 Civic Sedan doesn’t have a hybrid model, but this compact sedan does feature a couple of sturdy powertrains. The Civic Sedan comes standard equipped with an in-line 4-cylinder engine capable of 158 horsepower and 138 lb-ft of torque. Meanwhile, EX models and above have a turbocharged in-line 4-cylinder 174 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque.
While Accord’s 1.5T powertrain comes with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), the 2.0T is outfitted with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Below are EPA-estimated fuel economy ratings for both configurations:
Regardless of which engine you choose, every 2021 Civic Sedan comes standard equipped with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), not to mention impressive fuel efficiency. Below are EPA-estimated fuel economy ratings for Civic’s two powertrains:
The 2021 Accord is a midsize sedan with exterior dimensions measuring 192.2 inches in length, 57.1 inches tall, 73.3 inches wide, and a wheelbase of 111.4 inches. Thanks to a fastback-inspired design, Accord boasts 40.4 inches of rear legroom and 16.7 cubic feet of trunk space.
The 2021 Civic Sedan is a compact 4-door that measures slightly smaller than Accord with the following exterior dimensions: 182.7 inches in length, 55.7 inches tall, 70.9 inches wide, and a wheelbase of 106.3 inches. Although Civic is considered a compact sedan, its cabin is anything but, providing 37.4 inches of rear legroom and 15.1 cubic feet of trunk space (14.7 cu ft in Touring).
Passenger volume inside the 2021 Accord ranges from 102.7 cubic feet (Sport 2.0T and Touring) to 105.6 cubic feet (LX, Sport 1.5T, SE), but all trims have a seating capacity of up to five. Even at the base model, the 2021 Accord comes standard equipped with the features listed below:
Again, the 2021 Civic Sedan is slightly smaller than Accord with a passenger volume of either 97.8 cubic feet (LX and Sport) or 95.0 cubic feet (EX, EX-L, Touring), but regardless of the trim level Civic Sedan seats up to five. Similar to Accord, the base model Civic is teeming with value, offering the following standard features:
If you value reliability in your sedan, you’ve got it with Honda. The 2021 Accord earned 5-star safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in every crash-test category.^ A strong foundation starts with the Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) Body Structure, while driver awareness comes from the standard-equipped Honda Sensing suite.
As we mentioned, Honda equals reliability and the Civic Sedan is proof. The 2021 Civic Sedan matched Accord’s crash-test scores with 5-star NHTSA safety ratings across the board.^ Also like Accord, the Civic Sedan features the ACE™ Body Structure and standard Honda Sensing, the driver-assist package that includes technologies such as Adaptive Cruise Control, Collision Mitigation Braking System, Road Departure Mitigation System, and Lane Keeping Assist System.
When comparing the Honda Accord and Honda Civic, it’s not a matter of which sedan is better. It’s more about your current driving needs and which car will meet those needs best. Essentially, the 2021 Accord will cost you a little more money, but it also offers more power, more interior space, and a few more amenities. Otherwise, both of these sedans will provide Sioux Falls drivers with unmatched reliability, efficiency, and value, and they have the awards to prove it.
** 30 city/38 highway/33 combined mpg rating for LX and Touring trims. 29 city/37 highway/32 combined mpg rating for Sport trim. 32 city/42 highway/36 combined mpg rating for EX and EX-L trims. Based on 2021 EPA mileage ratings. Use for comparison purposes only. Your mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle, driving conditions and other factors.
^ Model tested with standard side airbags (SAB). Government 5-Star Safety Ratings are part of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA’s) New Car Assessment Program (www.safercar.gov).