Used 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid

The 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid midsize sedan is one of those rare ideal cars. It has plenty of space for occupants and cargo, a pleasant cabin environment, strong reliability, several standard safety systems, superb fuel economy, a satisfying amount of muscle, and an engaging driving experience.

The Honda Accord is already exceptionally good. We’re often giving it the Kelley Blue Book Best Buy Award. Where this hybrid variant makes its case is the balance between usable power and outstanding fuel economy.

A hybrid makes so much sense in stop/go traffic. And even if the slight price premium over a conventional alternative (using just an internal combustion engine) would take some miles to recoup, that’s not always why buyers choose a hybrid. Knowing it has lower emissions is often good enough.

The rest of the 2021 Honda Accord range is reviewed separately.

The ride is smooth enough to make buyers think twice about getting an Acura or a Lexus. Especially in Touring trim with its adaptive suspension. And even though the Accord doesn’t make driver involvement a specific virtue — like the Mazda6, for example — there’s still enough composure and control to make this roomy midsize sedan at least mildly entertaining.

Acceleration is more effective at lower speeds because that’s where the electric motor makes the most difference. At higher speeds, this drivetrain isn’t able to exert its muscle in the same manner. Overtaking on the freeway might require a little more thought and timing.

A once-common complaint about hybrids was that the brakes felt odd. It was the trade-off that came with a regenerative braking system collecting energy that would go to waste in a conventional car. The Accord Hybrid does not suffer from this phenomenon. Its brakes feel like nothing out of the ordinary. But the system still works well. And for a greater level of regeneration, there’s a lever on the steering column.

In common with its combustion-only compadres, the 2021 Accord Hybrid has a spacious and well-designed 5-seater cabin full of classy materials. The only thing that might take some familiarization is the row of switches instead of a traditional gearshift lever. But that does keep the center console nice and neat.

Rear legroom is a class-leading 40.4 inches, fractionally better than the larger Toyota Avalon. Headroom is also generous. And cargo space is exactly the same as the non-hybrid model at a commodious 16.7 cubic feet. This model’s rear seats also split and fold in the usual 60/40 way. Wherever Honda has put the hybrid battery, it certainly hasn’t affected passenger or luggage space.

The only minor compromise is that this Accord Hybrid model doesn’t have a spare wheel. Instead, it comes with a tire repair kit and 24-hour roadside assistance.

This isn’t meant to be a criticism, but the 2021 Accord Hybrid has something of a Teflon design. The looks don’t tend to stick in the memory, even with a slightly revised-for-2021 front end.

That’s fine in several respects. For example, there’s nothing offensive or incongruous. And chances are the overall styling will wear well as the calendar ticks by.

One aspect more easily recalled is the sloping roof. It follows the current trend for a profile that’s reminiscent of a coupe. But Honda has been clever and kept the roofline from impeding rear passenger space.

Apart from a couple of badges, there are no major visible differences from the rest of the 2021 Accord lineup. This hybrid keeps its profile as low as its emissions.

The first three trim levels have 17-inch alloy wheels, with the option for 19-inch rims. The top-line Touring model has these larger alloy wheels as standard. The only options for exterior paint (at $395) are Platinum White Pearl, Sonic Gray Pearl, and Radiant Red Metallic.

HYBRID DRIVETRAIN
Yes, we know that’s the whole point of buying a hybrid. But this one is particularly effective. And particularly smooth. The electric motor does the bulk of the work under low loads. Yet there’s no thunk when the gasoline engine has to kick in, which then either adds to the drive or works as an onboard generator.

INFOTAINMENT SYSTEM
Even though Honda has most aspects of car manufacturing mastered, there have been a few missteps. Like not including a regular, physical volume control for the infotainment system. This situation has been rectified, and now there’s one for tuning as well. We’re also glad the 8-inch touchscreen is now standard throughout the range.

Hats off to Honda for making the Accord Hybrid available in a range of trim levels. The most affordable base level still comes with dual-zone automatic climate control, LED low-beam headlights, keyless entry/ignition, active noise cancellation, cloth upholstery, and selectable driving modes.

The infotainment system is based around an 8-inch touchscreen and includes Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone integration (wireless in the higher trims), Bluetooth phone/audio, two USB ports, and a 4-speaker/180-watt audio system.

Safety features included the Honda Sensing systems (itemized in our Safety Technology section), automatic high beams, and a multi-angle rearview camera with dynamic guidelines.

Acquiring more equipment in a new Accord Hybrid is more a case of going for a higher trim level than scanning the options list. However, parking sensors and wireless charging are offered for the base model.

The EX adds things like blind-spot monitoring, LED fog lights, moonroof, heated front seats, power-adjustable driver’s seat, satellite radio, two more USB ports, and four more speakers for the audio system. EX-L brings leather seating surfaces, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, parking sensors at both ends, a self-dimming rearview mirror, and an even better sound system.

Touring trim is the most lavish, with an adaptive suspension, a head-up display, heated/ventilated front seats, heated rear seats in the outboard positions, rain-sensing wipers, navigation, Wi-Fi, and a passenger-side mirror that tilts down automatically when reverse gear is selected.

Although some regular Accord models have a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, it’s not the same as the one under the Accord Hybrid’s aluminum hood. This unit is naturally aspirated (no turbochargers or superchargers) and augmented by an electric motor running off a lithium-ion battery.

The combined output is 212 horsepower and 232 lb-ft of torque, which is more than the turbo 1.4-liter engine in the lower reaches of the non-hybrid Accord range. A specialized transmission sends that energy to just the front wheels. 

The Accord Hybrid also has active grille shutters as standard, for optimum aerodynamic and thermal efficiency. Fuel economy is impressive, even in the relatively thirstier range-topping Touring trim. Either way, regular gasoline works fine.

2.0-liter inline-4 + AC synchronous permanent-magnet electric motor
212 combined horsepower @ 6,200 rpm
232 lb-ft of torque @ 0-2,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 48/48 mpg, 44/41 mpg (Hybrid Touring)