2021 Honda Accord 2.0T Sport Review: The Enthusiast's Choice?

Honda’s all-rounder family sedan gains a performance edge with upgraded turbocharged powertrain.

Misses

No more manual
Sportier rivals
Unremarkable fuel economy

Hits

Refined engine
Solid driving dynamics
Excellent tech

2021 Honda Accord 2.0T Sport Review DriveBreakFixRepeat.com Jake Stumph Racing

Few vehicles have acquired as many accolades as the Honda Accord, and there’s a very good reason for that. Now 45 years in the making, Honda has continually refined the formula to its mid-size sedan resulting in an exceptionally polished experience. DriveBreakFixRepeat’s earlier review of the Honda Accord Hybrid proved as much, declaring it as “best in class.”

Though, with three distinct powertrains to choose from, it’s time to swing from the eco-minded hybrid to the what Honda claims to be the “enthusiast’s choice,” the Accord 2.0T Sport, a vehicle that goes head to head with another enthusiast-built mid-sizer, the Toyota Camry TRD.

Both models represent the least expensive way to get their respective go-fast engines. The Camry has more peak power from its gutsy 3.5-liter V6 engine, but the Honda derives more down low grunt from its 2.0-liter turbo-four. Applying all 252 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque to the front wheels through the 10-speed automatic transmission makes the Accord is feisty off the line, clicking off the 0-60 mph sprint in about five-and-a-half seconds.

While the Accord is more than ready to take on your neighbor’s Camry in the occasional stop light drag race, it’s really when the road gets twisty that the Accord begins to shine. The Sport model may not have the excellent adaptive dampers fitted to more expensive Touring trim Accord, nor does it have the hardcore autocross-inspired suspension upgrades that Toyota fits to a Camry TRD, but it does have flow.

Compliant, and unperturbed by Los Angeles’ rough pavement, the Accord flows through a winding road with aplomb. The stylish 19-inch wheels are shod in 235 section-width Michelin all-season rubber, which work in tandem with the well-tuned suspension to keep the Accord firmly planted in the corners. From there, the turbocharged engine delivers smooth, but immediate torque to help the Accord dash from corner to corner.

When the agenda doesn’t call for a bit of canyon carving, the Accord’s all-rounder ability continues to shine. The unflappable suspension setup makes for a very comfortable ride on the open road, a facet that is complemented by the bank vault-like cabin.

Indeed, the interior continues to be a high point for the Accord. While less contented than the high-spec Touring model we tested previously, Honda has the fundamentals nailed down pat with the Accord so that regardless of trim level, the cabin feels more upscale than its chief rival from Toyota.

A particular stand out continues to be the infotainment setup, which uses a combination of a touchscreen, knobs and buttons to create a system that is easy to use while driving. Oh, and opting for the 2.0T Accord means that wireless Apple Carplay and wireless Android Auto are part of the deal, as well.

ALSO SEE: 2020 Toyota Camry Hybrid Review: Should You Buy It?

While the Accord Sport may lack the outward sportiness of some of its competition, it does make up for it through the refined driving experience. However, its most fierce competitor of all also wears a Honda badge.

The Accord’s strength comes from its all-rounded versatility, but the most all-rounded of Accord models is actually the Hybrid. While down on power compared to the 2.0T (212 horsepower vs. 252), the Hybrid does have 232 lb-ft of torque, which does make it feel almost as quick off the line. And what it lacks in terms of outright acceleration is more than made up in the mpg department.

DBFR saw a real world mpg figure of 24.8 from the 2.0T Sport, which is in-line with the EPA fuel economy estimates of 22 mpg city, 32 mpg freeway and 26 combined. On the flip side, the Accord Hybrid returned over 40 mpg in the real world. Pair that with a slightly lower price point and the Accord Hybrid starts to make a strong case for itself.

That lower price point may also give buyers the leeway to look at the loaded Touring model, which also gets flashy 19-inch wheels, like the 2.0T Sport, as well as the slick adaptive dampers, which would give it a handling edge.

The Accord Sport is certainly the natural pick for many enthusiasts looking for a practical family hauler. It’s fun to drive, refined, and, at $32,865 as tested, reasonably priced. However, would-be buyers are doing themselves a disservice if they don’t give the Accord Hybrid a second look, as well. It seems that the Honda Accord is the enthusiast’s choice, it just depends what type of enthusiast you are.

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