2021 Honda Accord Hybrid: Best In Class
Surefooted and refined, the revised 2021 Accord Hybrid edges ever closer to four-door family car perfection.
The revisions that Honda has made to the Accord are subtle, though, stylistically, that’s no hardship as this radiant red metallic Hybrid Touring model demonstrates. Most people seem to latch on to the wheels, which measure 19-inches in diameter and give this Accord Hybrid some serious curb appeal.
Instead of major reconstructive surgery, Honda has, instead, opted for a series of small hardware and software tweaks in the pursuit of family sedan perfection, and it would appear that they’re on to something.
When DBFR reviewed a strikingly similar 2020 Honda Accord Hybrid Touring model earlier this year, everyone who interacted with it, whether driver or passenger, had nothing but superlatives to proclaim. Honda has managed to look past the showering of praises and nitpick their own automobile, finding even the smallest details and improving upon them.
The powertrain in this shiny new 2021 model is largely uncharged from 2020. A combination of a two-liter inline-four cylinder engine and two electric motors, along with a hefty battery pack under the rear seats, the Accord Hybrid produces a segment-leading 212 horsepower and 232 lb-ft of torque, which is sent to the front wheels. It’s feisty, and will definitely blow the doors off a Toyota Camry Hybrid in a stop light drag race. The gas engine could stand to be a decibel or two quieter on throttle, but otherwise it’s a lovely setup.
The fuel economy isn’t too shabby, either. While most Accord Hybrid models are rated at 48 mpg city, freeway and combined, the flashy 19-inch rollers and luxury-lined interior adds weight and brings those numbers down to 44 mpg city, 41 mpg freeway and 43 mpg combined. After a week of very enthusiastic driving, the Accord returned a real world figure of 40.2 mpg, which is excellent. The less lead-footed among the crowd will easily see numbers in line with the EPA estimates.
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Of course, the reason why the Accord was wheeled with such verve is because Honda has made this hybrid family sedan a superb driving machine, as well. With light, but fluid steering and excellent cornering composure thanks to the adaptive dampers on this Touring model, the Accord Hybrid flows through a winding road in a way that truly does belie its green car intentions.
Not all roads lead to or through winding mountain passes, and when the urge to drive like the world is ending dwindles, the Accord’s duality shines even brighter, thanks to a class-leading interior.
Soft-touch materials abound throughout the cabin, and the brilliant use of colors and textures left almost everyone wondering how Honda can be making money like this. At $37,590 as-tested, it almost seems as if Honda isn’t asking enough money for this experience.
Serenely quiet and appointed with leather, heated and ventilated seats up front, rear heated seats, wireless charging, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and the brand’s latest infotainment setup, among other goodies, the Accord feels lavish from behind the wheel.
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The serenity is enhanced with the latest updates to Honda Sensing, which includes, among other things, radar-guided cruise control, lane keep assist and automatic collision braking. Previously, Honda Sensing has proved to be a bit hit-and-miss, but this latest calibration makes for a much smoother experience and actually accomplishes the goal of reduced driver fatigue, especially in stop-and-go traffic.
Comfortably able to fit four grown adults with room to spare, and even more comfortably able to tackle a winding road or the daily commute with poise, Honda moves ever closer to perfection with its Accord sedan.
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