2021 Honda Accord Hybrid

Is the Honda Accord Hybrid a Good Car?

The 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid is a good midsize sedan. As you might expect, it offers all the benefits of the regular Honda Accord but with even better fuel economy. The Accord Hybrid has a spacious interior with quality materials, an easy-to-use infotainment system, and a sizable trunk. It rides comfortably over rough road surfaces, and it feels surefooted and agile around turns. The hybrid system provides plenty of punch for everyday driving, though it does begin to taper off at highway speeds. The Accord Hybrid is packed with active safety features as well. All in all, the main thing holding this Honda back is a below-average predicted reliability rating.

Why You Can Trust Us: 28 Reviews Analyzed

We’ve analyzed 28 Honda Accord Hybrid reviews, as well as data points like reliability ratings and fuel economy estimates, to help you make the best car-buying decision possible.

This 2021 Accord Hybrid review incorporates applicable research for all models in this generation, which launched for 2018.

U.S. News Best Cars has been ranking and reviewing vehicles since 2007, and our staff has more than 75 years of combined experience in the auto industry. To ensure our objectivity, we never accept expensive gifts from carmakers, and an outside firm manages the ads on our site.

Should I Buy the Honda Accord Hybrid?

The 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid is a well-rounded hybrid car worth your consideration, but you may want to shop around if gas mileage is your top priority. While the Accord Hybrid is surely fuel-efficient, it can’t match hybrids like the Toyota Prius, Hyundai Ioniq, or even Honda’s own Insight in overall fuel economy.

Find a 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid for sale near you »

2020 vs. 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid: What's the Difference?

There are a few key differences between the 2020 and 2021 Accord Hybrid models. For 2021, Honda restyled the Accord’s grille, and previously optional features including an 8-inch touch screen, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto are now standard. The biggest difference is to the hybrid system, which has been updated to provide quicker throttle response.

Compare the 2020 and 2021 Accord Hybrid »

Here are the key changes for the Honda Accord Hybrid over the last few years:

• 2018: fully redesigned with a roomier back seat and larger trunk; added more available features like a head-up display, traffic sign recognition, and wireless device charging
• 2019: no major changes
• 2020: no major changes
• 2021: a restyled grille, an updated hybrid system, and more standard features

If you're considering an older model, be sure to read our 2018 Accord Hybrid, 2019 Accord Hybrid, and 2020 Accord Hybrid reviews to help make your decision. Also, check out our Best New Car Deals and Best New Car Lease Deals pages to learn about savings and discounts you can find on new vehicles.

How Much Does the Honda Accord Hybrid Cost?

The 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid has a $26,370 starting price, which is about average for the hybrid and electric car class. The price climbs to $36,240 for the fully loaded Touring trim.

Check out our U.S. News Best Price Program for great savings at your local Honda dealer. You can also find excellent manufacturer incentives on our Honda deals page.

Honda Accord Hybrid Versus the Competition

Honda Accord Hybrid vs. Toyota Camry Hybrid

There really isn’t a bad pick between the Accord Hybrid and its Toyota Camry Hybrid rival. Both of these midsize sedans offer composed handling, a comfortable ride, roomy seating space, and upscale interior trimmings. Both cars also come packed with active safety features, and they start at around the same price point. The Camry rates higher for predicted reliability, and it yields better fuel economy in its standard configuration. On the other hand, the Accord feels a bit zippier when accelerating. Test-drive both cars to see which you prefer.

Compare the Accord and Camry hybrids »

Honda Accord Hybrid vs. Hyundai Sonata Hybrid

The Hyundai Sonata Hybrid benefits from a recent redesign that has catapulted it to the front of the hybrid and electric car class. Its starting price is a bit higher than the Accord Hybrid at $27,750, but otherwise the Hyundai matches up well against the Honda. The Sonata Hybrid sports an even nicer interior than the Accord Hybrid, it gets slightly better fuel economy, and it rates higher for predicted reliability. Both offer roomy seating space, well-mannered handling, intuitive tech features, and a host of active driver assistance features. These are good cars, though we suggest checking out the Sonata Hybrid first.

Compare the Accord and Sonata hybrids »

Compare the Accord, Camry, and Sonata hybrids »

Accord Hybrid Interior: Fine Accommodations

Accord Hybrid Cargo Space

The Honda Accord Hybrid has 16.7 cubic feet of trunk space. This cargo area is deep and wide, making it easy to stow a couple sets of golf clubs or a few carry-on bags. Longer items fit nicely as well, thanks to the 60/40-split-folding rear seats. That said, you may want to consider a hybrid hatchback like the Toyota Prius or Hyundai Ioniq if you plan to carry bulky items on a regular basis.

How Many People Does the Accord Hybrid Seat?

The Honda Accord Hybrid is a four-door sedan with five seats. The front seats are supportive and well-cushioned, and they provide ample headroom and legroom, even for taller occupants. The driving position is comfortable, and outward visibility is good in all directions. The rear-seat cushions are comfy as well, and there’s sufficient space in back for two adults, as long as they aren’t especially tall. Three kids can fit comfortably in the back with wiggle room to spare.

Cloth upholstery and manually adjustable front seats are standard. Leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, heated and ventilated front seats, and heated rear seats are available.

Accord Hybrid and Child Car Seats

There are two complete sets of LATCH connectors for the rear outboard seats and a tether anchor for the rear middle seat. These car-seat anchors are easy to find and maneuver around, and they don’t require too much force to attach.

Accord Hybrid Interior Quality

The Honda Accord Hybrid earns praise for its upscale and premium-feeling interior. The cabin styling is modern and clean-cut, and most surfaces are trimmed with quality soft-touch plastics. There are a few hard plastics here and there, but overall, the interior feels up to par with some Acura models (Honda’s luxury brand). The cabin muffles most road and wind noise, though there’s a fair amount of engine noise that filters through.

Accord Hybrid Infotainment, Bluetooth, and Navigation

The Accord Hybrid’s standard 8-inch touch screen is simple and easy to use. It has crisp graphics, responds promptly to inputs, and is easy to reach. It’s bookended by physical buttons and knobs for the main audio and climate controls, so you don’t have to rely on the touch screen for every function.

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included as well, allowing drivers to integrate their smartphone interface on-screen. The standard setup requires a USB connection to access these apps, though users can connect wirelessly in the EX, EX-L, and Touring trims.

• Standard infotainment features: an 8-inch touch screen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, four speakers, Bluetooth, and two USB ports
• Available infotainment features: navigation, HD Radio, satellite radio, eight or 10 speakers, wireless device charging, a Wi-Fi hot spot, and two additional USB ports
• Additional standard features: dual-zone automatic climate control, keyless entry, push-button start, and remote start
• Other available features: a moonroof

For more information, read What Is Apple CarPlay? and What Is Android Auto?

Read more about interior »

Accord Hybrid Performance: Genuinely Sporty

Accord Hybrid Engine

The Honda Accord Hybrid is equipped with a 212-horsepower hybrid system, which includes a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, two electric motors, a lithium-ion battery pack, and a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). Front-wheel drive is standard.

This hybrid system has plenty of muscle for zipping the Accord around town and up to highway speeds. The electric motors do most of the work, and they enable smooth and quiet acceleration. The dash from zero to 60 mph takes just under seven seconds. The four-cylinder engine kicks in to assist at higher speeds, though it can also act as a generator at lower speeds. It sounds a little buzzy and can drone at times, but this is more of a quirk than an issue. Pressing the gas pedal yields quick throttle response at low speeds and somewhat leisurely response at higher speeds, such as when passing another vehicle.

Accord Hybrid Gas Mileage

The Honda Accord Hybrid gets an EPA-rated 48 mpg in the city and on the highway. The Touring model yields a lower 44/41 mpg city/highway. These ratings are great by midsize sedan standards, but they’re rather low compared to other hybrid cars like the Hyundai Ioniq, Toyota Prius, and Honda Insight.

Accord Hybrid Ride and Handling

Much like its nonhybrid sibling, the Honda Accord Hybrid is a very enjoyable car to drive. The Accord feels lightweight and agile through turns, its steering is crisp and responsive, and the suspension does a fine job of curtailing body lean. The Accord comfortably shrugs off bumps and dips in the pavement as well, yielding a gentle and relaxing ride. The brakes slow down the Accord smoothly and confidently, which isn’t always the case with hybrid vehicles.

Read more about performance »

Accord Hybrid Reliability

Is the Honda Accord Hybrid Reliable?

The 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid has a below-average predicted reliability rating of 2.5 out of five.

Honda Accord Hybrid Warranty

Honda covers the Accord Hybrid with a three-year/36,000-mile limited warranty, a five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty, and an eight-year/100,000-mile hybrid battery warranty.

Read more about reliability »

Accord Hybrid Safety

Accord Hybrid Crash Test Results

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gave the 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid an overall safety rating of five out of five stars. The Accord earned five stars in the frontal crash, side crash, and rollover tests as well.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has not crash tested the 2021 Accord Hybrid, but the organization gave the similar 2020 model excellent ratings across the board.

Accord Hybrid Safety Features

Standard advanced safety features:

• Rearview camera
• Forward collision warning
• Automatic emergency braking
• Adaptive cruise control
• Lane departure warning
• Lane keep assist
• Automatic high-beam headlights
• Road sign recognition

Available advanced safety features:

• Blind spot monitoring
• Rear cross traffic alert
• Front and rear parking sensors
• Head-up display

Read more about safety »

Accord Hybrid Dimensions and Weight

The Accord Hybrid is 16 feet long. Its curb weight ranges from 3,327 to 3,415 pounds.

Where Is the 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid Built?

Honda builds the 2021 Accord Hybrid in Ohio.

Which Honda Accord Hybrid Model Is Right for Me?

The 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid comes in a base model and three additional trims: EX, EX-L, and Touring. All models come equipped with a 212-horsepower hybrid system, a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), and front-wheel drive.

The base model is a great option for most shoppers. It comes standard with many safety and convenience features, and its pricing starts at just under $27,000.

Honda Accord Hybrid

The entry-level Accord Hybrid starts at $26,370. Standard features include an 8-inch touch screen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, two USB ports, four speakers, keyless entry, push-button start, remote start, dual-zone automatic climate control, cloth upholstery, manually adjustable front seats, LED headlights with automatic high beams, and 17-inch wheels. The Honda Sensing safety suite also comes standard, and it includes forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, and road sign recognition.

Honda Accord Hybrid EX

The Accord Hybrid EX starts at $30,320. This trim adds wireless device charging, wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, HD Radio, satellite radio, eight speakers, two additional USB ports, a moonroof, heated front seats, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, and fog lights.

Honda Accord Hybrid EX-L

The Accord Hybrid EX-L costs $32,690 and gains leather upholstery, a power-adjustable front passenger seat, 10 speakers, and front and rear parking sensors.

Honda Accord Hybrid Touring

The fully loaded Accord Hybrid Touring starts at $36,240 and adds a navigation system, a head-up display, a Wi-Fi hot spot, ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, adaptive shock absorbers, and 19-inch wheels.

Check out our U.S. News Best Price Program for great savings at your local Honda dealer. You can also find excellent manufacturer incentives on our Honda deals page.

See 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid specs and trims »

The Final Call

The refreshed 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid checks every box on your hybrid car shopping list, plus a few more. The Accord is fuel-efficient, spacious, comfortable, and packed with standard tech and safety features. It’s also reasonably zippy and fun to drive. There’s no shortage of options in this competitive segment, but overall the Accord Hybrid remains a top pick.

Don't just take our word for it. Check out comments from some of the reviews that drive our rankings and analysis.

• "Compared to other green competitors like the Sonata Hybrid or Camry Hybrid, the choice to go Accord is even more obvious with the 2021 updates. Efficiency is mighty close, but the Accord is significantly quicker and it handles more like a sport sedan. It’s the hybrid for both the green car traditionalist, and for a driving enthusiast wishing for an efficient daily driver." -- Autoblog
• "The Accord Hybrid takes all the comfort and refinement of the standard Accord and gains fuel efficiency, power and a few additional standard features. This year's improvements to the powertrain have given the Hybrid a quieter driving experience, too, making it a top choice for a midsize hybrid sedan." -- Edmunds
• "If a ‘hybrid’ isn't exactly the type of car you visualize as a future purchase, the new 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid Touring does a pretty good job of convincing you otherwise." -- Automobile Magazine