The 2021 Honda Accord is considered one of the best midsize sedans on the market and has earned the title of “Best Buy” from The Consumer Guide. The Hybrid Touring model for 2021 comes with several enhancements, which we detail below.
Touring represents the highest trim level in the Honda Accord’s hybrid lineup with a gasoline engine. Standard features include adaptive suspension, a front display screen, onboard Wi-Fi hotspot, and a navigation system.
Although still based on the design of the 10th generation introduced in 2018, the ’21 models feature a wider grille with improved integration of the Honda Sensing radar unit. All models except the basic LX come with reconfigured LED high and low beam headlights. Additionally, the Touring’s wheel size grows to 19 inches in diameter. In terms of technology, the EX, EX-L, and Touring models adopt wireless functionality for Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone capability and add dual 2.5-volt USB ports for rear-seat passengers.
Honda claims to have taken steps to accelerate throttle response. The engine outputs remain the same at 212 horsepower at 6200 rpm and 232 lb-ft of torque at 2000 rpm. The “Sport” mode injects a bit more liveliness into the driving experience, but the engine becomes somewhat noisier when accelerating this way, and it’s not a particularly “powerful” sound.
The Honda Accord’s infotainment system, Display Audio, features large virtual buttons that are easy to use while driving. However, getting used to the gear selector with a button might take some time. A wireless charging platform is located in a compartment in front of the console, under two USB ports and a 12V power outlet.
Fuel economy remains a highlight of the Honda Accord Hybrid. The EPA ratings for the Touring are an impressive 44 mpg in the city, 41 mpg on the highway, and 43 mpg combined. The “ECON” and “EV” modes enhance gas stretching capability, with the latter allowing limited periods of purely electric operation. Transitions between hybrid/EV operation to gasoline engine operation occur smoothly.
The Accord steers and handles with ease and responsiveness. An adaptive shock suspension is a standard feature on the Touring. The brake system does a good job providing a natural, confidence-inducing feel as it captures regenerative force to charge the lithium-ion battery, something not all hybrid vehicles do as effectively.
Another advantage of the Accord Hybrid’s design is the trunk capacity, boasting a generous 16.7 cubic feet of cargo volume. The motor’s battery is located beneath the rear seat, ensuring the same 16.7 cubic feet of cargo space in both hybrid and gasoline models.
The trunk floor is not uniformly flat at the sides or just behind the rear seat. Additionally, a bulkhead restricts passage when the 60/40 split seats are lowered to extend the cargo area. Another inconvenience is that the widest part of the split seat carries a triangular hook serving as a latch when the seatback is lifted. When lowered, the hook protrudes, increasing the risk of damaging items that could be inserted into it.
The Touring’s interior is a standout feature, with leather covering comfortable seats and the steering wheel. All four corner seats are heated, and the front ones are ventilated. Honda pinches a few pennies by applying grained plastic on the top of the rear doors, but otherwise, soft-touch materials are generously spread throughout the space. A front display screen, HondaLink subscription services, and satellite navigation are standard elements reserved for the Touring.
There is room for a third adult in the center of the rear seat if the need arises. The glass area is expansive, resulting in good driver visibility. Controls include the somewhat odd Honda shifter selector and button on the console. The premium 10-speaker audio system is easy to operate, with inputs conveniently made on the 8-inch touchscreen. Practical dials for temperature and fan speed in the dual-zone climate control system leave only a few additional functions requiring buttons.
Cabin storage is facilitated through a small glove compartment, a large console box with an adjustable tray, pouches on the back of the front seats, door pockets with bottle holders, and cup holders in the console and foldable rear armrest.
The Honda Accord Hybrids are faster than one might expect, running on a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine combined with an electric motor for a total system power of 212 horsepower. Previous Accord Hybrids came with 17-inch wheels, but for 2021, the Hybrid Touring features 19-inch alloys for a more striking appearance, albeit offering a slightly stiffer ride.
Additional standard features of the Hybrid Touring include body-colored front and rear parking sensors, heated side mirrors, automatic headlights, LED fog lights, electric sunroof, rain-sensing wipers, 12-position electrically adjustable driver’s seat with 2-position memory, 4-way electrically adjustable front passenger seat on the go, 7-inch driver information display, satellite and HD radio, 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot, wireless charging, remote engine start and entry, button start, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and low-speed automatic braking.
All Accords come with the Honda Sensing safety technology suite, including automatic collision mitigation braking, lane-keeping assistance, traffic sign recognition, and adaptive cruise control.
The 2021 Honda Accord does many things exceptionally well, making it hard not to view it as a cutting-edge midsize car. The hybrids extend this high level of goodness to another corner of the modern automotive world.
The Honda Accord remains an outstanding and essential midsize sedan, and the hybrid version offers excellent fuel economy at a reasonable premium, without significantly compromising comfort or driving capability.
