The Honda Accord is getting upgraded styling for 2021, along with updates to the car's driver assistance features and infotainment tech including wireless phone integration. There is also a new Canada-specific SE trim and tweaks to the hybrid model to make it a more enjoyable drive. The manual transmission has disappeared from the options list, and there are some significant price hikes including a base car $3,600 more than 2020.
It's not a massive change outside, with a wider grille that's been restyled and reshaped to better integrate the Honda Sensing radar unit. New LED high and low beam lights throw illumination farther and wider, while the fog lights openings have shrunk. New wheels hit EX-L and Touring trims, while a new Sonic Grey paint is added.
The 2021 Accord Hybrid gets its own version of the new grille, including a blue H-badge and hybrid logos. Under the hood, the two-motor hybrid system has been updated for more direct throttle response and more natural feeling acceleration, while it can also spend more time on solely electric power than before.
Interior changes to all new Honda Accord models include wireless integration of both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto along with wireless device charging. Front USB ports have been moved for better access.
Driver assistance changes for 2021 include adding blind-spot assistance to all trim levels and a new rear seat and seatbelt reminder. Touring trims add low-speed braking control front and rear that can detect solid objects when you're parking. Lastly, the standard Honda Sensing suite has its adaptive cruise control tweaked for smoother braking when following another car, and lane-keeping has what Honda calls more natural and effective lane-centering.
The new trim this year is Accord SE, replacing the old LX. It's the entry model, borrowing styling from the SE including 19-inch wheels, trunk spoiler, and dark chrome grille, and has leatherette and fabric seating with a leather wheel and 12-way power driver seat.
The 1.5 and 2.0L turbo-four engines make the same 192 hp and 252 hp as last year, but the software has been tweaked for what Honda calls more linear and responsive throttle control and the 1.5T adds idle shut-off.
Pricing is up across the board, starting from $32,305 (up from $28,705 for 2020). The increase gets smaller with higher trims, but even the Touring 2.0 increases $1,100 to $41,505. The 2021 Honda Accord sedan hits dealers across Canada this week.
2021 Honda Accord Canadian Pricing
Accord SE 1.5: $32,305
Accord Sport 1.5: $33,605
Accord EX-L 1.5: $35,205
Accord Touring 1.5: $38,505
Accord Sport 2.0: $36,805
Accord Touring 2.0: $41,505
Accord Hybrid: $35,805
Accord Hybrid Touring: $42,505
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