Honda Accord vs. Honda Civic: A Comprehensive Breakdown


in Model Info
Honda Civic on a track

Source: Pixabay

Honda vehicles are getting more popular recently, with stylish designs and durable parts that perform well on the road. Drivers are converting to Honda as their preferred manufacturer, or deciding they want to stick with Honda in the future, all the time. But when it comes to Honda Accord vs. Honda Civic, a lot of consumers have questions. 

It’s no wonder the Honda Accord and the Honda Civic look like remarkably similar vehicles at first glance. 

This breakdown will help you learn more about the differences between these models, which is better for different kinds of consumers, and any other details you need to decide which vehicle is right for you. We’ll be talking about the model lines as a whole, but with a focus on the most recent release. 

Honda Accord Vs. Honda Civic General Overview

If you’re debating Honda Accord vs. Honda Civic, one of the first things you need to know is how these vehicles are similar. Both are small vehicles available as sedans or coupes, though the Civic also has a hatchback version. The Honda vehicles both have reasonably powerful engines, though the Accord trades slightly lower fuel efficiency for slightly higher horsepower. 

Both models are available in automatic and manual versions, but manual versions are rare since they’re less popular with consumers. Both models are also available as hybrids, but the hybrid models aren’t very popular.


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When it comes to fuel efficiency, Honda Accord vs. Honda Civic, the Civic has a slight edge. It’s still got better fuel efficiency estimates, which means slight savings at the pump. However, the more recent your model, the closer the Accord comes to having the same fuel efficiency. 

Of course, some of the differences between the Civic and the Accord when it comes to fuel efficiency may also be down to size. The Accord is just a little larger than the Civic in both the sedan and coupe designs. 

In terms of prices, Honda Accord vs. Honda Civic, the Accord tends to be just a little more expensive than the Civic at similar trim levels and release years. However, there are a few advantages to the Accord that might be worth the price. 

We’ll talk more about the Accord’s features and advantages in the Features and Luxury options section, but it’s worth noting that the Accord tends to be better insulated against road noise and quieter than the Civic overall. 

Model Pros and Cons

If you’re looking for a quick summation of the pros and cons of each model, Honda Accord vs. Honda Civic, you’re in the right place. This quick list will give you a better idea of which model is right for you. Remember your priorities when you’re considering which model has better benefits and advantages for you. 

Honda Civic Pros and Cons

Pros: 

  • Available as a Sedan, Coupe, or Hatchback
  • Performance models are available
  • High fuel efficiency is a priority with this model
  • More affordable than the same model year of Accord (usually)

Cons: 

  • Tends to be louder to drive. 
  • Not as many luxury features
  • Leather interiors are uncommon in this model
  • Tech features may look/feel outdated

Honda Accord Pros and Cons

Pros:

  • Offers a little more space than similar models of Civic
  • Available with a leather interior
  • More luxury features included in each trim level
  • More cargo space, more comfortable in the backseat
  • Lots of tech options, including hotspots and multiple types of phone connectivity

Cons:

  • Not as fuel-efficient as the same model-year Civic on average
  • Usually, a little more expensive

Even though there are more cons with the Honda Civic, we’d still say it’s important to consider which model is better for your needs. The Civic is more affordable in almost every aspect, which makes it a great choice if you’re looking to save money. 

A lot of the advantages that come with a Honda Accord are luxuries and don’t impact the effectiveness of the vehicle. 


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Cargo Room Comparison

If you’re looking for a small vehicle that has plenty of cargo room for family trips and weekends away, you’re probably better off going with an Accord. The Accord consistently offers more trunk and backseat space than the Civic. 

Even the Accord coupe is a little roomier than the Civic Coupe. However, if you’re looking for a hatchback, the Civic has the edge. The Civic is available in a hatchback design, increasing the cargo room significantly. However, the Civic hatchback still has relatively limited backseat space. 

Features and Luxury Options

Both of these vehicles offer a touch screen, Bluetooth connectivity, USB ports, and a few other features that are becoming standard in new models of vehicles. However, the similarities are pretty outweighed by the differences. 

For instance, the Civic has a 7- or 9-inch touchscreen, depending on the model year and trim level. Most modern Accords offer a standard 8-inch touchscreen, and you either have one or you don’t; there are no size options. 

Typically the Accord has offered more tech features than the Civic, including option 4G and Wi-Fi hotspots depending on trim level for the most recent releases. 

However, the Civic has started to be more competitive in this area, with a better sound system and up to a 13-inch touchscreen on the Civic Touring. 

When it comes to technology and luxury features, model year and trim number really matter for both the Honda Civic and the Honda Accord. Our best recommendation is to look carefully at the available features across the different options at your dealership. This is one area where cars can change rapidly, so it might make a big impact on which model year or trim level you choose, in both Civics and Accords. 


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Which Honda Is Right For You Honda Accord vs. Honda Civic?

When you’re trying to decide whether a Honda Accord or a Honda Civic is the right car for you, it can be easy to default to price as the deciding factor. The problem is that while these two models are similar, they do cater to slightly different markets. 

If you’re looking for a good price and great performance but don’t need your vehicle to be very comfortable, a Civic is a good option. There aren’t a lot of comfort sacrifices, but they are there. At the same time, though, the Civic is typically the more affordable car to buy and own. 

On the other hand, if you’re looking for a vehicle that’s a little more comfortable and more suitable as a family car or for trips longer than your daily commute, the comfort features of an Accord might be the better option. Not to mention that the Accord is that much more expensive to buy or own, and is getting more fuel-efficient with every release. 

Ultimately the choice is yours, though it’s important to think about how you use your vehicle and how long you’re likely to own it before committing to one model or the other.



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