Honda’s Accord has long been recognized as a frontrunner in the midsize sedan segment, and the 2021 model year brings a refresh that refines its appeal even further. For drivers seeking a blend of sporty styling, engaging performance, and advanced features, the 2021 Honda Accord Sport emerges as a particularly compelling option. This iteration builds upon the Accord’s reputation for reliability and efficiency, injecting a dose of dynamic flair and enhanced technology that caters to modern drivers. Let’s delve into what makes the 2021 Honda Accord Sport stand out in a competitive market.
What’s New for the 2021 Honda Accord Sport?
The 2021 Accord lineup benefits from a range of updates, and the Sport trim receives its own set of enhancements that amplify its sporty character. On the exterior, the 2021 Honda Accord Sport showcases a restyled grille, wider and more sophisticated, which integrates the Honda Sensing system’s radar unit more seamlessly. This updated front fascia gives the Sport a more assertive and contemporary presence on the road.
Complementing the new grille are newly designed LED high- and low-beam headlights, standard on the Sport trim and above. These headlights not only contribute to the Accord Sport’s modern aesthetic but also provide improved illumination, casting a longer and wider beam for enhanced nighttime visibility. The fog lights also receive smaller, more integrated openings, further refining the front-end design.
The 2021 Honda Accord Sport rolls on distinctive 19-inch alloy wheels, a signature element that sets it apart from other trims and underscores its sporty intentions. A new color option, Sonic Gray Pearl, is available for the Sport, Sport Special Edition, and Touring trims, offering another layer of customization for buyers looking to personalize their Accord Sport.
Inside the cabin, the 2021 Honda Accord Sport elevates its tech offerings. An 8-inch Display Audio touchscreen is now standard across all trims, bringing with it standard Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ integration. This ensures seamless smartphone connectivity for navigation, entertainment, and communication. For added convenience, the front USB ports have been relocated to the front of the center console for easier access. Recognizing the needs of modern families and passengers, the Sport trim and higher now include dual 2.5-volt USB ports for rear seat occupants, ensuring everyone can keep their devices charged on the go.
Sport vs. Sport Special Edition: Choosing Your 2021 Accord Sport
For the 2021 model year, Honda introduced a new Sport Special Edition (SE), building upon the popular Sport 1.5T trim. This addition gives buyers two distinct flavors of sporty Accord to consider: the standard Sport 1.5T and the upgraded Sport SE. The 2021 Honda Accord Sport 1.5T already boasts an impressive array of features, including a leather-wrapped steering wheel with paddle shifters, a leather-wrapped shift knob, and an 8-speaker audio system, in addition to the visual enhancements like the rear spoiler, dark chrome grille, and chrome exhaust finishers.
The new 2021 Honda Accord Sport Special Edition takes the Sport 1.5T as its foundation and adds a selection of premium features that were highly sought after by Accord buyers. The Sport SE upgrades to leather seats, adding a touch of luxury to the sporty ambiance. Heated front seats are also included, enhancing comfort in colder climates. Furthermore, the driver’s seat gains 12-way power adjustability, while the passenger enjoys a 4-way power seat, ensuring optimal comfort for both front occupants. Heated mirrors, Smart Entry, and remote engine start are also added to the Sport SE, further enhancing convenience and everyday usability.
Choosing between the 2021 Honda Accord Sport and the Sport SE comes down to prioritizing features. If sporty aesthetics and driving dynamics are paramount, and cloth seats are acceptable, the Sport 1.5T offers a compelling package. However, for those desiring leather upholstery, heated seats, and additional convenience features like Smart Entry and remote start, the Sport SE presents a worthwhile step up, delivering enhanced comfort and luxury without sacrificing the Sport trim’s dynamic appeal.
Performance and Driving Dynamics of the 2021 Accord Sport
Under the hood, the 2021 Honda Accord Sport is powered by a responsive 1.5-liter VTEC Turbo® engine, delivering 192 horsepower and 192 lb.-ft. of torque. This engine is paired with a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) that, in the Sport trim, includes paddle shifters, giving the driver more control over gear selection and enhancing the sporty driving experience.
For the 2021 model year, both of the Accord’s turbocharged engines, including the 1.5-liter in the Sport, received updated engine management software. This update aims to provide more linear and responsive throttle control, making the 2021 Honda Accord Sport feel more engaging and predictable in various driving situations. The 1.5-liter turbo also benefits from improved Idle Stop performance, with quicker engine start-up when releasing the brake pedal, contributing to a smoother experience in stop-and-go traffic.
The braking system across the 2021 Accord lineup has also been refined for smoother engagement, particularly at lower speeds. This update improves braking feel in common driving scenarios like city traffic and parking maneuvers, adding to the overall sense of refinement in the 2021 Honda Accord Sport.
Safety and Honda Sensing in the 2021 Accord Sport
Safety remains a top priority for Honda, and the 2021 Honda Accord Sport comes standard with Honda Sensing®, a suite of safety and driver-assistive technologies. This includes features like Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS), which have been updated for 2021 with smoother braking for ACC and more natural lane centering for LKAS. These enhancements aim to make these systems more intuitive and less intrusive in everyday driving.
All 2021 Accords also receive a new Rear Seat Reminder and rear seatbelt reminder as standard equipment. The Rear Seat Reminder is a valuable feature that prompts drivers to check the rear seats upon vehicle shut-off, serving as a helpful reminder for children, pets, or other items left in the back. The rear seatbelt reminder adds another layer of safety by alerting the driver if rear passengers have not buckled up.
Honda anticipates the 2021 Honda Accord will achieve top safety ratings, including a 5-star Overall Vehicle Score from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS. The updated LED headlights on the Sport trim are also designed to achieve a GOOD rating in the rigorous IIHS headlight standard, reflecting Honda’s commitment to comprehensive safety.
Pricing and Fuel Economy of the 2021 Honda Accord Sport
The 2021 Honda Accord Sport 1.5T starts at a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $27,230, while the Sport Special Edition begins at $28,720, excluding destination and handling charges. These prices position the Sport trims competitively within the midsize sedan segment, especially considering the level of features and sporty styling they offer.
In terms of fuel economy, the 2021 Honda Accord Sport 1.5T and Sport SE achieve EPA mileage ratings of 29 mpg city, 35 mpg highway, and 32 mpg combined. These figures demonstrate a solid balance of performance and efficiency, making the Accord Sport a practical choice for daily driving without sacrificing driving enjoyment.
Conclusion
The 2021 Honda Accord Sport effectively builds upon the Accord’s strengths, injecting a dose of sporty style, enhanced technology, and refined driving dynamics. Whether you opt for the well-equipped Sport 1.5T or the more premium Sport Special Edition, the 2021 Accord Sport delivers a compelling package for drivers seeking a midsize sedan that is both engaging and practical. With its updated styling, advanced features, and reputation for reliability, the 2021 Honda Accord Sport solidifies its position as a top contender in the competitive midsize sedan market, offering a rewarding driving experience with a sporty edge.
