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2021 Honda Accord Hybrid Trim Levels with Comparisons & Configurations.

2021 Honda Accord Hybrid Trim Levels, Configurations & Comparisons: Base vs EX vs EX-L & Touring
Reviewed & fact checked by
James Murdoch

What 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid Trim Level Should you Buy? What is the Difference Between Trims?

The 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid is the perfect blend of power and efficiency. With up to 48 mpg in combined city/highway driving, drivers will save money at the pump while still enjoying a speedy ride - making this one hybrid model that truly delivers! And despite its impressive fuel economy numbers, it also provides best-in-class cargo room with 16.7 cubic feet of storage space – enough for a few weeks’ worth of groceries or even multiple sets of golf clubs. This is an amazingly versatile vehicle providing amazing value behind the wheel every day.

Not only that, but Honda adds a lot of practically designed small items storage spaces to the Accord Hybrid's cabin. The center arm rest's storage bin is considerably large and can fit multiple devices in there for safekeeping. The front console is designed with a cubby hole for a wireless charging pad (which is optional) and several smartphones.

The cabin itself is more than generous on space. The rear seats can accompany rear-facing child safety seats without an issue, and taller adults can stretch their legs out in the back without feeling cramped for space. We also have to mention how easy the LATCH system is to use for those child safety seats. The anchors are easy to find and are clearly marked, and no seat fabric gets in the way.

One of the things that holds the Accord Hybrid back from being a totally solid ride is the brakes. You will get some seamless passing off from the regenerative brakes, and the pedal itself feels firm enough under your foot. However, panic stops take a while, and the distance to make them is actually in line with what you would expect to make on a larger SUV or truck.

The 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid is a standout in its class, with an impressive interior that's roomier than competitors like the Toyota Prius. It comes in many different trim levels - all of which boast great value for buyers on any budget. So if you're looking for something reliable and comfortable to drive every day, take a closer look at what this hybrid has to offer.

Compare the Accord Hybrid Base vs EX Trim Levels. What is the difference?

Make no mistake - the base Accord Hybrid is well stocked with standard features. First and foremost, Honda Sensing - a bundle of driver aids - comes standard on each trim level. This gives you access to a collision mitigation braking system, a road departure mitigation system, low-speed follow on the adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and traffic sign recognition. Other standard driver assistance features include automatic high beams. The EX upgrades you with a blind spot monitoring system with rear cross traffic alert.

Listen to your favorite tunes on the Hybrid Base's 4-speaker, 160-watt sound system or on the EX's 180-watt 8-speaker system. The Base gets one 1.0-Amp USB audio input up front, but the EX gets a pair of 2.5-amp USB smartphone/audio inputs and a 2.5-amp charge-only USB port for the rear. Smartphone app integration is standard but becomes wireless on the EX trim level. Both vehicles have an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen display, Bluetooth connectivity, a radio data system, and HondaLink. The EX gives you multiple additions, including the wireless phone charger, HD Radio, SiriusXM Satellite Radio, and a SMS text messaging function.

The Honda Accord Hybrid combines modern convenience with creature comforts that keep you comfortable and engaged. Its Base trim is already loaded, featuring dual-zone climate control for temperature stability throughout the cabin, plus power windows with auto up/down on both sides and a push button ignition to get you moving quickly. Even more comfort can be found in the EX model's 12-way power adjustable driver seat including 4-way lumbar support – perfect for long drives. And when it’s time to pack up your gear, foldable rear seats make loading effortless. Enjoy luxurious relaxation from start to finish thanks to these generous amenities of this cutting edge hybrid sedan.

The Accord Hybrid is a sleek and efficient vehicle that provides modern convenience with two trim levels. Stylish designs like aluminum hoods, LED light bars, body-colored door handles complete the exterior look of this car while inside you can enjoy features such as remote entry with security system and windshield wipers that adjust to your environment. With EX models gaining upgraded lighting options and heated power side mirrors plus an automated tilting moonroof - luxury comes standard.

The Base and EX trims of this hybrid sedan offer a powerful driving experience with 212 hp under the hood. Aside from offering port fuel injection, Hill Start Assist, an Eco Assists System, Automatic Brake Hold on their electronic parking brake feature - plus Active Noise Cancellation, Remote Engine Start and an engine immobilizer for safety – they also come equipped with Electronic Continuously Variable Transmission (eCVT) technology that provides remarkable fuel economy up to 48 mpg combined! To round out the picture  is all-season tires set upon 17” machine finished alloy wheels; as well as MacPherson front strut suspension and rear multi-link suspension so you can take every bend in style.

Compare the Hybrid EX vs Hybrid EX-L. What is the difference?

Time to move up a rung on the trim level ladder and examine what comes on the Hybrid EX-L. As you can imagine, this trim takes what is on the EX and adds an extra layer of luxury.

Like the Hybrid EX, this trim comes with the Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System (AVAS). Its list of standard driver aids remains the same, but there is an upgraded 10-speaker 450-watt premium sound system with a subwoofer to beef up the list of audio and connectivity features.

You also get a few more convenience and comfort features. This includes a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter knob, the HomeLink remote system, and an auto-dimming rear-view mirror. The driver's seat gains two-position memory settings, and the front passenger seat becomes 4-way power adjustable. Leather upholstery is swapped in for the lwoer trims' cloth.

On the outside, the EX-L Hybrid gains integrated turn indicators in its side mirrors, courtesy lights, and body-colored parking sensors (with two up front and four in the rear).

Mechanically, the Hybrid EX-L is a little bit different since its engine is turbocharged with a boost pressure rating of 20.2 psi. This vehicle redlines at 6500 rpm and still utilizes the eCVT.

Compare the Accord Hybrid EX-L vs Hybrid Touring Trims. What is the difference?

The line-topping Hybrid Touring trim level is a borderline luxury vehicle. Honda's Touring trims are known for being crammed full of top-notch, highly sought-after features. This year's trim level comes with more driver assist technology, adding on a head-up display and low-speed braking control.

Of course, the list of infotainment features gets maxed out too. Drivers will get treated to Near Field Communication (NFC), Wi-Fi hot spot connectivity, HondaLink's subscription services, and the Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System. The latter comes with an HD digital traffic function and voice recognition that can recognize natural speech patterns.

Inside of the cabin, the biggest change you will notice is the door pull ambient interior lighting. The rear outboard seats gain a heating function, and the front seats gain standard ventilation in addition to the heating function. This means that you can adjust the seat's temperature to either warm you up or cool you down depending on the outside weather extreme.

The exterior is adorned with a lot more chrome. The door handles are done in chrome, as are the exhaust finishers. The windshield wipers gain a rain-sensing capability, and the passenger-side side mirror has a reverse gear tilt-down function. The front end also gains two body-colored parking sensors, bringing the grand total to eight (four up front and four in the rear).

Mechanically, not a lot is different. The psi boost is marginally raised to 20.8, and displacement increases from 1498 cc to 1996 cc. Horsepower remains the same, and the eCVT is also still standard equipment. There is, however, an adaptive damper system that does create some changes in ride quality and body roll control. Other than that, everything else is basically the same as it is on the Hybrid EX-L.

Final Thoughts

The 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid offers a solid line of hybrid powertrains that provide a balance between power and fuel economy. The only time you will feel the Accord Hybrid gassing out is after you have forced it up-to-speed and to pass others on the highway. Even then, there is not a significant loss of power, showing just how capable this hybrid model is at accelerating. We just wish the brakes felt a bit more secure during emergency situations. But, to be far, the brakes modulate pretty well in everyday braking scenarios.

That being said, there is one trim level that stands above the rest as the best deal you can get. And that trim level? It is the EX. It hits the right spot, providing ample power and fuel economy while adding just enough standard features to make the vehicle worth its price tag. Sure, it costs quite a bit more than the base Hybrid trim level, but we think the extra money is well-spent.

Why do we say that? Well, having wireless smartphone app integration is a huge bonus for many drivers. You can do this with either Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, and it means you can simply use your smartphone apps without having to go to the trouble of physically connecting your phone. You just do it wirelessly.

While you don't get the leather upholstery that comes on the EX-L, the EX has an interior that looks refined and feels downright cozy. The standard heated front seats are helpful at warming you up on a cold morning and take very little time to get to a cozy temperature. If you live in a cooler climate, they alone might be worth the upgrade.

Used 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid:
Previous Honda Accord Hybrid Trim Configurations:

Compare the 2020 Honda Accord Hybrid Trim Levels