Good value doesn’t always mean getting as much as you can for as little money. In some cases, what the additional content adds to the experience matters more than the dollars you spend. As the mid-size sedan bench mark, the 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid must give you more than the competition in terms of substance. Thankfully it does just that. That may leave you asking, which one to get? Does the range-topping Touring trim add enough goodness to justify going for it?
From the get-go, the 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid gives you more. It drives better than any mid-size sedan has any right to, offering impeccable ride and handling balance in every model. The 2.0-liter-based hybrid system delivers 212 hp and 232 lb-ft of torque, giving the sedan plenty of power on tap while retaining excellent fuel economy. The Touring model builds on this with wider tires on 19-inch alloy wheels and standard adaptive dampers. Fuel economy takes a hit due to the larger wheels, checking in at an EPA-rated 44/41/43 mpg city/highway/combined for the Accord Hybrid Touring versus 48/48/48 mpg on the base, EX, and EX-L.
If you’re looking at the Accord Hybrid Touring, you’re probably wanting something along the lines of budget luxury. Should that be the case, it’s right up your alley. You get extras like ventilated front seats, a head-up display, heated rear seats, automatic emergency braking that works at parking lot speeds, built-in navigation, and 19-inch alloy wheels. Every Accord features class-above build quality; the attention to detail and use of materials rival or even surpass entry-level luxury cars while giving you more content. Excellent sound deadening keeps the cabin quiet even with the 19-inch alloy wheels.
The lower-end models may not get the extra niceties that the top-dog Touring models do but that doesn’t mean they’re less desirable. They’re just as compelling because they’re still pretty good to drive and also offer a long list of standard features, especially in EX and EX-L grades. Further strengthening the Accord Hybrid’s proposition is that every trim gets an 8.0-inch touch screen and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility (EX and higher trims are wireless). You also don’t need to go up to the most expensive version if you want the 450-watt, 10-speaker audio system.
However, if you’re looking for the most capable one, the Touring model is the way to go. The adaptive dampers add additional sophistication, giving you additional compliance in Eco and Normal modes. In Sport mode, the suspension tightens, improving the car’s handling without ruining ride quality. This turns the Accord into a sedan that punches way above its weight. You get a nearly complete package, especially when you consider the hybrid powertrain.
For most, the 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid is a fantastic choice even in lower trims. You get a generously equipped sedan with pleasant driving dynamics, lots of space, and build quality that’s a segment above its own. The most discerning of buyers will be best served by the Touring grade. What you trade-off in fuel economy is balanced by additional features and a more polished ride and handling balance. This is the Accord if you want to have it all. Luckily, you’re not paying a huge premium because a loaded Accord Touring still manages to check in below $38,000.
So yes, the 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid Touring is worth the money. It provides enough content and substance to justify its higher price tag while still offering you more for the money. This transforms the car into more than just your average mid-size sedan. It’s a well-rounded, do-nearly-everything vehicle that goes beyond what you expect. Although the rest of the lineup is fantastic, too, the Touring model stands out because of how high it reaches above its class.
