2021 Honda Accord Hybrid — Carivo review Representative photo — may show another model year
Hybrid

2021 Honda Accord Hybrid

Independent review & score by Carivo

Price Range $30,930–$37,627
Fuel Economy 45 MPG
Seating 5 passengers
Category Hybrid
Est. Annual Fuel $1,167/yr
The 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid scores 8.3/10 at Carivo, ranking #32 of 135 hybrids, with 3 NHTSA recalls on record and an estimated $1,167/year fuel cost.

Key Specifications — 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid

Engine2.0L 4-Cylinder
TransmissionAutomatic (variable gear ratios)
DrivetrainFront-Wheel Drive
Fuel TypeRegular
City / Hwy MPG48 / 48 MPG
Combined MPG48 MPG
Est. Annual Fuel Cost$1,250
CO₂ Emissions183 g/mi
Seating Capacity5 passengers
Body StyleHybrid
Base Price$30,930–$37,627

Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.

About the 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid

The 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid is a hybrid that earns a Carivo score of 8.3/10 — rated Recommended. Its strongest dimension is Reliability at 9.3/10, while Performance at 6.9/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a solid all-rounder that delivers across most dimensions without obvious deal-breakers.

Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. Reliability stands out at 9.3/10. The Accord Hybrid nameplate has earned that score through its track record and a comparatively clean recall sheet. On safety, it scores 8.5/10 in our assessment. Always confirm the official crash-test results for your exact trim at nhtsa.gov/ratings.

Performance at 6.9/10 is a genuine liability and a score that should factor heavily into any buying decision. The powertrain and chassis dynamics trail class rivals by a meaningful margin — don't overlook it. At 7.7/10 for technology, the infotainment and driver-assist package does its job without setting benchmarks — check which features cost extra on lower trims.

Priced from $30,930–$37,627, 45 MPG, seating 5, the Honda Accord Hybrid sits in the mid-market bracket of the hybrid segment. Its value score of 8.9/10 confirms that the price reflects the quality — you're getting a lot for your money here. At 5 years old, it's worth checking whether a newer generation or refresh has addressed any weaker dimensions — compare it to the current model year before buying.

Verdict: Nothing about the 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid will scare a sensible buyer off. Keep an eye on performance if those matter to you; otherwise it does what a good hybrid should — quietly and competently.

Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →

How It Ranks Among Hybrids

The 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid ranks #32 of 135 hybrids in the Carivo database — better than 77% of the segment. Its 8.3/10 overall score is 0.1 points above the segment average of 8.2/10. Its $30,930 starting price sits close to the segment's median of $31,584.

Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full Hybrid ranking → · Best Hybrids under $35k →

5-Year Cost Snapshot — 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid

Fuel (75,000 miles)~$5,835 ($1,167/year at $3.50/gal)
Recall repairs$0 — 3 campaigns on record; recall work is always free at franchised dealers
InsuranceVaries widely by driver and state — always quote the exact trim before buying

We only print costs we can compute from sourced data (EPA fuel economy, NHTSA recalls). We don't estimate maintenance or depreciation — anyone who gives you one number for those is guessing.

Which Accord Hybrid Year Should You Buy?

Smart-money pick: the 2018 Honda Accord Hybrid scores 8.2/10 — within striking distance of the 2021's 8.3 — and starts roughly $3,000 lower. If you don't need the newest model year, that's money better spent on a higher trim or kept in your pocket.

YearScoreStarting price (MSRP when new)
2026 8.6/10$35,009 Read review →
2025 8.6/10$35,009 Read review →
2024 8.6/10$33,990 Read review →
2023 8.5/10$32,970 Read review →
2022 8.5/10$31,950 Read review →
2021 (this review) 8.3/10$30,930
2020 8.3/10$29,911 Read review →
2019 8.3/10$28,891 Read review →
2018 8.2/10$27,871 Read review →

Pros & Cons — 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid

✓ What it does well

  • Proven long-term reliability — lower unplanned repair costs than class average
  • Top-tier safety scores across crash tests and driver-assistance tech
  • Exceptional value for money — high-quality features at a competitive price point
  • Modern, intuitive tech suite with wireless connectivity and up-to-date ADAS
  • Exceptional fuel efficiency at 45 MPG — among the best in its class

✗ Where it falls short

  • Driving dynamics are adequate but uninspiring; not the choice for enthusiast drivers
  • Brand resale values vary — check current market data before committing

NHTSA Recalls — 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid (3 on record)

The following recall campaigns have been filed with NHTSA for this model and year. Recall repairs are performed free of charge by franchised dealers; check your specific vehicle with our free VIN recall checker.

Seat belts / Rear/other / Retractor
18/11/2021 · 21V900000
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2021 Accord Sedan, Accord Hybrid, CR-V, Ridgeline, 2022 Insight and CR-V Hybrid vehicles. The automatic locking retractor on the second-row center seat belt assembly may deactivate improperly, which…
Air bags / Sensor / Occupant classification / Front passenger
01/02/2024 · 24V064000
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Pilot, Accord, Civic sedan, HR-V, Odyssey, 2020 Civic coupe, Fit, 2021-2022 Civic hatchback, 2021 Civic Type R, Insight, 2020-2021 CR-V, CR-V Hybrid, Passport, Ridgeline, Accord Hybrid, 2020…
Air bags / Sensor / Occupant classification / Front passenger
21/05/2026 · 26V332000
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2021, 2023 Acura TLX, 2019-2024 RDX, 2017-2020, 2022-2026 MDX, 2017-2021, 2023, 2025 Honda Ridgeline, 2017-2022 Pilot, 2019-2021 Passport, 2018-2026 Odyssey, 2019-2022 Insight, 2019-2021 HR-V,…

Source: NHTSA recall database, fetched at page build time.

Own a 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid that's been repaired repeatedly for the same problem? It may qualify under your state's lemon law — run the free lemon law check →

Common Questions — 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid

Is the 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid reliable?

We rate the 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid's reliability 9.3/10 — one of the stronger records in its class. It has 3 NHTSA recall campaigns on record for this model year (details in the recalls section above — repairs are free at dealers).

How many recalls does the 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid have?

3 NHTSA recall campaigns matched this model and year as of our latest check. Verify your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Is the 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid worth buying?

It scores 8.3/10 overall, ranking #32 of 135 hybrids in our database (better than 77% of the segment). A solid choice for most buyers — compare it against the segment leaders before deciding.

How much does the 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid cost?

The 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid starts at $30,930 and ranges up to $37,627 across trims (MSRP when new). At 45 MPG, expect roughly $1,167/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.

Which Accord Hybrid years should you avoid?

No standout weak years: across the 9 Accord Hybrid model years we've scored, every year lands within half a point of the best (8.6/10). Pick on price and condition rather than year.

What problems does the 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid have?

The documented issues for the 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid are its NHTSA recall campaigns, which involve: Seat belts, Air bags (details in the recalls section above; repairs are free at dealers). For wear-and-tear patterns beyond recalls, owner forums are the best source — we only report what federal data documents.

Owner Essentials — Honda Accord Hybrid

Practical extras owners actually buy. These are Amazon search links — as an Amazon Associate, Carivo earns from qualifying purchases at no cost to you.

All-weather floor mats → Dash cam → OBD2 scanner → Phone mount →

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Similar Hybrid to Consider

Other hybrids at a similar price point, ranked by Carivo score.

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2025 Honda Accord Hybrid
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