2016 Honda Accord vs Civic Comparison

2016 Honda Accord
2016 Honda Civic

2016 Honda Accord

Base Engine:

2.4 L Inline 4

Horsepower:

185 hp @ 6400 rpm

Torque:

181 ft-lbs. @ 3900 rpm

Fuel Economy:

27/37 mpg*

EPA interior volume:

119.0 cu.ft.

2016 Honda Civic

Base Engine:

2.0 L Inline 4

Horsepower:

158 hp @ 6500 rpm

Torque

138 ft-lbs. @ 4200 rpm

Fuel Economy:

31/41 mpg*

EPA interior volume:

112.9 cu.ft.

2016 Honda Accord vs Civic

Serving Clearwater, Tampa, Largo, St. Petersburg, Palm Harbor, FL

If you are looking for an affordable sedan that is also a good value, then it is logical to consider the Honda Accord or Honda Civic. You may wonder how the two differ from each other.

With the 2016 Honda Civic receiving a total remake and the Accord's mid-cycle refresh, both sedans have earned an A rating from Edmunds. This reflects their ability to deliver the whole package, including performance, style, amenities, and safety. In its First Drive Review, the Car Connection reviewers suggest that the new Civic is a premium car at an affordable price. Likewise, Kelley Blue Book reviewers suggest that the bolder new Accord is definitely at the top of its class.

Performance

The midsized Accord has three powertrain variants. The first is the standard 2.4-liter engine. It delivers a solid 185 horsepower with a nearly matching level of torque. Fuel economy is a competitive 27 mpg city and 37 mpg highway*. The Sport trim boosts horsepower to 189, but it manages to maintain good fuel economy. The 3.5-liter V-6 is one of the quickest in its segment, according to Edmunds. This powertrain earns 32 mpg highway* while cranking out 278 horsepower.

While the Civic doesn't match the Accord's power outlay, it is definitely a competitive performer. Furthermore, it beats the fuel-smart Accord when it comes to gas mileage. The 2-liter four-cylinder unit boosts horsepower to 158 while earning up to 31 mpg city and 41 mpg highway*. The Civic turbo increases horsepower to 174 and increases highway fuel economy to 42 mpg*.

Appearance

The Civic overhaul has left it sleeker and edgier. The Accord, which was redesigned three years ago, got a revision this year, too. The fascia, grille, headlights, taillights, and wheels were all updated or upgraded. If these two are rated on contemporary style, it's definitely a tie. The interiors have also been updated with more sound insulation and softer surfaces. This higher material quality makes both a better value. New dash tech makes both more exciting. The standard 7-inch touchscreen interface now offers Android Auto, Apple Car Play and Siri Eyes Free.

There is 97.8 cu.ft. of passenger space in the Civic. The Accord, on the other hand, measures 103.2 cu.ft. The Civic's trunk measures 15.1 cu.ft. while the Accord trunk measures 15.9 cu.ft. EX editions now offer split-folding rear seats. With its smaller footprint, the Civic shaves about four feet off the Accord's turning circle.

Safety

Both the Accord and the Civic have a five-star safety rating from the federal crash testers. Both come with a standard rearview camera on the LX. On the EX editions of both sedans, Honda's exclusive LaneWatch is a camera-based blind-spot monitor. Using a camera mounted on the passenger-side mirror, a real-time image is projected onto the screen whenever the right-hand turn signal is used. This warns the driver if there is any traffic in the way.

The Touring models of both sedans offer many crash avoidance features. This includes a forward collision warning with automatic braking. The lane departure system also senses road departures, and it can correct the car's trajectory. Adaptive cruise control takes the hassle out of stop and go traffic. Adding value, these important features are available on all editions of the Honda sedans.


When it comes down to it, the Accord and Civic are evenly matched in value, capability, and features. The size difference really is the deciding factor in this even match-up.

* 23 city/34 highway/27 combined mpg rating for 6MT models. 27 city/37 highway/31 combined mpg rating for CVT models. 26 city/35 highway/30 combined mpg rating for Sport CVT models. 21 city/34 highway/26 combined mpg rating for V-6 models. Based on 2016 EPA mileage ratings. Use for comparison purposes only. Your mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle, driving conditions and other factors.

* 27 city/40 highway/31 combined mpg rating for 6MT model. 31 city/41 highway/35 combined mpg rating for LX & EX CVT models. 31 city/42 highway/35 combined mpg rating for EX-T, EX-L and Touring CVT models. Based on 2016 EPA mileage ratings. Use for comparison purposes only. Your mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle, driving conditions and other factors.