What are the differences between the 2021 Accord and the 2018 Accord?
3 Answers
The differences between the 2021 Accord and the 2018 Accord are reflected in their configurations and body colors. Configuration differences: The 2021 Accord is equipped with front-row wireless phone charging, an in-car air purifier, a negative ion generator, a lane departure warning system, road traffic sign recognition, and a fatigue driving alert. The 2018 Accord features an active grille shutter, an active braking system, a color touchscreen on the center console, rear-seat air vents, and a multifunction steering wheel. The 2021 Accord upgrades the technological configurations of the new car and supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Body color differences: The 2021 Accord comes in Space Silver and Starry Night Blue, while the 2018 Accord offers Glacier Silver, Space Silver, Obsidian Black, Ruby Red, Lunar Silver, and Aurora Blue.
From a technical perspective, let's discuss the two cars my friend has driven. The 2018 Accord has a conservative and steady exterior design, while the 2021 model looks much more stylish with sharper LED headlights and taillights, along with a sportier grille design. The biggest technological upgrade is in the infotainment system—the 2021 version features an 8-inch touchscreen with faster response times and seamless Apple CarPlay integration, making navigation and music switching much smoother while driving. Safety features have also been significantly enhanced. The 2021 model comes standard with Honda Sensing, including adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring, making highway driving with automatic following more intelligent. The engine tuning has been optimized—though both models use a 1.5L turbocharged engine, the 2021 version has about 5% lower fuel consumption and smoother acceleration. The interior materials feel more premium, with seats offering better support for long drives, and noise insulation has noticeably improved, reducing wind noise and greatly enhancing comfort. Overall, the 2021 model is a technologically advanced version, ideal for those seeking a modern driving experience. Compared to the 2018 version, it feels like a smart upgrade, especially for long-distance driving where it offers greater peace of mind.
As a seasoned commuter driver, I used the 18th-gen Accord for several years before test-driving the 21st-gen model when changing cars. The most noticeable improvement was driving comfort - the 21st-gen seats offer medium firmness that doesn't cause fatigue like the 18th-gen's during long drives, and the steering feels lighter with less wobble during turns. Noise reduction is significantly better, with reduced wind noise at low urban speeds making music playback clearer. The tech features are highly practical - the 21st-gen's touchscreen responds swiftly to multi-touch inputs and includes convenient wireless charging. While the 18th-gen had decent basic safety features, the 21st-gen adds pedestrian detection and emergency braking for better protection during distracted moments. Maintenance costs show little difference - though the 21st-gen has a higher initial price, its slightly better fuel efficiency saves money long-term. Overall, the performance gap is minor, with the 21st-gen offering thoughtful refinements - essentially an upgraded family car version.
