2024 Honda Civic vs Accord

Honda’s lineup includes two of the best cars on the market today. This isn’t bragging. It’s a fact based on their rankings at #1, their many awards, and their popularity with car buyers.

Let’s look at how the Civic measures up to the Accord and discover what’s important to sedan shoppers today.

1. What’s the Difference in Accord vs Civic Size?

   Beyond price tags, size is the biggest factor for buyers. In this case, the Accord is decidedly bigger than the Civic. However, the Civic manages to maintain true spaciousness for passengers, even those in the backseat.

   The Accord trunk measures 16.7 cubic feet, which is enormous for a midsize sedan. Meanwhile, the Civic sedan trunk measures 14.8 cubic feet. That’s as much as a midsize sedan, and it is remarkable for its class. Of course, the real winner of this contest is the Civic Hatchback which has 24.5 cubes in its cargo hold.

   
   

   If you are thinking about size in terms of your garage or in terms of parking, you should know that the Honda Accord is 11 inches longer than the Honda Civic sedan. Civic Hatchbacks are about 5 inches longer than the sedans. Honda has plenty of parking aids to help, if that’s a concern for you.

2. Based on Rankings, Would You Choose the Accord or the Civic?

   If you are look at awards and rankings, you’ll find that the two Honda sedans are neck in neck

   Leading the pack of compact cars, the 2024 Honda Civic is rated #1 by critics at Car and Driver, Motor Trend, Edmunds, and at US News and World Report.

   This year’s model is in the same generation as the 2022 model, which won North American Car of the Year. Check out our Honda Civic inventory in Phoenix metro.

   Meanwhile, the Honda Accord is earning its own accolades. With a 10 out of 10 rating and a #1 ranking among midsize sedans, it is a Car and Driver 10Best. Ranking it at number one in its class, US News also names it 2024 Best Midsize Car of the Money.

   Motor Trend also ranks the Accord at number one, writing that it has set the pace in its class for years. The sedan earned Best Family Sedan and Best Midsize Car in the 2023 Newsweek Auto Awards. Check out our Phoenix metro Honda Accord inventory.

3. Based on Hybrid Capability, Which is Better?

   For the 2024 model year, only the Accord is offered as a hybrid. This is another award-winning aspect of the popular midsize sedan. In 2023, the exclusive Two-Motor Hybrid Electric System joined a prestigious list. It was named as a Wards 10 Best Engines & Propulsion Systems.

   In order to make the Accord Hybrid available to more buyers, Honda has simply incorporated the hybrid powertrain into its regular Accord lineup. This efficient system is standard on the 2024 Accord Sport, EX-L, Sport L, and Touring.

   The 2024 Civic does not currently offer a hybrid, but that’s changing soon. The word is that there will be a 2025 Honda Civic Hybrid. And you can bet it will have terrific fuel economy.

4. Which Civic vs Accord Trim Level is the Most Fun to Drive?

   Driving enthusiasts are likely to prefer the Accord Hybrid due to its high rate of torque. However, the regular Accord is actually a dream to drive, providing plenty of power for any situation.

   Critics regularly praise the Civic’s 158-horsepower engine, noting that it has all the power it needs to let this smaller car zoom along at a competitive pace. However, the turbo Civics definitely enjoy an edge when it comes to drivability. The 180-horsepower engine is standard on the Sedan EX, Sedan Touring, Hatchback EX-L and Hatchback Sport Touring trim levels.  

   
   

   There are additional choices under the Civic umbrella. You can choose a six-speed manual with the Sport or Sport Touring trim levels.

   
   

   Furthermore, you can choose the 2024 Honda Civic Si with its speedy 200-horsepower engine. Or, you can go for a true racer with the 315-horsepower Civic Type R.

5. Based on Fuel Efficiency, Is There a Civic or Accord to Avoid?

   Here’s the interesting thing. There really is no Honda Accord or Civic with bad gas mileage. As you can see from the chart below, the regular Accord can claim 37 mpg on the highway and a combined rating of 32 mpg. The Sport Hybrid Accords earn a combined 44 mpg. By the time you get to the Honda Accord Hybrid EX-L, the numbers jump to a remarkable 48 mpg.

   
   

   Meanwhile, the Civic claims 40 mpg on the highway with its standard engine. The EX-L raises that to 42 mpg highway. Even the Civic Touring earns 38 mpg on the highway. The combined figures of 34, 35 or 36 mpg demonstrate how much money that this nonhybrid Civic can save owners at the gas pump.

   
   
   You can use the Fuel Calculator from the EPA and US Department of Energy to find out specific fuel economy for each Accord or Civic model. Plus it can tell you how much you will save over the life of the vehicle.

6. Is There a Better Value Package?

   What about value? Well, we already mentioned that both the Civic and Accord are considered Best Buys by Kelley Blue Book. This places the Civic above some lower-priced competitors, recognizing that the affordable price represents a real value.

   At US News and World Report, Civics have earned Best Compact Car for the Money. At Consumer Guide, they have repeatedly been named a Best Buy.  

   Likewise the Honda Accord is considered a Best Buy. That places it ahead of the Toyota Corolla, Nissan Altima, and Hyundai Sonata. Again, it may not be the cheapest to buy, but it is the most valuable to own.  

   Furthermore, both sedans retain their value over the years. This results in a higher return on your investment. In 2023, the Civic earned the US ALG Residual Value Award for its class.  

7. What Sets These Sedans Apart from Their Class?

   Critics agree that these two sedans are above class in terms of craftsmanship and high quality materials. They also note that Honda doesn’t hold back the good stuff from the base level packages.

   In 2024, this means that the lesser priced Civic has a long list of standard safety features found on the Honda Accord. In fact, the Accord LX has features reserved for higher trims at rival automakers, including luxury cars. This includes the all-important Adaptive Cruise Control, the related low-speed follow function, and the helpful traffic jam assist.

   Furthermore, the Civic has features generally reserved for higher trims by rival automakers. In addition to safety equipment and dash tech, this includes the standard automatic climate controls and the placement of air ducts for second-row passengers.

   
   

   Honda remains the outlier when it comes to standard rearview cameras. The system offers three angles rather than the traditional single view. Plus the automaker remains one of the few to have dedicated driver assistance to help prevent road departures.

8. How Connected is the Civic vs the Accord?

   If you look at how much technology is standard on the Civic vs the Accord, you will be pleasantly surprised. For instance, both sedans have push button start and an electronic parking brake. These standards often cost extra on rivals.

   Part of the Civic’s value comes from its well-stocked cockpit. It has a driver’s display screen to complement the 7-inch touchscreen. Plus it has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to help you connect. How connected is your current ride? You can get a firm offer using this Kelley Blue Book appraisal tool.

   
   

   The Honda Accord starts out with bigger screens, including a 10.1-inch digital instrument. The Accord upgrade is to a larger 12.3-inch touchscreen. Neither of these screens are available on the Civic.

   Other Accord exclusives include Alexa Built-in and the available Google Built-in system. Drivers will appreciate that they can get a power-adjustable chair just by stepping up to the second-tier EX. Lastly, ventilated seats -- a favorite in our Phoenix summers -- are offered only on the Accord at this time.

Conclusion

Check out our inventory and see the Accord and Civic side by side. That’s the best way to learn, and it’s also the most fun. Schedule a test drive with our Phoenix metro Honda dealership.