Toyota Avalon vs Honda Accord

The 2021 Toyota Avalon presented a mixed bag in terms of aesthetics. While its overall design was appealing, the front-bumper styling, particularly on the XSE Nightshade and XSE Hybrid, Touring, and TRD trims, drew mixed reactions due to its resemblance to orthodontic braces. Despite this, the Avalon's long and low profile was generally well-received, offering a sleek look from various angles. The interior, with its architecturally-themed design, featured artfully stitched leather seats and real wood trim, creating an ambiance that was more special than a Camry but not quite as luxurious as a Lexus ES. However, some interior plastics felt cheap for a car in this price range.

In contrast, the 2021 Honda Accord underwent a mid-generation refresh that enhanced its styling with a wider, restyled grille and smaller fog light openings, giving it a more sophisticated appearance. The Accord's interior was designed for practicality and comfort, with ample head-, hip-, and legroom for both front and rear passengers. The cabin featured high-quality materials, even in lower trims, and offered a range of convenience features like dual-zone automatic climate control and push-button start. The Accord's design was both stylish and functional, with a well-organized cabin layout that made all controls easily accessible.

The 2021 Toyota Avalon offered three powertrains, including a 205-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine for the new AWD system, a 301-hp 3.5-liter V6, and a 215-hp hybrid option. The AWD system was limited to the XLE and Limited trims, and while it provided decent power, it wasn't particularly thrilling. The V6 engine delivered more robust performance, and the hybrid variant offered impressive fuel economy of up to 44 mpg combined. The Avalon handled predictably, with a comfortable ride quality and a quiet cabin, though tire noise was noticeable over road imperfections.

The 2021 Honda Accord provided two engine choices: a 192-horsepower turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine and a more powerful 252-hp 2.0-liter turbo-four. The latter was paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and offered a more engaging driving experience. The Accord's fuel economy varied significantly between the two engines, with the smaller engine achieving up to 33 mpg combined, while the larger engine managed 26 mpg combined. The Accord's driving dynamics were engaging, with responsive steering and smooth braking, though it lacked the athleticism of Honda's premium Acura lineup.

The 2021 Toyota Avalon, despite being a large sedan, felt similar in size to the Honda Accord. The Avalon Limited featured eight-way power-adjustable front seats with leather upholstery, heated and ventilated cushions, and a heated steering wheel. However, the seats could benefit from improved side bolstering and a power-extending thigh bolster. Rear-seat space was generous, with heated cushions and rear air conditioning vents. The Avalon's trunk offered 16.1 cubic feet of cargo space, slightly less than the Accord's.

The 2021 Honda Accord was designed for daily drivability, offering comfortable seating for five adults. The interior featured dual-zone automatic climate control, power windows, and multiple power outlets. Higher trims included leather-wrapped steering wheels, heated seats, and ventilated seats in the Touring 2.0T trim. The Accord's trunk provided 16.7 cubic feet of cargo space, with rear seats that folded down for additional storage. The cabin layout was intuitive, with all controls within easy reach.

The 2021 Toyota Avalon came equipped with a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. The system was intuitive and easy to set up, with a user-friendly interface. An upgraded infotainment system added dynamic navigation and a 14-speaker JBL premium sound system, though the sound quality required fine-tuning. The Avalon also featured a 10-inch head-up display, though it was difficult to see with polarized sunglasses.

The 2021 Honda Accord featured an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen with physical volume and tuning knobs. Standard technology included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and two USB ports. Higher trims added features like satellite radio, a wireless phone charger, and a 10-speaker premium audio system. The Accord Touring 2.0T included a head-up display and HomeLink Remote, providing comprehensive information to the driver.

The 2021 Toyota Avalon was equipped with Toyota Safety Sense-P (TSS-P), which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assistance. Additional safety features included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The Avalon received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and top scores from the IIHS, though it was ineligible for a "Top Safety Pick" award due to poor headlight performance in lower trims.

The 2021 Honda Accord came standard with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including vehicle stability assist, brake assist, a rearview camera, and automatic high beams. The Honda Sensing suite added lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and traffic sign recognition. Higher trims included blind-spot monitoring and parking sensors. The Accord received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.