7 Reasons Why Honda Civic vs Accord Is a Tough Choice in 2024

Choosing between the 2024 Honda Civic and the 2024 Honda Accord can feel like you're standing in the snack aisle staring at two equally tasty but very different bags of chips. They're both solid choices for anyone in the market for a reliable sedan, but when it comes to which one’s better? Well, that depends on what you're looking for.

Both cars are built by Honda, so you know you're getting a high-quality, reliable vehicle. Still, it’s not as simple as just picking one and running with it. The Civic and Accord are different in many ways, even though they share the same DNA. From size to power to the price tag, they each bring their own strengths and potential annoyances to the table.

In this detailed comparison, we’ll dive deep into all the nitty-gritty details that could help you decide which one suits your driving needs better. Whether you’re trying to choose between the Civic’s smaller frame or the Accord’s larger size, we've got you covered!

The Basics of Civic vs Accord

Before we jump into the 7 reasons why this decision is tough let’s start with a basic overview of both cars.

2024 Honda Civic Overview

The Honda Civic is the compact sedan in Honda’s lineup. For 2024 it continues to be one of the most fuel-efficient cars in its class with great handling and a youthful sporty vibe that just screams fun.

• Starting Price: Around $23,750
• Horsepower: 158-180 hp depending on the trim
• Fuel Economy: Up to 42 mpg on the highway
• Seating Capacity: 5
• Cargo Space: 14.8 cubic feet

The Civic is often seen as the choice for those who want great value in a smaller package. It’s zippy handles like a dream and doesn’t guzzle gas like some larger cars out there. But it’s also a little less powerful compared to its bigger sibling the Accord.

2024 Honda Accord Overview

On the flip side you’ve got the Honda Accord a midsize sedan that's got a bit more room and power. The Accord is more of a family-oriented option, with more space and a higher-end feel compared to the Civic.

• Starting Price: Around $27,895
• Horsepower: 192-252 hp depending on the trim
• Fuel Economy: Up to 37 mpg on the highway
• Seating Capacity: 5
• Cargo Space: 16.7 cubic feet

If you’re looking for more space a bit more power and some higher-end features the Accord is the more mature option. But with more car comes a bigger price tag and slightly lower fuel efficiency.

1. Size Matters – Do You Need More Room?

One of the most obvious differences between the Civic and the Accord is size. If you need a bigger car, the Accord is hands down the better choice. It’s a midsize sedan while the Civic is a compact. That means more legroom headroom and trunk space in the Accord.

• Civic Dimensions:

  • Overall Length: 184 inches
  • Trunk Space: 14.8 cubic feet

• Accord Dimensions:

  • Overall Length: 196 inches
  • Trunk Space: 16.7 cubic feet

But if you don’t need that extra space? The Civic’s smaller frame makes it easier to park and maneuver through tight city streets. So if you’re not carting around a lot of people or stuff the Civic might be just fine.

The Civic’s Drawback: Tiny Trunk Woes

Let’s be real here 14.8 cubic feet in the Civic’s trunk sounds like plenty. But when you try to shove your luggage groceries and that Ikea flat-pack bookshelf you swear will fit – well you might find yourself doing some impressive Tetris moves to make it all fit.

Meanwhile the Accord’s 16.7 cubic feet feels like a luxury palace in comparison. Sure you might not be able to literally live in it, but for a sedan, it’s impressive.

2. Engine Power – How Fast Do You Want to Go?

If you’re the kind of driver who enjoys having a little extra oomph when you hit the gas pedal, the Accord will have you smiling. With 192 hp on its base model and up to 252 hp on the turbocharged version, the Accord delivers more power than the Civic’s more modest 158-180 hp.

But let’s be honest – how often are you really gonna need that extra power? If you’re doing most of your driving in the city and aren't planning to enter any drag races (though that would be fun), the Civic’s power might be all you need.

• Civic Pros: Fun to drive for everyday commuting and light on fuel consumption
• Accord Pros: More horsepower for highway driving or those times when you just need to pass a slow truck

The Accord’s Drawback: Watch That Gas Meter

Now let’s talk about the fuel economy trade-off. Sure the Accord’s got more power, but it comes at the cost of a little extra gas. The Civic gets up to 42 mpg on the highway, while the Accord tops out around 37 mpg. So if you're trying to stretch your dollar at the pump, the Civic might be the more economical choice.

3. Interior & Tech Features – The Cool Stuff Inside

Both the Civic and Accord come with a solid list of tech features but once again the Accord just has a little more bells and whistles.

What They Both Have:

• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Touchscreen Infotainment Systems (7-inch in the Civic 8-inch in the Accord)
• Driver Assistance Features (Honda Sensing suite which includes forward-collision warning lane-keeping assist and adaptive cruise control)

What the Accord Does Better:

• Bigger Screen: The Accord offers a larger 12.3-inch infotainment screen on higher trims compared to the Civic’s 9-inch.
• More Premium Feel: With leather upholstery available and heated seats the Accord feels a little more luxurious.

Civic’s Drawback: Less Techy Fun

While the Civic has great standard tech features, it doesn’t get the same luxury treatment as the Accord. You’re getting a smaller screen, less high-end finishes, and fewer features overall. But hey if you’re not a gadget geek this might not be a big deal for you.

4. Driving Experience – Fun or Comfort?

The Civic has long been praised for its sporty handling. It’s nimble and light on its feet which makes it a blast to drive around town or take on twisty roads. The Accord on the other hand offers a more smooth and comfortable ride, especially for long highway drives.

• Civic Pros: More fun to drive, especially if you enjoy sporty handling
• Accord Pros: More comfortable and spacious ride, especially for long trips

Accord’s Drawback: Where’s the Fun?

The Accord is super comfortable but it’s not exactly thrilling. While it’s got more horsepower it feels a bit more... predictable. The Civic on the other hand feels sportier even if it’s got less power. As one of my friends, Alex Collantes, who drives a 2023 Accord, said: “I love my Accord for family trips but it doesn’t make me feel like a race car driver – and sometimes I kinda wish it did.”

5. Price & Value – What’s the Better Deal?

Let’s talk money because at the end of the day we all want to feel like we got a good deal. The Civic is more affordable, starting at around $23,750 while the Accord starts at around $27,895.

Civic Pros:

• Cheaper upfront cost
• Lower fuel costs

Accord Pros:

• More car for your money, especially in terms of space and features

Civic’s Drawback: Pay for Extra Fun?

There’s no denying that the Civic is cheaper, but if you’re someone who loves getting more car features for your money you might feel like you’re missing out on some of the extras the Accord offers.

6. Safety – Which One Keeps You Safer?

Both cars come with Honda’s suite of Honda Sensing safety features which includes everything from collision mitigation braking to adaptive cruise control. So on the safety front, you really can’t go wrong with either.

However the Accord being bigger and heavier tends to score slightly better in terms of safety ratings simply because larger cars tend to be safer in crashes.

Civic’s Drawback: Feeling Small?

Some drivers feel a little more vulnerable in smaller cars like the Civic especially when driving on highways surrounded by trucks and SUVs. But don’t worry – it’s still a safe car with great crash-test ratings. It’s just something to think about if you’re more safety-conscious.

7. Fuel Economy – Saving at the Pump

As mentioned earlier the Civic offers better fuel economy with its smaller engine and lighter weight. If you're looking to save at the pump, the Civic wins here.

• Civic: Up to 42 mpg on the highway
• Accord: Up to 37 mpg on the highway

Accord’s Drawback: It’s Gonna Cost Ya

While the Accord gives you more power, it also means more stops at the gas station. Over time those stops can add up. As Alex Collantes humorously put it: “Sometimes I wish I drove the Civic when I see those gas prices – my Accord’s got power but it’s not doing me any favors at the pump!”

Conclusion – Civic or Accord?

So what’s the final verdict in the Civic vs. Accord showdown?

If you’re looking for a sporty compact that’s great on gas and handles well in tight spaces the Civic might be your best bet. It’s fun to drive and it won’t break the bank.

On the other hand, if you want more space more power and luxury features you’ll probably lean towards the Accord. It’s a more mature sedan with room to grow especially if you’ve got a family or need extra cargo space.

Here’s a quick summary to help you decide:

• Choose the Civic If You Want:

  • A lower starting price
  • Better fuel economy
  • A smaller more agile car

• Choose the Accord If You Want:

  • More interior and cargo space
  • Extra power and luxury features
  • A smoother more comfortable ride

In the end both cars are fantastic options – you really can't go wrong with either one. So whether you go for the sporty Civic or the spacious Accord you’ll be driving away happy!