2017 Civic Hatchback vs 2017 Accord

Hey CivicX -

I'm going to be purchasing my first car soon. I've saved up a little over $25k, and can't really decide if I want the Civic Hatchback or the Accord.

The way I see it, the Accord is a bit bigger car, and is a bit more comfortable for passengers if I were to drive people somewhere. An Accord was also designed as a more "mature" car from how I've viewed Honda's advertising and literature. Lastly, I like how there are 2 screens instead of one, but it doesn't add too much functionality.

The Civic on the other hand is a more affordable car, with more features for my money. The Hatchback is a practical car with a lot of trunk space, and is still pretty comfortable for its size. Many of its owners also say that the car is easier and more fun to drive, especially with the included Turbo on the Hatchback. It's also cheaper for insurance purposes.

My question is, what would you guys recommend, for a relatively new driver getting a first car? Has anyone owned both the Civic and the Accord, and had a preference over the two?

Thanks!

anaqvi786 said:

Hey CivicX -

I'm going to be purchasing my first car soon. I've saved up a little over $25k, and can't really decide if I want the Civic Hatchback or the Accord.

The way I see it, the Accord is a bit bigger car, and is a bit more comfortable for passengers if I were to drive people somewhere. An Accord was also designed as a more "mature" car from how I've viewed Honda's advertising and literature. Lastly, I like how there are 2 screens instead of one, but it doesn't add too much functionality.

The Civic on the other hand is a more affordable car, with more features for my money. The Hatchback is a practical car with a lot of trunk space, and is still pretty comfortable for its size. Many of its owners also say that the car is easier and more fun to drive, especially with the included Turbo on the Hatchback. It's also cheaper for insurance purposes.

My question is, what would you guys recommend, for a relatively new driver getting a first car? Has anyone owned both the Civic and the Accord, and had a preference over the two?

Thanks!

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Hey bub. Welcome to the forums!

Here are some thinking points for making your choice:

The civic hatchback will have more total cargo space than the Accord, true. just this weekend I fit a big Shop-Vac and 16 normal 2 ft^3 mulch bags, and probably could have fit a few more in there! the way the seats fold down, they fold down flush with trunk bed.

The EX hatchback, which sounds like the trim you'll get, has one screen in the center dash for everything that normally occupies the center dash. As discussed below, I assume the '18 Accord will have a similar setup.

'17 Accords do have what some may consider a more "mature" styling, that's definitely true.

The 2018 Accord with be a generation refresh. This means, as different as the '16 Civic was to the '15, the '18 Accord will be that different to the '17. I say this because they will be very different looking cars. There are leaked spy photos online, but from what I can tell, the '18 Accord looks a lot like a bigger 10th gen Civic. If that will affect your decision making, and you want the bigger Accord but with the new generation's updates, you may want to wait until later this year.

As for passenger room, that's where you might have a deal-maker or deal-breaker. Anyone under 6 feet will sit in front or in back just fine in the Civic. Once you're taller than that, I can't vouch. My buddy who is 6'3 sat in the front passenger seat of my civic hatch and he said he was super comfortable, but I really don't see how. Headroom, as I see it, will be the difference - side to side room won't be that different, I don't think.

In summary - if you want the most "conservative" looking car, get the '17 Accord. If you don't care about that, and will not have lots of tall people in your car, go for the Civic hatch.

Unknowns - performance type specifics of the '18 Accord, if there will be a hatch trim, etc.

Drove various civic manuals and even a hatch cvt. None ride as nicely as the accord. The accord's 2.4na engine in a 6MT is actually just as peppy as the 1.5t 6MT hatch I drove and the transmission/shifter in the accord is much better quality than civic. Sightlines are much better in accord, esp for passengers in the rear, you also ride higher in the accord vs the civic which has a sporty low slung seat. The civic gets the nod for mpg of course and the hatch is nice for certain things. My wife and daughter both liked the comfort and ride quality of the accord.

Probably the thing I noticed most though is the accord is finished much better. It is in its last year of 9th gen so a very stable build with minimal bugs vs civic which still needs updated iterations to fix bugs. Probably the biggest thing the accord has going right now is value as it and the camry are probably the best buys right now in overall value vs suvs, trucks, sedans, etc. Shop a few dealers b/c the motivation of some to move the 2017 accord inventory is much more noticeable than others. You should be able to find accords for 3500-5000 below msrp depending on build. You can also get great deals on the civic sedan 2.0 engine or pretty good deals on the 1.5t cvts. 1.5t manuals are the ones you are least likely to find deals on.

spock_here said:

Drove various civic manuals and even a hatch cvt. None ride as nicely as the accord. The accord's 2.4na engine in a 6MT is actually just as peppy as the 1.5t 6MT hatch I drove and the transmission/shifter in the accord is much better quality than civic. Sightlines are much better in accord, esp for passengers in the rear, you also ride higher in the accord vs the civic which has a sporty low slung seat. The civic gets the nod for mpg of course and the hatch is nice for certain things. My wife and daughter both liked the comfort and ride quality of the accord.

Probably the thing I noticed most though is the accord is finished much better. It is in its last year of 9th gen so a very stable build with minimal bugs vs civic which still needs updated iterations to fix bugs. Probably the biggest thing the accord has going right now is value as it and the camry are probably the best buys right now in overall value vs suvs, trucks, sedans, etc. Shop a few dealers b/c the motivation of some to move the 2017 accord inventory is much more noticeable than others. You should be able to find accords for 3500-5000 below msrp depending on build. You can also get great deals on the civic sedan 2.0 engine or pretty good deals on the 1.5t cvts. 1.5t manuals are the ones you are least likely to find deals on.

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That's a good point about the sightlines. you will have better visibility in a '17 Accord than a civic hatch. There's no telling about the '18 Accords though. I'm super curious to check those out.

izitnick said:

That's a good point about the sightlines. you will have better visibility in a '17 Accord than a civic hatch. There's no telling about the '18 Accords though. I'm super curious to check those out.

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All good points, and all dependent on personal preferences. I've owned more than a few new luxury vehicles, both European and American over the years and a few "real" sports cars. I replaced a GTI with the Civic Hatchback Sport w/manual and really enjoy it. With a KTuner tune I'm sure I will even more. I was given a loaner '17 Accord Sport for 6 weeks while waiting for the Civic, and it's a really nice car. And their are some real benefits to it like better visibility, rear seat comfort, etc. But I'm 63 going on 25 and it's just too stuffy and vanilla for me. I expect you are a bit younger. I had a 1975 Eldorado convertible bought new (cash) when I was 22 and most people probably thought it my dad's. I traveled a lot on business then and thought I was cool, HA! Unless you are 25 going on 63, get the Civic Hatchback, and rough it a little for a lot more fun. Or you could get a minivan...

spock_here said:

Probably the thing I noticed most though is the accord is finished much better. It is in its last year of 9th gen so a very stable build with minimal bugs vs civic which still needs updated iterations to fix bugs. Probably the biggest thing the accord has going right now is value as it and the camry are probably the best buys right now in overall value vs suvs, trucks, sedans, etc. Shop a few dealers b/c the motivation of some to move the 2017 accord inventory is much more noticeable than others. You should be able to find accords for 3500-5000 below msrp depending on build. You can also get great deals on the civic sedan 2.0 engine or pretty good deals on the 1.5t cvts. 1.5t manuals are the ones you are least likely to find deals on.

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^^^^ These are probably the most practical, opinion-doesn't-matter differences between the Civic and Accord this year. I was tempted to hold out and see what the '18 Accord would offer, but the thought of buying a mature platform very nearly swayed me to search for a good price in a '17 Accord. But...

For me, I just couldn't yet make the jump to Yet Another Midsize Sedan. I seem them everywhere. They're like standard issue for office workers. Accord, Camry, Optima, Fusion, Sonata... They're hamburgers.

I got the Civic hatchback mostly because I've only ever had Civic hatchbacks. Big enough for me and my stuff, but doesn't feel like it takes up wasted space like an SUV. I can carry my bike inside without taking the wheels off, or I can carry both of my tubas and my trombone.

Rocandroll said:

Or you could get a minivan...

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Are you trying to send this kid to an early grave? Take it easy, man!

I think at the end of the day, you are getting more money for your dollar in the Civic. Here in CA, the EX-T 6MT sedan is going for $19,500. The Accord Sport 6MT is going for $21,150. For $1,600 less you get the 7" infotainment, sunroof, push button start, and a host of other technical upgrades with 90% of the room from the Accord. All in a package that gets 4-7 better MPGs on average.

IMHO, they both drive very well, with the nod going to the Accord. It's definitely a more polished ride with less NVH in the cabin over the Civic. And I can confirm that the Accord's gearbox has a more precise and direct feel over the Civic's. The biggest difference IMHO is rear cargo and rear passenger room. If those and the slight edge in refinement are important, the Accord is a strong buy.

I have driven an Accord for a LONG time. I have had a 1998 Coupe (pop-up lights), a 1994 EX, and a 2005 Coupe (EX V6). However, once I saw the 2017 Civic Hatchback I HAD to give it a try. I loved the test drive and I bought the EX-L (Aegean Blue). I LOVE THIS CAR. It's sporty, peppy, carries my stuff, and has LOADS of tech. I am 45 and feel that the Civic is MATURE enough for me...and it was SUPER comfortable on an 9 hour trip last week. I'm 6ft (as is my brother) and we both were comfortable...he even had to sit in the back for a while and had no complaints. So, I say...save some money and be less mature...I don't think you will regret it!

Didj said:

I have driven an Accord for a LONG time. I have had a 1998 Coupe (pop-up lights), a 1994 EX, and a 2005 Coupe (EX V6). However, once I saw the 2017 Civic Hatchback I HAD to give it a try. I loved the test drive and I bought the EX-L (Aegean Blue). I LOVE THIS CAR. It's sporty, peppy, carries my stuff, and has LOADS of tech. I am 45 and feel that the Civic is MATURE enough for me...and it was SUPER comfortable on an 9 hour trip last week. I'm 6ft (as is my brother) and we both were comfortable...he even had to sit in the back for a while and had no complaints. So, I say...save some money and be less mature...I don't think you will regret it!

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Oops...1988 Accord Coupe (pop up lights)

Hello Didj,
I also had the 1988 Accord I loved the heck out of it, it served me well for years. I also had differnt generations of the accord and civic. You can't go wrong either way the 2018 concept Accord looks good.

Based on what I learned also owning the 3Gee Accord, it is sometimes good to blend in with everyone and not stand out. I got so many unnecssary traffic tickets because my car looked like I was an outlaw. If you do want to blend in better the Accord is a good way to go. It's cozy and comfortable. Seat warmers, the nice feel of leather, easy to clean, and elegant.

As for the civic it will get more attention. Sometimes that's nice when you want people to check you out whether out of envy or out of admiration. There's plenty of space. Leather or interors may not be as important to you and is good enough. It's fun to drive and a bit fresh.

Still can't figure it out? Want the best of both worlds? Then you're destined for an Acura.

The extra screen in the Accord would be handy if you wanted to display the GPS and the radio tuner or climate control at the same time. Personally, I'm not bothered that I can only display one thing at a time. I actually think the Civic's dash layout is cleaner than the Accord.

We went from an older Accord to a 2016 Civic sedan. We don't miss the size of the Accord at all. And with the Civic hatch, you'll find it easier to get large or weird shaped things in and out of the trunk.

Hope this helps.

Accord if you need to transport 4-5 people (family) constantly. If you just need to move 1-3 people, civic would be just fine. It is a tight fit getting 5 people into my civic, but with the accord it is pretty comfortable.

deliriousfoodie said:

As for the civic it will get more attention. Sometimes that's nice when you want people to check you out whether out of envy or out of admiration.

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This made me laugh out loud. Thank you.

Ended up buying the lx accord 6MT. I did really like the civic hatch 6MT (also lx) but the fact I paid less for the accord than what I could get the civic for was the deal sealer. Having driven the accord for a week I do very much like the 2.4NA on the 6MT. It has great power for 4 cylinder and the shifter is like traditional honda manuals. The proven track record of reliability on the 2.4NA vs the unproven 1.5t was also a deciding factor. In the end both my wife and daughter preferred the accord so I was fighting a losing battle. Plus who am I kidding as now the 11 yo subaru is what I/dogs have been relegated to--but the wife says she loves the new accord! Hope the subaru goes another 3-5 years at which point maybe I can get the civic then.