The reviews are rolling out for the newly released 2021 Honda Accord, and there aren’t many negative comments about the popular midsize sedan.

There is one glaring feature that is missing on the all-new Accord, but the vast array of new upgrades make up for the loss. The improved value of this year’s model is hard to resist.

Upcoming changes for the 2021 Honda Accord

The exterior of the all-new Honda Accord looks very similar to last year’s model. There aren’t many significant changes to the front end. The grille is a little wider, and the adaptive cruise control radar sensor is now better hidden. The fog lights are a bit smaller, and in the top-of-the-line models, there are new LED headlights. The rear remains mostly untouched except for some styling changes to the trim. The most obvious visual difference is the new wheel designs in all the upcoming models.

The Accord base LX model for 2021 is getting a welcome upgrade. Now a standard feature, an 8-inch touchscreen compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, is included. A seatbelt reminder and rear-seat alert system is also new. Smoother performance than ever before is achieved with the improved adaptive cruise control and lane-keep programming. The upgraded 192-hp turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine now used in the base model is the same powertrain found in the Sport edition.

New for 2021, the Sport SE trim replaces the EX trim and falls between the Sport and EX-L with an MSRP of $29,675. Remote engine start, heated leather seats, and a 180-watt eight-speaker audio system give buyers luxury features without getting into a higher-priced model, such as the Touring edition with a starting price of $37,655.

Honda made a change that left many people feeling nostalgic

The Honda Accord received a complete redesign in 2018. The 2021 model got a mid-cycle refresh, but there is a glaring omission.

Honda has done away with the six-speed manual transmission option on the 2021 Accord, according to MotorTrend, as well as the 2021 Civic. While this change won’t affect most drivers who prefer an automatic, those who loved being in control of the gears are out of luck.

As the art of driving a stick shift becomes a thing of the past, MotorTrend discovered that only 17 new vehicles in 2021 are offering a manual transmission. Only compact and subcompact cars now have the option, while sedans will exclusively offer only automatic transmissions.

Although this is a bitter pill to swallow, the latest upgrades to the 2021 Honda Accord should make drivers forget what they’re missing.

What Kelley Blue Book had to say

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The entry-level Accord has an estimated MSRP of $25,225. The class-leading sedan combines a spacious interior with epic performance capabilities. With a reputation for high quality, the Honda Accord offers a larger than average interior.

The 2021 Honda Accord is the benchmark that other midsize sedans aspire to with performance and handling that is second to none. The spacious cabin offers generous legroom for rear passengers, although getting into the back seat is arguably a little tight. The best in class trunk space is enormous, allowing plenty of room for personal belongings.

The lively chassis allows for controlled motions in a 192 hp 1.5-liter turbo base engine mated to a CVT. The 2.0-liter turbo paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission outputs 252 hp. The fuel economy in the Hybrid model is impressive, getting 48 mpg. The Accord’s base model engine gets a combined fuel rating of 30-31 mpg, while the 2.0-liter turbo delivers 26-27 mpg.

The 2021 Honda Accord, with a reputation for reliability, is fun to drive. The sleek styling allows for good visibility. There are plenty of standard driver and safety assistance features, and the vehicle has a strong resale value.

After looking at the new sedan, Kelley Blue Book stated, “The 2021 Honda Accord does nearly everything well and is a top choice in its class.”