2020 Honda Accord Hybrid vs 2021 Subaru WRX

The 2020 Honda Accord Hybrid was nearly indistinguishable from its non-hybrid siblings, save for the “Hybrid” badges and aerodynamic 17-inch aluminum wheels. This subtlety was a smart move by Honda, avoiding the odd design cues that often deter buyers from hybrid models. The Accord Hybrid maintained the sleek, modern look of the standard Accord, appealing to those who appreciated the design but wanted better fuel efficiency.

Available in four trims—Hybrid, Hybrid EX, Hybrid EX-L, and Hybrid Touring—the Accord Hybrid started at $25,620. The Hybrid EX, priced at $29,520, was recommended for its comprehensive driver-assistance and infotainment technologies, heated front seats, and heated side mirrors. The interior, especially with leather and simulated matte-finish wood trim, offered an upscale feel. However, the floor mats were notorious for trapping pet hair, making them difficult to clean.

The 2021 Subaru WRX, often criticized for its adolescent aesthetic, looked tamer compared to the racier WRX STI. The WRX featured a wedge-like front end and a short trunk lid, giving it a speedy appearance even when stationary. Aerodynamic bodywork and a functional hood scoop added to its sporty look. Inside, the WRX resembled other Subaru compact cars from the past decade, with a function-first cockpit that sacrificed fit and finish for practicality.

Trims for the WRX included Base, Premium, and Limited. The base model came with 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels, cloth upholstery, and a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The Premium trim added 18-inch wheels, heated seats, and a larger 7-inch screen, while the Limited trim featured leather upholstery, a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, and adaptive LED headlights. The WRX Limited also offered an options package with navigation and a premium stereo.

The 2020 Honda Accord Hybrid, with its 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine and two-motor hybrid powertrain, delivered 212 combined horsepower and 232 lb-ft of torque. Despite a 200-pound weight penalty, the Accord Hybrid was quick off the line, especially in Sport mode. During testing, it achieved 42.6 mpg in combined driving, slightly below the EPA estimate of 48 mpg. On a specific testing loop, it returned 44.1 mpg in city and suburban driving and 41.2 mpg after a spirited drive in the mountains.

The Accord Hybrid’s performance was commendable, offering a significant improvement over the standard 1.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, which produced 192 horsepower. The hybrid’s extra weight contributed to a lower center of gravity, enhancing its road-hugging feel. However, it lacked grace on undulating pavement, occasionally losing composure. Despite this, the Accord Hybrid provided a predictable ride, flat-cornering attitude, and natural-feeling regenerative brakes, making it enjoyable to drive, except for the eCVT drone during hard acceleration.

The 2021 Subaru WRX featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder boxer engine, producing 268 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. Available with a six-speed manual or a CVT, the WRX required precise rev management to extract its full potential. The CVT, though not ideal for enthusiasts, kept the revs in the powerband effectively. The manual transmission, however, had a vague clutch, making it less satisfying to drive.

The WRX’s Vehicle Dynamics Control with Active Torque Vectoring enhanced its cornering precision, while well-weighted steering made winding roads enjoyable. However, the WRX’s stiff ride was less comfortable compared to rivals like the Civic Si and GTI, which balanced sport and comfort more seamlessly.

The 2020 Honda Accord Hybrid offered a spacious interior and trunk, matching the standard Accord’s full-size dimensions. The backseat provided exceptional thigh support, rear air-conditioning vents, and available USB charging ports. However, front-seat track travel was limited, potentially causing discomfort for taller drivers. The front passenger seat also lacked height adjustment, which could be inconvenient for some.

The Accord Hybrid’s seats were comfortable, with front heating and ventilation and rear heating available in Touring trim. Interior storage was generous, and the 16.7-cubic-foot trunk was larger than competitors, accommodating four full-size suitcases with ease. The 60/40 split-folding rear seatback added versatility, though a hatchback design would have been even more practical.

The 2021 Subaru WRX, with its conventional sedan layout, offered 12 cubic feet of trunk space. This was more than the Civic Si coupe but less than the sedan and significantly less than the VW GTI’s cargo capacity. The WRX’s interior packaging felt dated, with door bottle-holders unable to accommodate larger water bottles, which could obstruct shifting in manual models.

The WRX provided a comfortable driving position with excellent visibility. The center console offered decent storage space, and the rear seats could accommodate four adults comfortably. However, the sedan layout was less versatile compared to a hatchback or sports car.

The 2020 Honda Accord Hybrid, in EX trim or higher, featured a robust Display Audio infotainment system with a user-friendly interface and clear graphics. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, HD Radio, and quick-charge USB ports. The EX-L trim added a premium sound system, while the Touring trim included navigation, a wireless smartphone charger, NFC technology, a WiFi hotspot, and expanded HondaLink services.

HondaLink offered in-car delivery of Amazon packages, a Find My Car function, a stolen-vehicle locator, and remote locking, unlocking, and engine starting. Safety features included automatic collision notification, emergency calling, and enhanced roadside assistance. The Touring trim also featured a head-up display (HUD) visible with polarized sunglasses.

The 2021 Subaru WRX came standard with a 6.5-inch touchscreen running Subaru's Starlink infotainment system, with a 7-inch screen available on higher trims. Both screens supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with a sensible layout and easy-to-use controls. The Limited trim offered an option package with navigation and a Harman Kardon premium stereo, providing solid sound quality.

Despite an update to include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the WRX’s infotainment system felt dated compared to newer competitors. However, its ease of use and functionality remained strong points.

The 2020 Honda Accord Hybrid included Honda Sensing, a suite of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) featuring adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, traffic-sign recognition, and road-departure mitigation. The system was smoother and more refined than previous versions, particularly the adaptive cruise control.

All Accord Hybrids also had automatic high-beam headlights, a multi-angle reversing camera, and SmartVent front side airbags. EX trim and higher included a blind-spot warning system with rear cross-traffic alert. The Accord received top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, with Touring versions earning a Top Safety Pick designation.

The 2021 Subaru WRX did not come standard with the latest safety features. Subaru's EyeSight system, including adaptive cruise control, emergency automatic braking, and lane-departure warning, was available on Premium and Limited trims with the CVT. Adaptive high beams, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and reverse automatic braking were optional on the Limited trim. All WRX models included a tire-pressure monitoring system and traction control.