2020 Toyota Camry vs 2021 Honda Civic

The 2020 Toyota Camry had a reputation for quality, reliability, and value, which it earned by consistently outperforming its competition. In the past, Camrys were known for their durability, partly due to shared engineering with the Lexus brand. However, in recent years, the Camry faced criticism for appearing cheap and outdated compared to rivals like the Honda Accord and Hyundai Sonata. The latest generation aimed to change this perception with a renewed focus on detail, elevating its quality and appeal. The styling was more expressive than ever, with a bold front fascia and taut lines reminiscent of BMW's sport sedans. Inside, the Camry featured high-quality materials and a driver-focused dashboard, making even the base trims feel upscale. While it wasn't a luxury car, the Camry's starting price of $26,620 made it a compelling choice for those seeking a sporty yet affordable sedan.

The 2021 Honda Civic, on the other hand, was a segment-defining model that continued to impress with its design and practicality. Available in sedan, hatchback, and performance-tuned Type R formats, the Civic offered a range of options for different preferences. The sedan, in particular, came in LX, EX, Sport, and Touring trims, with prices starting at $23,400 Canadian. The Touring trim, with its Cosmic Blue Metallic paint and 18-inch wheels, was particularly striking. The Civic's interior, while not as dramatic as when first introduced, still featured quality materials and thoughtful design. Despite its compact classification, the Civic offered interior space comparable to a midsize car from a decade ago, making it a practical choice for families. However, the infotainment system showed its age, with a maximum screen size of 7 inches, though it still provided essential features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The 2020 Toyota Camry offered a range of powertrains, including a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD), a 3.5-litre V6, and a hybrid option. The V6 produced 301 horsepower and was paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, providing a smooth and powerful driving experience. The four-cylinder engine, with 203 hp (206 in XSE trim), was lighter and offered a more engaging driving experience, especially in the sporty XSE trim. The AWD system, similar to that in the RAV4, could send up to half of the engine's torque to the rear wheels, improving traction in slippery conditions. Fuel consumption for the Camry varied, with the FWD four-cylinder achieving 7.6 L/100 km and the AWD version at 8.4 L/100 km. The V6 models had higher consumption, with the TRD trim at 9.4 L/100 km.

The 2021 Honda Civic offered two engine options: a 2.0-litre four-cylinder with 158 horsepower and a turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder with 174 hp. The turbo engine, standard in the Touring trim, provided ample power and was paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). While the CVT contributed to excellent fuel economy, averaging 6.8 L/100 km, it was criticized for its droning noise and lack of engagement. The Civic's suspension and steering were praised for their ride and handling qualities, making it a fun car to drive, especially with the Touring trim's 18-inch wheels. However, the lack of a manual or dual-clutch transmission was a drawback for driving enthusiasts.

The 2020 Toyota Camry was designed for ease of use, with controls that were intuitive and within easy reach. The front seats offered increased legroom and hip room compared to the previous generation, but the rear seat and trunk space were more limited. The trunk provided 428 litres of cargo space, comparable to the Honda Civic, but smaller than some competitors. The addition of AWD did not compromise interior space, as Toyota made structural modifications to accommodate it.

The 2021 Honda Civic, despite its low seating position, offered a comfortable interior with ample space for passengers. The driver's seat featured eight-way power adjustment, but the front passenger seat lacked height adjustment. The rear seats provided excellent thigh support and a comfortable backrest angle, though rear air conditioning vents were absent. The Civic's centre console was highly practical, with ample storage space, and the trunk offered 428 litres of cargo space, reduced to 416 litres in the Touring trim due to the premium sound system.

The 2020 Toyota Camry included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard features, along with Bluetooth and a three-month trial of SiriusXM satellite radio. The infotainment system, while functional, felt dated with low-resolution graphics. The standard 7-inch screen could be upgraded to an 8-inch version, and higher trims offered a 10-inch head-up display. Remote Connect, available on some trims, allowed smartphone-based remote access to the car.

The 2021 Honda Civic's technology was showing its age, with a standard 5-inch LCD screen and limited infotainment features. The Touring trim offered a 7-inch high-definition touchscreen, a 10-speaker audio system, and navigation with voice recognition. While Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available, the voice recognition system was unsophisticated. The premium sound system was a nice addition, but the eight-speaker setup was adequate for most users.

The 2020 Toyota Camry came with Toyota Safety Sense, including a pre-collision system, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and automatic high beams. Blind-spot monitoring was optional, and higher trims offered a Bird's Eye View camera system. The Camry received a five-star rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS. However, a recall for leaking engine coolant affected some models.

The 2021 Honda Civic featured Honda Sensing, with adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and lane-keeping assistance. LaneWatch, available on the EX trim and above, provided a live video feed of the right lane but had limitations. The Civic lacked a traditional blind-spot warning system but offered a 180-degree reversing camera view. The Civic earned a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA, making it a safe choice for families.