2021 Honda Accord vs 2020 Toyota Corolla

The 2020 Toyota Corolla, with its redesigned exterior, was not initially considered attractive, resembling other modern Toyotas with their aggressive styling. However, when equipped with SE or XSE trim and the Celestite paint colour, the Corolla presented a more appealing compact sedan look. The interior quality saw significant improvements, with soft-touch surfaces replacing the previously cheap plastics, although the transmission shifter still reminded drivers of its economy car status. The Corolla's pricing started at a base MSRP of $18,990, with various trims offering different features and performance levels, including a hybrid option for those prioritizing fuel efficiency.

In contrast, the 2021 Honda Accord received a mid-generation refresh, enhancing its already competitive stance in the midsize sedan market. The Accord's styling updates included a wider, restyled grille and new alloy wheel designs, contributing to a more sophisticated appearance. The interior was praised for its spaciousness and quality materials, with higher trims offering leather upholstery and additional features. The Accord's pricing reflected its premium positioning, with the Canada-exclusive SE trim starting at $34,701, and the top-tier Touring trim reaching $40,901. The Accord's design and features made it a strong contender against rivals like the Toyota Camry and Mazda6.

The 2020 Toyota Corolla offered a choice between a 1.8-litre 4-cylinder engine with 139 horsepower for the L, LE, and XLE trims, and a more spirited 2.0-litre 4-cylinder engine with 169 horsepower for the SE and XSE trims. The latter provided a sportier driving experience, aided by a sophisticated CVT with paddle shifters and an independent rear suspension for improved ride quality. Despite its sporty aspirations, the Corolla XSE struggled with acceleration, particularly in demanding driving situations, and lacked the power to fully exploit its handling capabilities. Fuel efficiency was a strong point, with the XSE rated at 7.7 L/100 km in the city and 6.1 on the highway.

The 2021 Honda Accord offered two engine options: a 192-horsepower turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine for the SE, Sport, EX-L, and Touring trims, and a more powerful 2.0-litre turbo-four with 252 horsepower for the Sport 2.0 and Touring 2.0 trims. The latter engine, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, provided a more engaging driving experience, though the Accord's dynamics were not as athletic as those of Honda's premium Acura lineup. Fuel economy varied between the engines, with the 1.5-litre engine achieving 7.2 L/100 km combined, while the 2.0-litre engine consumed 9.1 L/100 km combined. The Accord's braking system was upgraded for smoother performance, enhancing its overall driving appeal.

The 2020 Toyota Corolla, while smaller than a Camry, offered practical space for a family of four, though it lacked some comfort features like rear air-conditioning vents and USB ports. The interior was comfortable for the driver, with an 8-way power-adjustable seat, but rear passengers, especially taller ones, might find headroom limited. Storage space was a concern, with limited bins and small cupholders, though the trunk offered 371 litres of space, accommodating several bags and a compact stroller.

The 2021 Honda Accord excelled in interior space and comfort, with ample head-, hip-, and legroom for both front and rear passengers. The cabin featured dual-zone automatic climate control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and other convenience features. The rear seats offered a 60/40 split for added versatility, and the trunk provided a generous 473 litres of cargo space. The Accord's interior design ensured easy access to controls and the infotainment system, though small-item storage could be improved.

The 2020 Toyota Corolla featured the Entune 3.0 infotainment system, with Apple CarPlay but not Android Auto. The system was user-friendly, with a high-mounted touchscreen and familiar controls. Higher trims offered an 8-inch display and additional features like advanced voice recognition and satellite radio trials. However, Android users might find the lack of compatibility limiting.

The 2021 Honda Accord boasted an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen with physical controls, offering Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto as standard. Higher trims added features like a wireless phone charger, premium audio system, and Wi-Fi hot spot. The Touring trims included navigation, rain-sensing wipers, and a head-up display, enhancing the Accord's technological appeal.

The 2020 Toyota Corolla came equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, offering a suite of driver-assistance features like adaptive cruise control, lane departure alert, and automatic emergency braking. The Corolla received a 5-star rating from the NHTSA and was named a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS, though the lane-departure warning system's alert was considered irritating.

The 2021 Honda Accord featured a comprehensive safety package, including the Honda Sensing suite with lane-keeping assist, blind spot monitoring, and collision mitigation braking. The Accord earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a 5-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, highlighting its strong safety credentials.