2022 Audi A4 vs 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid

The 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid, available in base and Touring trims, was a visually appealing vehicle with a flair for proportion and style that was not commonly seen in Hondas. The model featured minor front styling updates, including a new grille and revised bumper, enhancing its overall aesthetic. The Touring trim boasted new 19-inch aluminum alloy wheels, although they were challenging to clean due to their gloss black inserts. Inside, the Accord's cabin exuded an upscale feel with simulated matte-finish wood trim and polished metallic accents, although the hard plastic upper rear door trim was a slight letdown. The controls were logically arranged, and the 8-inch touchscreen infotainment display was user-friendly, contributing to an excellent driving experience.

In contrast, the 2022 Audi A4 presented a simple, clean, and conservative design that served as an ideal canvas for its Tango Red paint and Black Edition package. The A4's aesthetic restraint extended to its interior, where black materials were complemented by aluminum trim and metallic accents. The dashboard integrated air vents seamlessly, and the controls were clearly labeled, enhancing usability. The A4 featured high-quality materials, a 12.3-inch Audi Virtual Cockpit, and ambient interior lighting, although the tablet-style touchscreen infotainment system seemed like an afterthought. Overall, the A4's design was both elegant and functional, offering a refined driving environment.

The 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid featured a sophisticated two-motor hybrid system combining a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with an electric drive motor, producing a total of 212 horsepower and 232 pound-feet of torque. This setup provided immediate torque, making the vehicle feel quick from a standstill. The hybrid system operated in three modes: EV Drive, Hybrid Drive, and Engine Drive, allowing for efficient power management. The Accord Hybrid achieved a fuel consumption rating of 5.0 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, with a slightly higher observed average of 5.5 L/100 km. The vehicle's handling was agile, with a suspension tuned for athletic performance and a brake-by-wire regenerative braking system that offered excellent feel and response.

The 2022 Audi A4, particularly the 45 TFSI model, delivered 261 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque, paired with a seven-speed S-tronic dual-clutch automatic transmission and Quattro Ultra all-wheel-drive system. This configuration allowed the A4 to accelerate to 100 km/h in approximately 5.4 seconds, with a fuel economy rating of 8.8 L/100 km in combined driving. The A4's driving modes included Comfort, Auto, Dynamic, and Individual, with the test vehicle averaging 9.5 L/100 km. The A4's driving experience was characterized by refined engine performance, responsive steering, and effective brakes, making it a joy to drive. The vehicle's structure and suspension provided a solid feel over speed bumps, and the cabin remained remarkably quiet.

The 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid offered an impressive amount of space, classifying it as a full-size sedan despite competing in the midsize segment. The 12-way power-adjustable driver's seat and spacious rear seats provided excellent comfort, with heated and ventilated front seats and heated rear seats in the Touring trim. Interior storage was generous, with a large centre console bin and a covered compartment for additional storage. The Accord Hybrid's 473-litre trunk was notably large, accommodating full-size suitcases and featuring 60/40 split-folding rear seats for added utility.

In comparison, the 2022 Audi A4's low seating position made entry and exit challenging, and the cabin felt snug. However, the front seats were exceptionally comfortable, with power adjustment and a thigh-support cushion. The A4 featured a three-zone automatic climate control system and a simple, intuitive layout. The rear seats, while supportive, offered limited legroom and were best suited for shorter trips. Interior storage was limited, with the centre console bin housing the wireless charging pad, reducing its utility. The A4's 340-litre cargo space was well-finished, with enclosed hinges and storage nets, but was smaller than the Accord's.

The 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid came standard with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Touring trim included a head-up display and navigation with voice recognition, although the system required specific prompts for successful operation. The vehicle also featured wireless charging and quick-charge USB ports for rear-seat passengers, enhancing its technological appeal.

The 2022 Audi A4 was equipped with the next-generation MIB3 Audi Multi-Media Interface, featuring a 10.1-inch touchscreen display. The system supported smartphone functions like swipe and scroll, with acoustic feedback for menu selections. The A4 included Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and Audi Connect services. The test car also had a navigation system, wireless charging, and a 19-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system. The MMI was intuitive, with separate climate controls and a user-friendly interface, although the voice recognition was slow to respond.

The 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid aimed to achieve a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS by redesigning its LED headlights. Standard safety features included blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a rearview camera. The Touring trim added low-speed braking control and front and rear automatic emergency braking. The Honda Sensing suite offered adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist, although the systems could be more transparent and less intrusive.

The 2022 Audi A4 Technik model was equipped with comprehensive safety features under the Audi Pre Sense umbrella, including collision preparation, forward-collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. The vehicle also had lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and a surround-view camera system. The A4 received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, highlighting its strong safety credentials.