2021 Honda Accord Hybrid vs 2022 Honda Civic

The 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid was available in base and Touring trim levels, with prices ranging from $36,105 to $42,805. The hybrid powertrain added a premium of about $3,000 to $4,000 over the non-hybrid models. Despite not offering a Sport trim, the Accord Hybrid was praised for its attractive design, showcasing a balance of proportion, stance, style, and detailing. Minor front styling updates included a new grille, revised bumper, and new headlights, while the Touring trim featured new 19-inch aluminum alloy wheels. The interior of the Accord Hybrid was noted for its upscale appearance, with high-quality materials and logically arranged controls, providing excellent outward visibility.

In contrast, the 2022 Honda Civic sedan was offered in LX, EX, Sport, and Touring trims, with Canadian prices starting at $24,465 and reaching up to $30,265, excluding a $1,700 destination charge. The Civic Touring, tested in Morning Mist Blue, was priced at $32,396. The redesigned Civic resembled the larger Accord, adopting a more conservative and mature look. The interior focused on simplicity, with a minimalistic control layout and improved materials, especially in the Touring trim. The Civic's cabin was designed to reflect a newfound maturity, with a metal honeycomb mesh running across the dashboard to hide air vents elegantly.

The 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid featured a two-motor hybrid system combining a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with a generator/starter motor and a separate electric drive motor, producing a total of 212 horsepower and 232 pound-feet of torque. The hybrid system offered three operational modes: EV Drive, Hybrid Drive, and Engine Drive, allowing for efficient power management. The Accord Hybrid achieved a fuel consumption of 5.0 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, with a slightly higher average of 5.5 L/100 km during testing. The car's suspension was tuned for athletic handling, and the brake-by-wire regenerative braking system provided excellent feel and response.

The 2022 Honda Civic offered two engine options: a 2.0-litre DOHC four-cylinder engine with 158 horsepower and 138 lb-ft of torque for the LX, EX, and Sport trims, and a turbocharged 1.5-litre DOHC four-cylinder engine with 180 horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque for the Touring trim. Both engines were paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) featuring Step Shift programming for a more traditional automatic feel. The Civic's handling was enhanced by improved structural rigidity, revised suspension tuning, and better steering feel. The Civic Touring returned a fuel consumption of 7.7 litres per 100 kilometres, slightly higher than the estimated 6.9 L/100 km.

The 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid offered impressive interior space, with a 12-way power-adjustable driver's seat and a spacious back seat. The Touring trim included heated and ventilated front seats and heated rear seats. Interior storage was generous, with a large centre console bin and a covered compartment for hidden storage and wireless smartphone charging. The Accord Hybrid's trunk boasted a capacity of 473 litres, accommodating full-size suitcases and featuring 60/40 split-folding rear seats for added utility.

The 2022 Honda Civic focused on comfort with redesigned front seats offering better support. The Touring trim featured a power driver's seat and heated front seats, though ventilation was absent. The back seat provided ample legroom, but the backrest angle might have been too reclined for some. The Civic's trunk offered 419 litres of space, reduced to 408 litres in the Touring trim due to premium sound system components. Despite the smaller trunk, the Civic accommodated full-size suitcases and included a split-folding backseat for added versatility.

The 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid came standard with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, including Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Touring trim added a head-up display, navigation with bilingual voice recognition, and quick-charge USB ports for rear passengers. However, the voice recognition system required specific prompts and pathways for successful operation.

The 2022 Honda Civic featured digital instrumentation, with the Touring trim offering a 10-inch display panel with greater customization and a Vehicle Activity display. The standard infotainment system included a 7-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Touring trim upgraded to a 9-inch touchscreen with wireless connectivity, a 12-speaker Bose audio system, and a navigation system. The voice recognition technology was significantly improved, providing a better user experience.

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 low-speed braking control system. The Honda Sensing suite offered adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist, though some refinements were still needed for smoother operation.

The 2022 Honda Civic featured an upgraded Honda Sensing suite with Traffic Jam Assist, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and Lane Keeping Assist. The Civic replaced the LaneWatch system with a proper blind-spot warning system and rear cross-traffic alert. The car's architecture was strengthened for better collision protection, and new airbag designs improved safety. A rear-seat reminder system was also standard.