2021 Honda Accord vs 2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid

The 2021 Honda Accord was a staple in the midsize sedan market, competing fiercely with rivals like the Toyota Camry, Mazda6, and Hyundai Sonata. For 2021, Honda refreshed the Accord with a wider, restyled grille, giving it a more sculpted appearance. The Honda Sensing safety system's radar unit was better integrated, enhancing the vehicle's aesthetic appeal. The Accord featured LED headlights and lowlights, providing excellent nighttime visibility. New alloy wheel designs were introduced, with 19-inch wheels standard on most trims. The Sonic Gray Pearl paint option added a unique touch to the Sport and Touring models. Inside, the Accord offered a sophisticated interior with high-quality cloth or leather-trimmed seats, depending on the trim. The power moonroof, standard from the Sport trim, slightly reduced headroom but was a common industry trade-off. The Accord's interior was well-regarded, though it didn't quite match the premium feel of the top-tier Mazda6 Signature model.

The 2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid continued to uphold its reputation as a reliable family sedan. Although largely a carryover from the previous year, the Camry Hybrid impressed with its futuristic and expressive design. The front end featured a bold, muscular look, complemented by alloy wheels ranging from 17 to 19 inches, depending on the trim. Inside, the Camry Hybrid boasted a dynamic dashboard with a sweeping curve and a large infotainment touchscreen. The second row offered ample space and comfort, even for the middle seat. Toyota's attention to fit and finish was evident, with high-quality materials and precise construction throughout the vehicle. The Camry Hybrid's interior was both functional and stylish, providing a comfortable driving experience for all occupants.

The 2021 Honda Accord offered two engine options, catering to different driving preferences. The standard engine was a 192-horsepower turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder, delivering 192 pound-feet of torque and paired with a CVT. This engine was available on the SE, Sport, EX-L, and Touring trims. For those seeking more power, a 2.0-litre turbo-four engine produced 252 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. This engine was available on the Sport 2.0 and Touring 2.0 trims. The Accord was front-wheel drive only, with no all-wheel drive option. Fuel economy varied between the engines, with the 1.5-litre engine achieving 7.2 to 7.5 L/100 km combined, while the 2.0-litre engine consumed 9.1 L/100 km combined. The Accord's driving dynamics were engaging, with smooth braking and paddle shifters for added control.

The 2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid focused on fuel efficiency, making it an attractive option for those looking to minimize trips to the gas station. The hybrid system combined a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with two electric motors, producing a total of 208 horsepower. An electronically controlled CVT sent power to the front wheels. The Camry Hybrid's fuel consumption was impressive, with the LE model achieving 4.9 L/100 km combined, while other trims consumed 5.1 L/100 km combined. The hybrid's handling was enhanced by a lower centre of gravity, thanks to the battery pack's placement. While the Camry Hybrid's performance was generally smooth, maintaining EV mode was challenging, and some drivetrain noise was noted.

The 2021 Honda Accord was designed with practicality in mind, offering a spacious interior with seating for five adults. The front and rear seats provided ample head-, hip-, and legroom, ensuring comfort for all occupants. Standard convenience features included dual-zone automatic climate control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and push-button start. The rear seats featured a 60/40 split, allowing for pass-through from the trunk, which offered 473 litres of cargo space. The cabin layout was intuitive, with essential controls within easy reach. While small-item storage was limited, the front centre console provided a convenient spot for personal items.

The 2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid excelled in providing a comfortable and versatile driving experience. The driving position was adjustable to suit various preferences, with ample headroom for all occupants. The front seats offered generous storage options, including a spacious glove compartment and multiple dash compartments. The second row was easily accessible and provided a comfortable space for passengers. The Camry Hybrid's trunk offered 428 litres of cargo space, with a pass-through for long items and foldable rear seats for additional storage. Toyota's warranty coverage was comprehensive, with specific hybrid components covered for up to 10 years.

The 2021 Honda Accord was equipped with an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, featuring physical volume and tuning knobs for ease of use. Standard technology included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and two USB ports. Higher trims added features like satellite radio, a wireless phone charger, and a 10-speaker premium audio system. The Touring trims offered an on-board navigation system, rain-sensing wipers, and a head-up display, providing a comprehensive suite of tech features.

The 2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid was packed with advanced technology, including a premium JBL audio system on the XLE model. This system featured nine speakers and sophisticated algorithms for enhanced audio quality. All models came with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto compatibility. The LE trim had a 7-inch touchscreen, while other trims featured a 9-inch display. The Camry Hybrid also offered a 10-inch head-up display on higher trims, along with a bird’s-eye view camera and intelligent clearance sonar, elevating the vehicle's tech offerings to near-luxury levels.

The 2021 Honda Accord prioritized safety with a comprehensive suite of features. Standard equipment included vehicle stability assist, traction control, brake assist, and a rearview camera. The Honda Sensing suite added lane-keeping assist, road departure mitigation, blind spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. The Accord received top safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA, with a Top Safety Pick+ designation and a five-star overall rating, respectively. The vehicle also featured LATCH connectors for child safety seats.

The 2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid was equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, which included a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, and lane-departure alert. The Camry Hybrid also featured Toyota's Star safety system, with stability control, traction control, and anti-lock brakes. The vehicle came with 10 airbags and LATCH anchors for child seats. The Camry Hybrid received top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, with a Top Safety Pick+ designation and a five-star overall rating.