2021 Honda Civic vs 2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid

The 2021 Honda Civic continued the legacy of its predecessors by offering a design that was both familiar and polarizing. Over the years, Honda had introduced segment-defining models, and the 10th-generation Civic was no exception. It was available in various formats, including the sedan, hatchback, and the performance-oriented Type R. The 2021 model year saw the discontinuation of the two-door coupe and a temporary hiatus for the Civic Si. The Civic sedan was offered in LX, EX, Sport, and Touring trims, with prices ranging from $23,400 to $31,331 CAD, including fees. The Touring trim, with its Cosmic Blue Metallic paint and 18-inch wheels, presented a striking appearance, though opinions on its styling varied depending on the angle and lighting. Inside, the Civic's cabin, while not as dramatic as when first introduced, still featured quality materials and thoughtful design, though the infotainment screen size was limited to 7 inches.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid, though largely a carryover from previous years, impressed with its futuristic and expressive design. The front end was particularly striking, with a sneering face and muscular features. The interior mirrored this boldness, with a sweeping dashboard and a well-organized centre console. The Camry Hybrid offered a spacious and comfortable second row, with thoughtful storage solutions throughout the cabin. The trunk space was generous at 428 litres, thanks to the low-mounted battery pack, and the rear seats could fold down to accommodate larger items. Toyota's attention to fit and finish was evident, with high-quality materials and precise construction throughout the vehicle.

The 2021 Honda Civic offered a choice between a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing 158 horsepower and a more desirable turbocharged 1.5-litre engine delivering 174 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque. The latter, standard on the Touring trim, provided ample power and was complemented by a sophisticated suspension system that offered excellent ride and handling. However, the continuously variable transmission (CVT) was a point of contention, as it could be droning and lacked the engagement of a manual or dual-clutch transmission. Despite this, the Civic's fuel economy was commendable, averaging 6.8 L/100 km on a test loop, outperforming official estimates.

The 2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid, on the other hand, focused on fuel efficiency with its hybrid powertrain. It combined a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with two electric motors, producing a total of 208 horsepower. The electronically controlled CVT sent power to the front wheels, and paddle shifters on SE and XSE models simulated a six-speed transmission. The Camry Hybrid excelled in fuel economy, with ratings as low as 4.8 L/100 km on the highway. Its handling was improved by the low-mounted battery pack, providing a lower centre of gravity. However, the EV mode was challenging to maintain, and some droning from the drivetrain was noted.

The 2021 Honda Civic sedan, while low to the ground, offered a spacious interior akin to a decade-old midsize car. The driver's seat featured eight-way power adjustment, though the front passenger seat lacked height adjustment. Leather upholstery was standard on the Touring trim. The rear seats provided excellent thigh support and a comfortable backrest angle, though rear air conditioning vents were absent. The centre console was highly practical, offering ample storage space, and the trunk provided 428 litres of cargo space, slightly reduced in the Touring trim due to the premium sound system.

The 2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid excelled in ride height and seating position, offering a comfortable and adjustable driving experience. The interior featured numerous storage options, including a spacious glove compartment and various nooks throughout the dash. The second row was easy to access and provided a roomy and comfortable space. The Camry Hybrid's trunk matched the standard Camry's 428 litres, with a passthrough for long items and foldable rear seats for larger cargo. Toyota's warranty coverage was comprehensive, with specific hybrid components covered for up to 10 years/240,000 kilometres.

The 2021 Honda Civic's technology was beginning to show its age, with a standard 5-inch LCD screen and limited infotainment features. The Touring trim offered a 7-inch touchscreen, a 10-speaker audio system, and navigation, but the voice recognition system was unsophisticated. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available, providing a more familiar interface for users.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid was equipped with advanced technology features. The XLE model boasted a premium JBL audio system with nine speakers, while other trims had a standard six-speaker system. Embedded navigation was available on XLE models, and all trims featured Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto compatibility. The Camry Hybrid also offered a smart key system, push-button start, and a projected-path feature for the rearview camera. Higher trims included a 10-inch head-up display and additional luxury features.

The 2021 Honda Civic came standard with Honda Sensing, a suite of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) that included adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and lane-keeping assistance. However, the LaneWatch system, which used a camera to monitor the right lane, had limitations and did not cover the left side. Despite these drawbacks, the Civic earned a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA.

The 2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid featured Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ (TSS 2.5+), which included a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, and lane-departure alert. The Camry Hybrid also had 10 airbags, a blind-spot monitor, and a tire pressure monitoring system. It received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.