2021 Honda Accord Hybrid vs 2021 Volkswagen Jetta

The 2021 Volkswagen Jetta presented a more upscale presence compared to its predecessor, with a slightly longer body and wheelbase, and a wider stance by about 2.5 centimetres. Its design was inspired by the VW Arteon sport sedan, featuring a wide, angular grille that added a dramatic flair to its appearance. Inside, the Jetta continued this angular design language, creating a cabin that was both spacious and functional, with a premium feel thanks to a mix of soft-touch surfaces and comfortable seating. The Jetta was available in Comfortline, Highline, and Execline trims, each offering a range of features from heated seats and mirrors to a digital instrument cluster and a premium audio system.

In contrast, the 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid was praised for its excellent proportions, stance, and detailing, making it a standout in the Honda lineup. The Accord Hybrid featured minor front styling changes, including a new grille and headlights, and the Touring trim boasted new 19-inch aluminum alloy wheels. Inside, the Accord Hybrid's cabin was remarkably upscale, with high-quality materials and logically arranged controls. The spacious interior offered a 12-way power-adjustable driver's seat and generous rear-seat legroom, while the trunk provided an impressive 473 litres of cargo space. The Accord Hybrid's design and functionality made it a compelling choice for those seeking a stylish and practical midsize sedan.

The 2021 Volkswagen Jetta was equipped with a 1.4-litre turbo inline four-cylinder engine, producing 147 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. Despite having slightly less horsepower than its predecessor, the engine felt more responsive, thanks to its tuning and the new 8-speed automatic transmission. The Jetta offered a smooth and sporty driving experience, with precise steering and minimal body roll. It handled both city and highway driving with ease, and its fuel efficiency was impressive, with a combined consumption of 6.9 L/100 km for the manual transmission and 7.1 L/100 km for the automatic.

The 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid featured a 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. The hybrid system offered three operational modes: EV Drive, Hybrid Drive, and Engine Drive, allowing the car to adapt to different driving conditions. The Accord Hybrid's powertrain was refined for improved throttle response and a more natural driving experience. It delivered excellent fuel efficiency, with a combined consumption of 5.0 L/100 km. The Accord Hybrid's handling was athletic, with a compliant ride and excellent regenerative braking system, making it a fun and efficient car to drive.

The 2021 Volkswagen Jetta offered comfortable front seats suitable for long trips, with adequate rear-seat legroom and headroom. The trunk provided 399 litres of space, which was average for its class. The interior layout was practical, with a user-friendly touchscreen and a blend of real buttons and dials for controls. The Jetta's design focused on functionality, making it a practical choice for those seeking a straightforward and efficient compact sedan.

The 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid impressed with its spacious interior, offering a 12-way power-adjustable driver's seat and a large back seat. The Touring trim added heated and ventilated front seats and heated rear seats. Interior storage was generous, with a large centre console bin and a covered compartment for additional storage. The Accord Hybrid's trunk was a standout feature, offering 473 litres of space, larger than any competitor in its segment. The 60/40 split-folding rear seats further enhanced its utility, making it a practical choice for those needing ample cargo space.

The 2021 Volkswagen Jetta came equipped with a 6.5-inch touchscreen display featuring Volkswagen’s Car-Net App-Connect, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Execline trim offered Volkswagen’s Digital Cockpit, a customizable digital display that replaced the conventional instrument panel. This feature allowed drivers to project navigation and other information directly onto the screen, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system as standard, including Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Touring trim added a head-up display, navigation with bilingual voice recognition, and wireless charging for smartphones. The system required specific prompts for voice commands, which could be a limitation for some users. However, the overall technology package offered a comprehensive and user-friendly experience.

The 2021 Volkswagen Jetta was equipped with a range of safety features, including front and side airbags, a reversing camera, and a tire pressure monitoring system. The Highline trim added blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, while the Execline included additional driver-assistance features like automatic emergency braking and adaptive cruise control. The Jetta received a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA but fell short of a Top Safety Pick recommendation from the IIHS due to its headlights.

The 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid aimed to improve its safety ratings by redesigning its LED headlights to meet Top Safety Pick+ requirements. Standard safety features included blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a rearview camera. The Touring trim added low-speed braking control and a front and rear automatic emergency braking system. The Honda Sensing suite of advanced driving assistance systems was refined for smoother operation, although some features could be more transparent and less intrusive.