2023 Toyota Camry Hybrid vs 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback

The 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback emerged as a beacon of hope for hatchback enthusiasts amidst a declining market. As other automakers phased out hatchbacks in favour of small crossover SUVs, Honda seized the opportunity to capture the remaining market share with its redesigned Civic hatchback. Manufactured in Indiana, this model was one of the few compact cars still produced in North America. It shared its front design with the Civic sedan but distinguished itself with a unique grille and wheel designs. Despite its stubby rear, the Civic hatchback offered a modern interior with sophisticated digital displays and high-quality controls, although the CVT shifter operation left room for improvement.

In contrast, the 2023 Toyota Camry Hybrid, six years into its eighth generation, continued to refine its styling with new paint options and the Nightshade Edition's matte-bronze wheels. The SE trim, available in hybrid form, featured black accents and a choice of three striking colours. Inside, the Camry maintained its SE-spec interior, which had been consistent for over half a decade. While Toyota claimed impeccable fit and finish, the interior plastics and road noise detracted from the overall quality. Despite these shortcomings, the Camry Hybrid offered a competitive price point, especially in the SE Nightshade Edition, making it an attractive option for those seeking a hybrid vehicle.

The 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback offered a choice between a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with 158 horsepower and a turbocharged 1.5-litre engine producing 180 horsepower. The latter, available in Sport and Sport Touring trims, delivered accessible torque from 1,700 to 4,500 rpm. Front-wheel drive was standard, with no all-wheel drive option. The Civic's CVT worked well with the turbo engine, providing a smooth driving experience, while the six-speed manual transmission was a delight for enthusiasts. The Civic's suspension and steering offered a balanced ride, though it wasn't designed for aggressive driving. Fuel efficiency was commendable, with real-world testing closely matching official estimates.

The 2023 Toyota Camry Hybrid featured a 2.5-litre Atkinson-cycle engine paired with an electric motor, producing a net output of 208 horsepower. The hybrid system simulated a CVT, offering six programmed ratios and paddle shifters in sportier trims. Despite its focus on fuel economy, the Camry Hybrid's real-world consumption was higher than expected, averaging 7.0 L/100 km. The hybrid powertrain provided quick acceleration from a stop, and the regenerative braking system offered better-than-expected pedal feel. The Camry Hybrid SE Nightshade's sport suspension delivered predictable handling, though the stability control was overly sensitive in certain conditions.

The 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback excelled in functionality, offering a spacious trunk with 693 litres of cargo capacity and a two-piece cargo shade. The rear seats folded in a 60/40 split, though the load floor wasn't flat. The interior provided comfortable seating, with the driver enjoying an eight-way power-adjustable seat. However, the lack of rear air conditioning vents and a height adjuster for the front passenger seat were noted drawbacks. The Civic's interior featured a mix of fabric and leather upholstery, with automatic climate control standard across trims.

The 2023 Toyota Camry Hybrid prioritized simplicity and durability, with standard features like keyless entry, push-button start, and dual-zone climate control. The front seats offered eight-way power adjustment for the driver and manual adjustment for the passenger, including a height adjuster. While the SofTex upholstery wasn't particularly soft, the seats were comfortable for long drives. The Camry's rear seats were less spacious than competitors, and the absence of rear air vents was a common complaint. Trunk space was limited to 428 litres, but it accommodated full-size suitcases efficiently.

The 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback introduced a new infotainment system with a 7-inch touchscreen in lower trims and a 9-inch display in the Sport Touring. The latter included wireless smartphone integration, navigation, and a 12-speaker Bose audio system. Physical knobs for sound controls improved usability, and the voice recognition system performed well. Digital instrumentation varied by trim, with the Sport Touring featuring a comprehensive 10.2-inch display.

The 2023 Toyota Camry Hybrid offered a choice between a 7-inch or 9-inch touchscreen, both supporting smartphone connectivity. The larger system included navigation and a JBL sound system. The test car's 7-inch display was basic, and the voice recognition system struggled with some commands. Physical knobs and buttons surrounded the screen, though they could be more user-friendly. Additional tech options included a driver information centre and a head-up display.

The 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback came equipped with Honda Sensing, a suite of safety features including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. New additions like low-speed following and Traffic Jam Assist enhanced driver convenience. A blind-spot warning system was standard in Canada, with rear cross-traffic alert available in higher trims. The Civic earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, though some driver aids were less refined.

The 2023 Toyota Camry Hybrid featured Toyota Safety Sense 2.5, offering a comprehensive set of safety technologies. However, the system lacked refinement, with abrupt adaptive cruise control and inconsistent lane-keeping performance. The Camry received a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS, though it performed poorly in the updated side-impact test.