2023 Toyota Camry Hybrid vs 2022 Honda Civic

The 2022 Honda Civic presented a more mature and conservative design compared to its predecessor, drawing inspiration from the larger Accord sedan. This 11th-generation Civic was available in LX, EX, Sport, and Touring trims, with prices in Canada starting at $24,465 for the LX and reaching $30,265 for the Touring, excluding destination charges. The Civic Touring, tested in the new Morning Mist Blue, offered a refined interior with minimalistic controls and improved materials, particularly in the Touring trim. The dashboard featured a metal honeycomb mesh that elegantly concealed the air vents, contributing to a sophisticated cabin ambiance.

In contrast, the 2023 Toyota Camry Hybrid, six years into its eighth generation, offered a familiar design with new colour options like Reservoir Blue and the Nightshade Edition's matte-bronze wheels. The Nightshade Edition, available with SE trim, featured black accents and a TRD mesh grille, adding a sporty touch. The interior, while durable and straightforward, lacked the refinement expected at its price point, with cheap-looking plastics and noticeable road noise. The Camry Hybrid's pricing in Canada started at just over $35,000, with the SE Hybrid Nightshade Edition tested at $40,785.

The 2022 Honda Civic offered two engine options: a 2.0-litre DOHC four-cylinder engine producing 158 horsepower and 138 lb-ft of torque for the LX, EX, and Sport trims, and a more powerful 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 continuously variable transmissions (CVT) featuring Step Shift programming for a more traditional automatic feel. The Civic's improved structural rigidity, suspension tuning, and steering feel contributed to its enjoyable ride and handling, with the Touring trim offering quicker acceleration. However, the Civic Touring's fuel efficiency fell short of expectations, averaging 7.7 L/100 km compared to the estimated 6.9 L/100 km.

The 2023 Toyota Camry Hybrid offered a hybrid powertrain combining a 2.5-litre Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine, an electric motor, and a lithium-ion battery, delivering a net output of 208 horsepower. The hybrid system simulated a CVT with six programmed ratios and offered driving modes like Normal, Eco, EV, and Sport. Despite its focus on fuel economy, the Camry Hybrid averaged 7.0 L/100 km, missing the Natural Resources Canada rating of 4.9 L/100 km. The hybrid's electric assist motor provided quick acceleration, and the regenerative braking system offered better-than-expected pedal feel. The Camry Hybrid SE Nightshade's sport suspension tuning delivered predictable handling, though the stability control was sensitive during dynamic driving.

The 2022 Honda Civic prioritized comfort with redesigned front seats offering excellent support, especially in the leather-lined Touring trim. The power driver's seat allowed for a perfect driving position, while the rear seats provided ample legroom and thigh support. However, the Civic's low stance made entry and exit challenging for some. The interior redesign included a new centre console with less storage but more accessible cupholders. Trunk space was generous at 419 litres, or 408 litres in the Touring trim due to premium sound system components.

The 2023 Toyota Camry Hybrid featured a simple and durable interior with standard keyless entry, push-button start, and dual-zone automatic climate control. The front seats offered eight-way power adjustment for the driver and manual adjustment for the passenger, with a manual height adjuster for added comfort. The Camry's low stance was mitigated by height-adjustable front seats, but rear passenger space was limited compared to competitors like the Honda Accord. Trunk space measured 428 litres, accommodating full-size suitcases, though the lack of a handle for closing the lid was inconvenient.

The 2022 Honda Civic boasted advanced digital instrumentation, with the Touring trim featuring a 10-inch display offering customization and driving environment data. The Vehicle Activity display provided crucial information about the car's lighting status. The Civic's infotainment system included a 7-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, while the Touring trim upgraded to a 9-inch display with wireless connectivity and a 12-speaker Bose audio system. The system's performance was impressive, with excellent voice recognition technology.

The 2023 Toyota Camry Hybrid offered a choice between a 7-inch or 9-inch touchscreen infotainment display, both with smartphone connectivity. The larger system included a connected navigation system and a JBL premium sound system. The test car's 7-inch touchscreen was basic, with physical knobs and buttons for ease of use. Additional tech features included a 7-inch driver information centre and a 10-inch head-up display, though the test car lacked these options.

The 2022 Honda Civic featured an upgraded Honda Sensing suite with Traffic Jam Assist, adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. The new wide-view front camera and ultrasonic sonar sensors improved the system's performance. The Civic also introduced a proper blind-spot warning system with rear cross-traffic alert, replacing the outdated LaneWatch system. The car's architecture was strengthened for better collision protection, and new airbag designs enhanced safety.

The 2023 Toyota Camry Hybrid came with 10 airbags, a rear-seat reminder system, and Toyota Safety Sense 2.5, which included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. However, the system lacked refinement, with abrupt braking and inconsistent lane-keeping performance. The Camry Hybrid received five-star ratings from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, though it performed poorly in the updated side-impact crash test.