2023 Honda Accord Hybrid vs 2022 Nissan Sentra

The 2022 Nissan Sentra, carrying over its 2020 redesign, presented a sleek and modern exterior reminiscent of a smaller Altima. Its low-slung, coupe-like design marked a significant improvement over earlier models, which had a more traditional sedan appearance. The Sentra was available in a variety of bold colours, including blue, burnt orange, and "Scarlett Ember," with options for a contrasting black roof. Inside, the Sentra's interior was a highlight, featuring a modern yet simple layout that balanced form and function. The dashboard was dominated by a touchscreen, complemented by easy-to-use controls and a trio of centre vents that added an upscale touch.

In contrast, the 2023 Honda Accord Hybrid exuded a near-luxury aura, drawing comparisons to high-end sedans like the Audi A7. Its exterior was elongated by 7 centimetres, featuring a redesigned front grille and updated LED lighting. The Accord's sleek lines and planted stance were enhanced by a long, flowing roofline. Inside, the Accord's cabin adopted design elements from Honda's Civic and CR-V, with a honeycomb mesh trim concealing the air vents. The Touring trim boasted a 12.3-inch touchscreen, wireless connectivity options, and a host of comfort features, including heated and ventilated seats. The interior was both stylish and functional, with a focus on comfort and ease of use.

The 2022 Nissan Sentra was powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, delivering 149 horsepower and 146 pound-feet of torque. In Canada, it offered a six-speed manual transmission and front-wheel drive as standard, with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) available. While the engine was not particularly remarkable, the CVT managed power effectively, providing consistent performance in both city and highway settings. The Sentra's steering was well-weighted, and its cornering was sharp for a non-performance-oriented car. The suspension handled most road conditions well, making it suitable for commuting and road trips.

The 2023 Honda Accord Hybrid, on the other hand, featured a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine paired with two electric motors, producing a combined 204 horsepower. This powertrain, coupled with a CVT and front-wheel drive, offered smooth and efficient performance. The Accord Hybrid seamlessly transitioned between electric and gas power, providing ample power for highway merges and passing. Its suspension absorbed road imperfections effectively, offering a balanced ride. The regenerative braking system was enhanced with six levels of regen, allowing for fine-tuning and a more comfortable driving experience. The Accord's agile handling made it enjoyable to drive in various environments.

The 2022 Nissan Sentra offered 404 litres of trunk space, which was competitive among small sedans, though slightly less than the Kia Forte's 433 litres. The trunk could be expanded with a 60/40 split-fold rear bench, though the ledge created by the bench could make loading larger items challenging. The Sentra's interior provided spacious seating in both rows, with ample headroom and legroom in the front. The rear seats offered decent legroom and headroom, while the front row featured large in-door cargo trays and bottle holders.

The 2023 Honda Accord Hybrid's cabin borrowed design elements from the Civic and CR-V, featuring a honeycomb mesh trim that concealed the air vents. The Touring trim included a 12.3-inch touchscreen, dual-zone climate control, and heated and ventilated seats. The Accord's interior was built to last, with a focus on comfort and functionality. The front seats provided excellent support, while the rear seats offered generous legroom and shoulder room, though headroom was slightly compromised by the roofline. The Accord's trunk space was generous at 473 litres, with a low load floor for easy access.

The 2022 Nissan Sentra came standard with a 7-inch touchscreen featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with a USB port and Bluetooth connectivity. The SV and SR trims upgraded to an 8-inch touchscreen. The system was user-friendly, with conventional hard buttons and volume and tuning dials. However, the graphics could use updating, and the lack of wireless connectivity was a drawback compared to competitors like the Honda Civic.

The 2023 Honda Accord Hybrid featured a 12.3-inch touchscreen on the Touring trim, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a wireless charging pad, and Google Built-in with Google Assistant and Maps. The system was intuitive, with easy-to-navigate graphics and physical controls for volume and climate settings. Additional tech features included a head-up display, a 12-speaker Bose audio system, and multiple USB ports, making the Accord Hybrid's tech offerings comprehensive and advanced.

The 2022 Nissan Sentra was equipped with a robust suite of standard driver-assistance features, including automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, and blind spot monitoring. It earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a "Top Safety Pick" award from the IIHS, with high ratings for crash testing and driver-assistance effectiveness.

The 2023 Honda Accord Hybrid also boasted a comprehensive array of safety features, including a multi-angle rearview camera, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keep assist. The Touring trim added parking sensors and a head-up display. The Accord Hybrid received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, with top scores in crash tests and safety features, as well as improved visibility due to slimmer front A-pillars.