2022 Honda Civic Hatchback vs 2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid

The 2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid continued to uphold its reputation as a reliable family sedan, a status it had maintained since the mid-1990s. Despite minimal changes for the 2022 model year, the Camry Hybrid surprised with its futuristic and expressive exterior design, featuring a bold front end and a range of alloy wheel options. Inside, the Camry Hybrid offered a similarly modern aesthetic, with a sweeping dashboard design and a well-organized centre console. The second row provided ample space and comfort, even for the middle seat, and the overall fit and finish were of high quality, showcasing Toyota's attention to detail.

In contrast, the 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback aimed to capture the remaining market share for hatchbacks, with its redesigned model rolling out from an Indiana factory. The Civic Hatchback shared its front design with the Civic sedan but distinguished itself with unique wheel designs and a different rear profile. Inside, the Sport Touring trim offered sophisticated digital instrumentation and infotainment displays, enhancing its modern appeal. The Civic Hatchback's interior featured high-quality controls and a comfortable driving experience, although the CVT shifter operation was slightly less refined. Despite some minor drawbacks, the Civic Hatchback was positioned as a practical and enjoyable alternative to small crossover SUVs.

The 2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid was designed for fuel efficiency rather than track performance, with entry-level LE models achieving impressive fuel consumption ratings of 4.9 litres per 100 kilometres in the city. The hybrid system combined a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with two electric motors, delivering a total of 208 horsepower. An electronically controlled CVT transmitted power to the front wheels, and paddle shifters on SE and XSE models simulated a six-speed transmission. The Camry Hybrid's handling was commendable, benefiting from a lower centre of gravity due to the battery pack's placement. However, maintaining EV mode was challenging, and some drivetrain droning was noted.

The 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback offered a choice between a 2.0-litre engine with 158 horsepower and a turbocharged 1.5-litre engine producing 180 horsepower. The latter provided accessible torque from 1,700 to 4,500 rpm, enhancing its performance. The Civic Hatchback was front-wheel drive, with a CVT or a six-speed manual transmission available. The CVT worked well with the turbo engine, while the manual transmission offered a delightful driving experience. The Civic Hatchback's suspension and steering provided a satisfying ride, although the brakes were not suited for repeated hard use. Fuel efficiency was commendable, with real-world testing nearly matching official estimates.

The 2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid excelled in ride height, seating position, and ease of use. The driver's seat offered ample headroom and multiple adjustment options, ensuring comfort for various driving scenarios. The interior provided generous storage options, including a spacious glove compartment and multiple nooks. The second row was roomy and comfortable, with bottle holders and map pockets. The Camry Hybrid's trunk offered 428 litres of space, with a passthrough for long items and foldable rear seats for larger cargo. Toyota's warranty covered the Camry Hybrid for three years/60,000 kilometres, with extended coverage for the powertrain and hybrid components.

The 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback prioritized functionality, with a trunk measuring 693 litres and a two-piece cargo shade. The back seat featured a 60/40-split folding design, although the load floor was not flat. All seating positions were comfortable, but the front passenger seat lacked a height adjuster, and rear air conditioning vents were absent. The driver's seat offered eight-way power adjustment, and heated seats were standard in Canada. The Civic Hatchback's interior featured various upholstery options, with automatic climate control and a dual-zone system in higher trims.

The 2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid was equipped with advanced technology features, including a JBL-tuned premium audio system with nine speakers on the XLE model. Embedded navigation was available, and all models featured Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto compatibility. The Camry Hybrid offered a 7-inch or 9-inch touchscreen, depending on the trim level. Standard features included a smart key system, push-button start, and a rearview camera with a projected-path feature. Upper trims offered a 10-inch head-up display and additional luxury features.

The 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback introduced a new infotainment system, with a 7-inch touchscreen on LX and Sport trims and a 9-inch display on Sport Touring. The latter included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM, wireless charging, and a 12-speaker Bose audio system. Physical knobs for sound controls addressed previous criticisms, and a shelf below the display provided stability for touchscreen use. The Civic Hatchback's digital instrumentation varied by trim, with a comprehensive 10.2-inch display on Sport Touring models.

The 2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid featured Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, including a pre-collision system, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert, and automatic high beams. The Star safety system added stability control, traction control, and other essential features. The Camry Hybrid had 10 airbags, three-point seatbelts, and LATCH anchors for child seats. A blind-spot monitor was available on all but the base trim. The Camry Hybrid received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.

The 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback came with Honda Sensing, offering adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and lane-departure warning. New features included low-speed following and Traffic Jam Assist, available only with the CVT. A blind-spot warning system was standard in Canada, with rear cross-traffic warning on Sport Touring. Sport Touring models with CVT also had Low-Speed Braking Control. The Civic Hatchback featured advanced airbags and a robust structure, earning a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS. However, some driver aids were not entirely seamless in operation.