2023 Honda Accord Hybrid vs 2022 Volkswagen Jetta

The 2022 Volkswagen Jetta underwent a subtle makeover, featuring an updated engine, exterior styling tweaks, and improved infotainment. The Jetta Highline trim, which was the focus of this review, showcased these changes with a redesigned front fascia, bumper, and grille, now adorned with more chrome. The grille featured a chrome frame and horizontal chrome pieces aligning with the standard LED headlights. The rear received standard LED lighting and a more squared-off bumper with a full-length chrome feature. New wheel designs and metallic colours, such as Kings Red, Oryx White, and Rising Blue, were introduced. The interior updates included a new rhombus pattern on cloth seats and contrast stitching across all upholstery types. The Highline trim offered a two-tone leather interior option and a standard heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel. The 8-inch Digital Cockpit instrument cluster became standard, with the Highline trim receiving the 10-inch Digital Cockpit Pro and an 8-inch touchscreen-navigation system.

The 2023 Honda Accord Hybrid, with its sleek exterior and redesigned front grille, resembled a luxury sedan, drawing comparisons to the Audi A7. The model was 7 centimetres longer, with a more upright front grille, blacked-out LED headlights, and taillights spanning the rear. The increased length and rear track gave it a planted stance, complemented by a long, flowing roofline. The Accord Touring offered six exterior colours and 19-inch alloy wheels, with optional gloss-black HPD alloys. The interior featured a new dashboard design and a 12.3-inch touchscreen with Amazon Alexa, wireless device charging, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Canyon River Blue Metallic paint and black leather interior added to its appeal, while cloth seats were standard in the Hybrid Sport.

The 2022 Volkswagen Jetta was powered by a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 158 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. It offered a choice between a 6-speed manual or an 8-speed automatic transmission, with front-wheel drive as the only option. The Jetta Highline came standard with the automatic transmission. The Jetta's fuel economy was impressive, with estimates of 8.0 L/100 km city, 5.5 highway, and 6.9 combined for the manual, and 7.7 L/100 km city, 5.7 highway, and 6.8 combined for the automatic. On a 1,300-kilometre tour, it averaged 5.0 L/100 km on the highway. The Jetta offered a comfortable ride, though the powertrain had some drawbacks, such as a touchy throttle and turbo lag. It featured Eco, Normal, Sport, and Custom drive modes, with Sport mode providing a slight improvement in performance.

The 2023 Honda Accord Hybrid featured a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine paired with two electric motors, delivering 204 horsepower to the front wheels via a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The Accord Hybrid's powertrain provided smooth and efficient performance, seamlessly switching between electric and gas power. It offered sufficient power for highway merges and passing maneuvers, with a suspension that absorbed road imperfections well. The regenerative braking system was enhanced with six levels of regen, making it easier to fine-tune. The Accord's agile handling and increased length made it easy to park in tight spots, providing a relaxing driving experience.

The 2022 Volkswagen Jetta, despite its compact size, offered ample passenger space for four adults, with the option to accommodate five. The front seats provided comfort, though the inclined edge of the bottom cushion might not suit shorter individuals. The driver-centric cabin featured buttons for climate control, audio, and heated and ventilated seats, with driving-related controls conveniently located. Storage options included door pockets, a centre console bin, and a sunglass holder. The centre storage bin lacked a latch, which was unusual but not problematic.

The 2023 Honda Accord Hybrid's cabin adopted the layout from Honda's Civic and CR-V models, featuring a strip of honeycomb mesh trim that concealed the air vents. The infotainment screen was positioned atop the dashboard, with buttons and dials for climate control and heated and ventilated seats within easy reach. The Touring trim included a heated steering wheel and heated rear seats. The Accord Hybrid now featured a traditional gearshift, replacing the previous button system. The front seats provided excellent support, while the rear offered generous legroom and shoulder room, though headroom was limited by the roofline. The trunk boasted a 473-litre capacity, with easy access and a low load floor.

The 2022 Volkswagen Jetta received a technology upgrade, with all models featuring the Digital Cockpit digital instrument cluster. Comfortline and Highline models had an 8-inch infotainment system, while the Highline trim offered the Digital Cockpit Pro with a 10.25-inch display. The system allowed for customization, such as a full-screen navigation view within the instrument cluster. The Trendline trim featured a 6.5-inch MIB2 system with capacitive-touch capabilities, App-Connect, Bluetooth, USB-C ports, and an SD card multimedia interface. Comfortline models and above included a charge-only port, premium Beats Audio sound, and a remote start system.

The 2023 Honda Accord Hybrid came with a 12.3-inch touchscreen, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a wireless charging pad, Google Built-in with Google Assistant and Maps, Amazon Alexa, and a head-up display. The Touring trim included a 12-speaker Bose audio system, HD radio, and four USB ports. The intuitive menus and easy-to-navigate graphics made the system user-friendly, with physical volume and climate control buttons enhancing the experience.

The 2022 Volkswagen Jetta featured forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian recognition as standard in Canada. Blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, Travel Assist, and Emergency Assist were available from the Comfortline trim. Travel Assist combined adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist, while Emergency Assist monitored driver attentiveness. The Jetta received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA but fell short of a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS due to an Acceptable score in the side crash test and Marginal to Poor headlight ratings.

The 2023 Honda Accord Hybrid included a comprehensive suite of safety features, such as a multi-angle rearview camera, automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, traffic sign recognition, traffic jam assist, pedestrian and cyclist detection, and a rear-seat reminder. The Touring trim added front and rear parking sensors and a head-up display. The Accord Hybrid earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, with "Good" scores in crash tests, effective headlights, crash avoidance, and child seat compatibility.