2023 Honda Accord Hybrid vs 2023 Nissan Versa

The 2023 Honda Accord Hybrid presented itself as a near-luxury sedan, often drawing comparisons to the sleek Audi A7. Its elongated body, redesigned front grille, and updated LED lighting contributed to its sophisticated appearance. The car's extended length and increased rear track gave it a planted stance, further enhanced by its flowing roofline. The Accord Touring model offered a choice of six exterior colours and came with 19-inch alloy wheels, with optional gloss-black Honda Performance Development wheels available at an additional cost. Inside, the Accord Hybrid Touring featured a modern dashboard design, a 12.3-inch touchscreen, and a host of tech features, including wireless device charging and Apple CarPlay.

In contrast, the 2023 Nissan Versa borrowed design elements from its larger siblings, the Sentra and Altima, giving it a more upscale appearance than typical economy cars. The Versa's V-Motion grille and floating roof design were distinctive, and the car offered a sleek profile with well-sized wheels. The 2023 model received styling updates, including a new front end and wheel design, with the SR trim sporting Grey Sky Pearl paint. Inside, the Versa's creative design featured large air vents and an elaborate dashboard. While the materials were primarily plastic, the fit and finish were commendable. The SR trim added red stitching and upholstery inserts, enhancing the car's appeal.

The 2023 Honda Accord Hybrid was equipped with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine paired with two electric motors, delivering 204 horsepower to the front wheels through a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Despite lacking all-wheel drive, the Accord Hybrid provided a smooth and efficient driving experience, seamlessly transitioning between electric and gas power. Its suspension effectively absorbed road imperfections, offering a comfortable ride. The regenerative braking system featured six levels of regen, allowing for fine-tuning. The Accord's agile handling made it relaxing to drive in various environments, and its increased length did not hinder parking ease.

The 2023 Nissan Versa, with its 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine, produced 122 horsepower and 114 pound-feet of torque. The CVT was standard, as the manual transmission was discontinued. While not quick, the Versa was adequate for daily driving, with responsive handling and a comfortable ride. The car exhibited body roll in corners but maintained grip, providing a reassuring feel. The Versa's suspension cushioned impacts well, and cabin noise levels were lower than expected. Overall, the Versa felt more substantial than typical subcompact cars, offering a refined driving experience.

The 2023 Honda Accord Hybrid's cabin adopted the layout seen in Honda's Civic and CR-V models, featuring a honeycomb mesh trim that concealed the air vents. The dashboard housed a prominent infotainment screen, with convenient controls for climate and seat settings. The Touring trim included heated and ventilated seats, a heated steering wheel, and heated rear seats. The traditional gearshift replaced the previous button system, providing a more intuitive experience. The front seats offered excellent support, while rear legroom and shoulder room were generous. However, the sleek roofline slightly compromised headroom. The trunk provided 473 litres of space, with a low load floor for easy access.

The 2023 Nissan Versa, available only as a sedan, offered 416 litres of trunk space in the base S trim and 425 litres in SV and SR trims. The SV and SR trims included a 60/40 split-folding rear seat. Front-seat occupants enjoyed ample headroom and legroom, though rear-seat space was less generous compared to the Kia Rio. The front row felt spacious, with good visibility aided by a low dashboard. The centre console bin was small, and the shifter's raised platform was not the most efficient use of space. The optional wireless charging pad was conveniently tucked away.

The 2023 Honda Accord Hybrid featured a 12.3-inch touchscreen and a 10.2-inch digital instrument display. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with intuitive menus and easy navigation. The Touring trim included advanced tech features such as wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Google Built-in, Amazon Alexa, and a head-up display. A 12-speaker Bose audio system, HD radio, and four USB ports were also part of the package.

The 2023 Nissan Versa's base S trim came with a 7-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth connectivity, Siri Eyes Free, three USB ports, and keyless entry. The SV trim added Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, NissanConnect Services, a 7-inch driver-information display, and a wireless charging pad. The SR trim featured an 8-inch touchscreen, satellite radio, and a six-speaker audio system. While the touchscreens were small, the digital instrument cluster display added a touch of sophistication.

The 2023 Honda Accord Hybrid boasted a comprehensive suite of safety features, including a multi-angle rearview camera, automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and more. The Touring trim added parking sensors and a head-up display. The Accord earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, with top scores in crash tests and safety features.

The 2023 Nissan Versa offered impressive standard driver-assist tech, including automatic emergency braking, rear automatic braking, lane-departure warning, and high beam assist. The SV trim added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The NHTSA awarded the Versa a five-star overall safety rating, with high scores in side-impact crash testing.