Honda Accord vs Toyota Corolla Hybrid

The 2023 Toyota Corolla Hybrid received significant updates, including a new all-wheel-drive option standard on all trims except the base LE. The hybrid system saw a power increase, and the Corolla Hybrid underwent a subtle style refresh with changes to the grille patterns and rear bumpers. The exterior design was more appealing than previous generations, with a sculpted front end featuring wraparound headlights and sharp creases. The large trapezoidal grille added a sporty character, while the side and tail remained conventional. Inside, the Corolla Hybrid's design was minimalistic, with an abundance of hard plastics, though the XSE trim added SofTex synthetic leather for a more upscale feel. Despite these efforts, the Corolla Hybrid's interior felt less substantial compared to competitors like the Honda Civic and Mazda 3.

The 2023 Honda Accord underwent a redesign, adopting a more technical and conservative appearance. The hybrid powertrain became standard on most trims, with the base EX being the only gas-only model. The Accord EX featured a dark grille, LED headlights, and a Canyon River Blue paint that garnered compliments. Inside, the Accord EX boasted durable cloth seats with contrast stitching and a stylish metal mesh dashboard trim. The digital instrumentation and touchscreen infotainment system reflected attention to detail and refinement. Overall, the Accord EX was nicely outfitted for its price and class, offering a modern yet understated design.

The 2023 Toyota Corolla Hybrid was powered by a 1.8-litre four-cylinder engine with hybrid drive, producing 134 horsepower and 156 pound-feet of torque. This was an increase of 13 hp and 10 lb-ft over the previous model. The Corolla Hybrid LE-trim test vehicle featured a new 40-hp electric motor between the rear wheels, providing on-demand AWD. The hybrid powertrain responded quickly from a standstill, but power built slowly, taking around nine seconds to reach 100 km/h. The engine laboured with a loud drone during hard acceleration, and passing slower traffic required a lengthy foot-to-the-floor exercise. The Corolla Hybrid offered a dedicated EV drive mode for maximum efficiency, but it was challenging to maintain on open roads. Braking was consistent, and handling was adequate, though not particularly fun in curves. Larger road imperfections sent alarming impacts into the cabin, and road noise was ever-present.

The 2023 Honda Accord EX was equipped with a turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 192 horsepower and 192 pound-feet of torque. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) powered the front wheels, and the Accord EX featured 17-inch alloy wheels with Michelin Energy tires. The Accord's suspension managed the nose-heavy weight distribution well, and the steering system offered good response and road feel. The Accord EX returned 8.2 L/100 km on the evaluation route, slightly higher than expected due to high temperatures and continuous air conditioning use. The Accord was easy to drive in urban and suburban environments, with excellent outward visibility and nimble handling. The powertrain was adequate, though the CVT exhibited some drone during acceleration. The Accord's ride quality was tactilely communicative, and the brakes performed well even in extreme heat. The Accord EX was enjoyable to drive on winding roads, though the tires felt squishy when rounding curves.

The 2023 Toyota Corolla Hybrid offered ample space up front, though long-limbed drivers might find the steering wheel's telescoping range insufficient. The large windows provided excellent outward visibility, and the cloth upholstery breathed well in warmer weather. The cockpit's simplicity was approachable, with well-placed steering-wheel buttons and basic climate controls. Interior storage was adequate, with a small plastic tray, cupholders, a centre armrest bin, and narrow door pockets. Rear seats accommodated average adult passengers, though headroom was limited. The trunk capacity was 371 litres, with rear seats folding for additional space, though not flat with the floor.

The 2023 Honda Accord EX came standard with heated exterior mirrors, dual-zone automatic climate control, a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat, heated front seats, and a 60/40-split folding rear seat. The Accord EX also featured a power sunroof, though it lacked a power-adjustable front passenger's seat, rear air conditioning vents, and rear USB charging ports. The driver's seat needed more seat-track travel for taller individuals. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed excellent leg support and legroom, though they missed air conditioning vents and charging ports. The Accord's trunk offered a generous 473 litres of space, with easy loading and a handle to close the lid.

The 2023 Toyota Corolla Hybrid came standard with an 8-inch multimedia touchscreen, upgraded for 2023 with on-screen controls replacing physical buttons. The system was quick to respond, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Improved voice commands could be activated by saying, "Hey Toyota," allowing control of navigation, audio, and temperature. Over-the-air software updates kept the system current, and it could pair two Bluetooth devices simultaneously. However, the JBL audio system available in the U.S. was not offered in Canada.

The 2023 Honda Accord EX featured a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster and a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The system included Bluetooth connectivity, wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, text-messaging support, and HondaLink connected services. Two USB-C ports were available, and the EX trim came with an eight-speaker audio system. SiriusXM satellite radio was not included, but streaming services worked well via Apple CarPlay. The voice recognition system provided access to Siri, and the physical controls for the stereo were a delight, though the tuning knob was a function control. Overall, the Accord EX offered basic tech that was refreshing yet unimpressive.

The 2023 Toyota Corolla Hybrid received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with four stars for rollover protection. The IIHS had not published specific results for the Corolla Hybrid, but the standard 2022 Corolla sedan received top scores and a Top Safety Pick+ award. All Corolla Hybrids came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, including frontal collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, a traffic-sign reader, and a blind-spot monitor.

The 2023 Honda Accord featured Honda Sensing, a suite of advanced driving assistance systems. These included adaptive cruise control, traffic-jam assist, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and lane-centring assist. The Accord also had a reversing camera, automatic high-beam headlights, traffic sign recognition, a driver monitoring system, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Honda Sensing suite performed with accuracy and refinement, though the lane-departure warning could be improved. The Accord earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS for 2023.