2020 Honda Accord Hybrid vs 2019 Volkswagen Jetta

The 2019 Volkswagen Jetta presented a more upscale and dramatic appearance compared to its predecessor. It was slightly longer and wider, with a wheelbase that extended a bit more, maintaining the same height. The new design featured a wide, angular grille inspired by the VW Arteon sport sedan, which added to its upscale presence. Inside, the cabin mirrored the exterior's angular design language, offering a spacious and attractive environment with a premium feel, despite not all surfaces being soft-touch. The seats were notably comfortable, suitable for long drives, and the base S trim came well-equipped with features like 16-inch alloy wheels, LED lights, and a 6.5-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

In contrast, the 2020 Honda Accord Hybrid maintained a subtle design, closely resembling other models in the Accord lineup, with only "Hybrid" badges and aerodynamic 17-inch aluminum wheels distinguishing it. This approach avoided the odd design cues often seen in hybrid versions of mainstream vehicles. The Accord Hybrid offered four trim levels, starting at $25,620, with the Hybrid EX trim recommended for its comprehensive driver-assistance and infotainment technologies. The interior featured leather seats and simulated matte-finish wood trim, providing an upscale look and feel. However, the floor mats were prone to collecting pet hair, posing a challenge for cleaning.

The 2019 Volkswagen Jetta was powered by a 1.4-liter turbocharged inline 4-cylinder engine, producing 147 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. Despite having 3 fewer horsepower than the previous model, the engine felt more responsive, thanks to its tuning for quick power delivery from a stop. The new 8-speed automatic transmission replaced the previous 6-speed, enhancing power management and efficiency across various speeds. The Jetta handled both city and highway driving well, with fantastic steering that balanced smoothness and sportiness. It offered a refined yet soft ride, with no penalty for choosing between manual or automatic transmission, both achieving 30 mpg city, 40 highway, and 34 combined.

The 2020 Honda Accord Hybrid, with its 2.0-liter 4-cylinder and two-motor hybrid powertrain, delivered 212 combined horsepower and 232 lb-ft of torque. It achieved an EPA estimate of 48 mpg in combined driving, though real-world testing showed 42.6 mpg. The hybrid powertrain provided a significant improvement over the standard 1.5-liter turbocharged engine, which produced 192 horsepower. The Accord Hybrid was speedy, especially in Sport mode, but the electronic continuously variable transmission (eCVT) produced a noticeable drone during hard acceleration. The car's extra weight contributed to a road-hugging feel, though it lacked grace on undulating pavement. Overall, the Accord Hybrid offered a blend of ride, handling, and road communication, making it enjoyable to drive.

The 2019 Volkswagen Jetta's interior was comfortable, with front seats suitable for long trips. Despite a slight reduction in legroom and trunk space, the cabin remained functional and spacious. The trunk offered 14.1 cubic feet of space, average for its class. VW improved usability by repositioning the touchscreen above the climate vents and moving the shifter back, enhancing the driver's line-of-sight and increasing center tray space. The layout combined touchscreen functions with real buttons and dials, prioritizing practicality.

The 2020 Honda Accord Hybrid retained the full-size interior and trunk of the standard Accord, offering a massive backseat with exceptional thigh support and rear air-conditioning vents. However, front-seat track travel was limited, potentially causing discomfort for taller drivers. The front passenger seat lacked height adjustment, which could be inconvenient for those with mobility issues. The interior storage was generous, and the 16.7-cubic-foot trunk was larger than competitors, accommodating four full-size suitcases. The 60/40 split-folding rear seatback added utility, though a hatchback design would have been beneficial.

The 2019 Volkswagen Jetta offered a 6.5-inch touchscreen with Volkswagen’s Car-Net App-Connect, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto as standard. The SEL and SEL Premium trims featured Volkswagen’s Digital Cockpit, a full-color digital display that replaced the conventional instrument panel. This display could be personalized to show various information, including navigation.

The 2020 Honda Accord Hybrid, starting with the EX trim, included a Display Audio infotainment system with a power and volume knob, tuning and scrolling knob, and shortcut buttons. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, HD Radio, and quick-charge USB ports were standard. The EX-L trim added a premium sound system, while the Touring trim included navigation, HD digital traffic data, a wireless smartphone charger, NFC technology, a WiFi hotspot, and expanded HondaLink services. HondaLink offered features like in-car delivery of Amazon packages, a Find My Car function, and smartphone remote locking and unlocking. The Touring trim also included a head-up display, visible even with polarized sunglasses.

The 2019 Volkswagen Jetta came with front and side airbags, a reversing camera, and a tire pressure monitoring system. An automatic post-collision braking system was standard, while driver-assist systems like blind-spot monitoring and forward-collision avoidance were standard on higher trims and optional on the base S. The SEL and SEL Premium trims included adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and automatic high beams.

The 2020 Honda Accord Hybrid featured Honda Sensing, a suite of advanced driver-assistance systems, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, traffic-sign-recognition technology, and a road-departure-mitigation system. The Accord Hybrid also had automatic high-beam headlights, a multi-angle reversing camera, and SmartVent front side airbags. The EX trim and higher included a blind-spot-warning system with rear cross-traffic alert. The Accord received top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, with the Touring version earning a Top Safety Pick designation.