2020 Honda Civic vs 2020 Honda Accord Hybrid

In 2020, the Honda Civic was considered the crown jewel of Honda's lineup, offering excellent engineering typically found in pricier vehicles. This $20,000 compact car was available in three body styles: sedan, coupe, and hatchback. Each option showcased a sharp design that diverted attention away from its compact size. The sedan flaunted an extended and elegant body with a svelte roofline similar to the coupe. Body panel creases and wide, arcing headlights accentuated the car's low and wide stance, while large, sweeping LED taillights enhanced the rear view.

The 2020 revisions included new matte-black 18-inch wheels, LED fog lights with gloss black trim, standard LED headlights with a crystal-like appearance, an updated grille, and a new rear bumper. Similar updates were made to the Civic Si coupe, and the hatchback received new bumper and light changes, along with new gray or black wheels.

Internally, the Civic featured a simple yet high-quality interior. The narrow center stack and minimal instrumentation were built with soft-touch materials and high-quality switchgear. The lower sections of the dash and doors consisted of hard plastics with a fine grain. The steering wheel and dash sported more gloss-black trim, and the metal shift knob, along with the pulsing red glow of the start button, added to the car's minimalistic appeal.

For 2020, interior updates included three new dash accents for the hatchback, and for the Si, a thin red line accenting the instrument panel similar to the Type R. The Si also received revised sport seats with red bands woven into the fabric.

In comparison, the 2020 Honda Accord Hybrid required a keen eye to differentiate it from the non-hybrid models in the Accord lineup. Visual clues included “Hybrid” badges on the fenders and trunk lid and aerodynamic 17-inch aluminum wheels. This subtle differentiation was strategic, avoiding the odd design cues often seen in hybrid variants of mainstream vehicles.

Available in four trims—Hybrid, Hybrid EX, Hybrid EX-L, and Hybrid Touring—the Accord Hybrid started at $25,620. The hybrid powertrain was a $1,600 upgrade over the standard Accord trims, except for the Touring trim, where the hybrid was cheaper due to the high-powered turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine standard in the non-hybrid Touring version.

Inside, the Accord Hybrid boasted a luxurious feel, especially with leather seats in the EX-L trim. Combined with simulated matte-finish wood trim, the interior exuded an upscale ambiance, particularly in Gray and Ivory colors contrasting against a black dashboard, carpets, and door panels. However, the carpet was notably difficult to clean, as pet hair clung stubbornly.

In 2020, the Honda Civic was equipped with four engine options and two transmissions, all front-wheel drive. The base LX and Sport trims featured a 2.0-liter inline 4-cylinder engine delivering 158 horsepower and 138 pound-feet of torque. The LX and Sport sedans had a 6-speed manual transmission as standard, while the Sport trim of the coupe and hatchback also offered a manual option. A CVT was the standard transmission for the base LX, with an option to upgrade for the manual trims. The EX trims and above came exclusively with a CVT and a turbocharged 1.5-liter inline-4 engine producing 174 hp and 162 lb-ft. The hatchback versions in Sport or Sport Touring trims boasted 180 hp, and the manual transmission was standard for the Sport Touring trim.

For enhanced mid-range acceleration and responsiveness, the 1.5-liter engine was preferred. Honda’s smooth, quick-revving engines and the manual’s tight shifter engaged drivers in a flawless experience. The CVT was also responsive and well-calibrated.

The Civic Si featured a boosted 1.5-liter engine producing 205 hp and 192 lb-ft, while the Type R’s 2.0-liter turbocharged engine delivered an insane 306 hp and 295 lb-ft. Both the Si and Type R came exclusively with a manual transmission.

Despite the Civic Si's stiffer ride, it remained balanced and direct. The Si’s adaptive dampers minimized body roll, while the torque-rich engine provided a thrilling drive without excessive turbo lag. However, the adjusted final-drive ratio resulted in slightly decreased fuel economy for the Si, rated at 26 mpg city, 36 mpg highway, and 30 mpg combined.

On the other hand, the 2020 Honda Accord Hybrid was designed for efficient driving. Achieving the EPA’s estimate of 48 mpg in combined driving required a careful approach, including extensive use of EV mode in traffic. Under normal driving conditions, the Accord Hybrid averaged 42.6 mpg, with city and suburban driving yielding 44.1 mpg.

The Accord Hybrid’s powertrain included a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine combined with a two-motor hybrid system generating 212 combined horsepower and 232 lb-ft of torque. Despite a 200-pound weight penalty compared to the standard model, the Accord Hybrid maintained impressive acceleration, especially in Sport mode. However, aggressive driving resulted in a steady drone from the eCVT.

Despite the extra weight, the Accord Hybrid maintained a balanced and predictable ride, with precise steering and faithful regenerative braking. However, over undulating roads, the increased mass could disrupt the car's composure.

In 2020, the Honda Civic’s practical interior upgrades included a volume knob and improved cupholders. The hatchback models received additional sound insulation. The driver's seat in the EX hatchback was eight-way power adjustable. The three-spoke steering wheel, with controls for various functions, offered ease of access. The center console was deep and configurable with item trays and sliding cupholders.

Roominess was a standout feature for the Civic, especially in the rear seats, although rear air vents were notably absent. The trunk offered substantial cargo space: 15 cubic feet in the sedan, 12 cubic feet in the coupe, and 26 cubic feet in the hatchback, expandable to 46 cubic feet with the rear seats down.

In comparison, the 2020 Honda Accord Hybrid provided the same full-size interior space as the non-hybrid Accord models. The massive backseat offered exceptional thigh support, rear air-conditioning vents, and USB charging ports. However, limited front-seat track travel could be a concern for taller drivers.

The seats were comfortable, with heating and ventilation options available in the Touring trim. The Accord Hybrid’s trunk space was generous, offering 16.7 cubic feet, accommodating multiple large suitcases with ease. Additionally, the 60/40 split-folding rear seatback enhanced cargo versatility.

The 2020 Honda Civic’s infotainment system lagged behind modern standards. The 7-inch touchscreen, standard on all models except the base LX, featured Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The top-end trims had Garmin-based navigation. Active Sound Control in the Civic Si, though well-intentioned, was often turned off in favor of natural engine sounds.

Other notable features included push-button start, keyless entry, a power moonroof, and heated front seats. Honda’s LaneWatch, a blind-spot camera system, was also effective. Honda Sensing was standard across all trims, providing active lane centering, adaptive cruise control, and auto high beams.

Conversely, the 2020 Honda Accord Hybrid, especially from the EX trim upward, included a robust Display Audio infotainment system with a user-friendly interface, clear graphics, and essential physical controls. Standard features were Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, HD Radio, and HondaLink services with quick-charge USB ports.

EX-L trim added a premium sound system, while the Touring trim included navigation, HD digital traffic data, a wireless smartphone charger, and Near Field Communication (NFC) technology. HondaLink offered features like in-car Amazon deliveries, Find My Car, and remote functionalities. The Touring trim also featured a head-up display (HUD) visible with polarized sunglasses.

In 2020, every Honda Civic, except the Type R, received the IIHS Top Safety Pick rating, with top "Good" ratings across all crash tests. The NHTSA awarded the Civic five stars in all categories except the passenger frontal crash rating for the coupe, which received four stars.

The Accord Hybrid included Honda Sensing, which offered adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and traffic-sign recognition. The system’s adaptive cruise control functions were notably refined. Additional safety features included SmartVent front airbags and a multi-angle reversing camera.

The Accord Hybrid earned top ratings from the IIHS and a Top Safety Pick designation for Touring versions with LED headlights. The NHTSA awarded the Accord five-star ratings in all crash-test categories.