2020 Toyota Camry vs 2021 Honda Civic

The 2020 Toyota Camry redefined itself with a new attention to detail and quality, reminiscent of its revered past but with modern flair. The styling was expressive, sporty, and eager to attract attention. The front fascia was bold, and the taut lines gave it a dynamic presence, resembling some design cues from BMW, such as the character line across the doors and the upturned kink of the C-pillar. With 14 exterior color options, including a fashionable black roof, it aimed to be stylish.

Inside, Toyota maintained a high standard of materials, and the sweeping design of the driver-focused dashboard made even the most basic trims feel upscale. The TRD model featured red trim accents, including bright red seatbelts that were reminiscent of luxury sports cars. The top trims offered leather and wood, placing the Camry on par with entry-level luxury offerings, though it remained a mainstream sedan with a starting price of $25,380. The Camry TRD also introduced more aggressive aesthetic elements like a huge wing and aerodynamic body kit, further emphasizing its sporty aspirations.

The 2021 Honda Civic, sold in sedan, hatchback, and performance-oriented Type R formats, continued Honda's tradition of segment-defining design every decade or so. The 2021 model echoed the futuristic and polarizing design of the 2016 version. The exterior varied in appeal depending on the viewing angle and lighting, sometimes looking exceptional and at other times, less so.

Inside, the Civic Touring looked refined with a beautiful Cosmic Blue Metallic paint paired with handsome 18-inch wheels. The cabin design, while no longer as dramatic as it was at its introduction, continued to offer quality materials and thoughtful details. The infotainment system, though maxed at a 7-inch screen, still maintained an adventurous design, consistent with the Civic’s role as a trend-setter.

The 2020 Camry came with three primary powertrains. The first was a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 203 hp (206 hp for XSE trim) paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This four-cylinder engine provided impressive performance and enhanced agility, thanks to its lighter front end. The second option was a powerful 3.5-liter V6 with 301 hp, delivering smooth and rapid acceleration, making it an ideal choice for luxury-oriented buyers, particularly with the Camry XLE trim. The last was an all-wheel-drive (AWD) system for the four-cylinder models, mimicking the tech from RAV4. It allowed up to 50% of torque to reach the rear wheels, improving traction without compromising much on fuel efficiency.

Fuel economy stood at 31 mpg combined for the front-drive four-cylinder models, 28 mpg for the AWD four-cylinder, and 26 mpg for the V6 models, except for the sportier TRD with 25 mpg combined. The TRD model also came with a specially tuned suspension, high-performance tires, and beefed-up brakes, although the firm setup could be surprisingly stiff for drivers accustomed to the softer ride of previous Camry models.

The 2021 Civic offered two main engines. The standard 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine produced 158 hp and 138 lb-ft of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). While adequate for daily driving, it was the turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine that attracted enthusiasts, delivering 174 hp and 162 lb-ft of torque from as low as 1,700 rpm. This engine, available on EX, EX-L, and Touring trims, provided lively performance and a thrilling driving experience.

Despite the appealing power, the CVT could be a point of contention, with its droning nature and lackluster response to paddle shifters and sport mode. Fuel efficiency, however, was a high point, with an average of 34.8 mpg achieved in real-world driving conditions, surpassing the EPA estimate of 33 mpg combined.

The Camry offered excellent front-seat ergonomics, with increased legroom and hip room from previous generations. The driver and front passenger benefited from a thoughtfully designed center console, featuring a shifter, cupholders, cell phone tray, and storage bin. However, the rear seats told a different story, with decreased legroom and overall passenger volume in comparison to some competitors. Additionally, the trunk measured 15.1 cubic feet, equivalent to the smaller Honda Civic.

The addition of AWD did not further diminish the Camry's passenger or cargo space, maintaining the rear seats and trunk integrity by modifying the floor structure and fuel tank and introducing an electronic parking brake.

Entering the 2021 Civic involved more effort due to its low seating position, beneficial for a workout but potentially cumbersome for daily use. Once inside, the front seats, with their eight-way power adjustments for the driver, provided comfort. However, the front passenger's seat lacked height adjustability. Leather upholstery became standard from the EX-L trim onwards.

The rear seats comfortably accommodated adults with good thigh support and a well-angled backrest, though the lack of rear air vents could be a drawback on hot days. The center console delivered exceptional versatility with abundant storage options, trays, and large cupholders. The Civic boasted an impressive 15.1 cubic feet of trunk space, although the Touring trim slightly reduced this to 14.7 cubic feet due to the premium sound system.

The 2020 Camry embraced technology additions with Android Auto and Amazon Alexa compatibility, alongside Apple CarPlay, enhancing connectivity. Standard infotainment featured a dated, though functional, system with a 7-inch touchscreen upgradeable to 8 inches. The interface was user-friendly, thanks to hard buttons for major functions. USB-A ports were available, but USB-C ports were missing, and wireless charging was optional.

A three-month WiFi Connect trial provided mobile hotspot capabilities, and Remote Connect allowed remote vehicle operations like door locking/unlocking and engine starting on higher trims. The multi-information display expanded to 7 inches for higher trims, and an optional 10-inch head-up display catered to driver-focused tech desires.

Technological offerings on the 2021 Civic were less impressive. The LX trim included just a 5-inch LCD screen, Bluetooth, and a basic USB port. The Sport trim upgraded to a 7-inch high-definition touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and an eight-speaker system. EX and higher trims featured HD Radio and SiriusXM, while the Touring trim included navigation, a digital traffic service, and a 10-speaker premium audio setup.

The Civic's onboard voice recognition required precise commands, making Apple CarPlay or Android Auto preferable for most drivers. The premium sound system was a plus, but the eight-speaker setup in lower trims remained adequate.

The Camry received a five-star rating from NHTSA and achieved the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award. A recall for potential engine coolant leaks in 2.5-liter four-cylinder models began in April 2020, affecting up to 44,191 cars, including other Toyota nameplates.

Each 2021 Civic was equipped with Honda Sensing, a comprehensive ADAS suite. It included adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, Road Departure Mitigation, and lane-keeping systems. Standard automatic high beams and a multi-angle reversing camera enhanced its safety profile.

However, LaneWatch, available from EX trims, presented some challenges, such as the reliance on the camera for the right lane only and potential vulnerability to damage. The Civic lacked a rear cross-traffic warning system but benefited from a 180-degree reversing camera view.

The Civic earned a Top Safety Pick designation from IIHS (applicable to Touring trims) and a five-star NHTSA rating in all assessments, ensuring optimal safety for drivers and passengers.