2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI vs 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid

The 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid was available in standard, EX, EX-L, and Touring trim levels, with prices ranging from $26,370 to $36,240. The hybrid powertrain added a $1,600 premium, except for the Touring trim, where it offered a $460 saving. The Accord Hybrid was never available in Sport trim. The Accord was praised for its excellent design, showcasing a balance of proportion, stance, style, and detailing. Minor front styling changes for 2021 included a new grille, revised bumper, and new headlights. The Touring trim received new 19-inch aluminum wheels and a new paint color, Sonic Gray Pearl. The test vehicle, an Accord Touring in Lunar Silver, featured a dark undertone that avoided the typical brightness of silver metallic paint. The new wheels looked great but were challenging to clean due to gloss black inserts. The interior, regardless of color, appeared upscale with simulated matte-finish wood trim, robust controls, and polished metallic accents. However, the hard plastic upper rear door trim was a disappointment. The controls were logically arranged, and the 8-inch touchscreen infotainment display included both a volume and tuning knob. Visibility was excellent, with a sculpted hood visible from the driver's seat.

The 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI, a hot hatch, was known for its performance enhancements over the regular Golf. It featured subtle design tweaks, such as small red GTI badges, a red horizontal strip across the grille, and painted red brake calipers visible through the standard 18-inch alloy wheels. The GTI had a lowered stance, subtle side skirts, and stainless-steel exhaust tips. Inside, the GTI offered a sporty appearance with red ambient lighting, illuminated door sills, and a race-inspired flat-bottomed steering wheel with red stitching. The instrument cluster was unique to the GTI, and the foot pedals had a shiny aluminum-look surface. Heated front sport seats were standard, with Clark plaid cloth in S trim and leather in SE and Autobahn trims. The GTI's interior and exterior had a quality feel, with first-rate paintwork and high-quality materials.

The 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid featured a two-motor hybrid system combining a 2.0-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine with a generator/starter motor and a separate electric drive motor powered by a lithium-ion battery pack. This setup produced a combined 212 horsepower and 232 pound-feet of torque, with torque available immediately and remaining constant up to 2,000 rpm. The Accord Hybrid accelerated to 60 mph in 6.5 seconds and achieved 48 mpg in combined driving for most trims, while the Touring trim earned a 43-mpg rating due to its larger wheels. The powertrain control module determined the appropriate operational mode: EV Drive, Hybrid Drive, or Engine Drive. Drivers could also select EV Mode, Econ Mode, and Sport Mode. The 2021 model saw improvements in throttle response and a more natural sound and feel during acceleration. The Accord Hybrid Touring averaged 42.8 mpg, matching the EPA's rating. The car's suspension was tuned for athletic handling, and the brake-by-wire regenerative braking system was praised for its feel and response.

The 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine producing 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The test model featured a DSG seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, though a six-speed manual was also available. The GTI's engine was free-revving with a lusty exhaust note. The car's handling was a highlight, with four-wheel independent suspension, DCC adaptive damping, and variable-ratio steering. The Golf R front brakes provided strong stopping power. However, the performance-oriented setup resulted in a rough ride on ordinary roads. The GTI achieved fuel economy of 23 mpg city/30 mpg highway/26 mpg combined with the manual transmission and 24 mpg city/32 mpg highway/27 mpg combined with the dual-clutch transmission. Premium unleaded fuel was required to match the stated horsepower and torque figures.

The 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid offered impressive interior space, competing as a midsize sedan but effectively a full-size sedan. The 12-way power-adjustable driver's seat and spacious back seat provided ample room, though the front passenger seat lacked a height adjuster. Touring trim included heated and ventilated front seats and heated rear seats. Interior storage was generous, with a large center console bin, a covered compartment with hidden storage, and large door panel bins. The Accord Hybrid's trunk offered 16.7 cubic feet of space, larger than any competitor in the segment, and 60/40 split-folding rear seats expanded utility.

The 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI, a compact hatchback, was known for its practicality. With a 103.6-inch wheelbase, the GTI measured 168.0 inches long, 70.8 inches wide, and 57.8 inches tall. It offered 17.4 cubic feet of luggage space behind the rear seats, expanding to 24.8 cubic feet with the seats folded. The front row accommodated taller drivers, while the second row was suitable for two average-sized adults or three juveniles. The GTI's compact dimensions and sharp steering made parking and maneuvering easy. The cabin featured clever storage options, including large front door pockets and grippy center console cupholders. The mechanical handbrake was a throwback feature that interfered slightly with cupholder access.

For 2021, the Honda Accord Hybrid included an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system as standard, offering Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. EX trim and higher provided wireless connectivity for these platforms, improved USB port access, and standard 2.5-amp quick-charge USB ports for rear passengers. Wireless smartphone charging was also standard from EX trim up. EX-L trim added a premium sound system, while Touring trim included navigation, HondaLink subscription services, and a WiFi hotspot. The system required specific prompts for voice commands, and the navigation system struggled with certain tasks.

The 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI featured a standard analog gauge cluster, with a configurable driver information screen. The VW MIB touchscreen infotainment system was standard, with S models using the MIB2 system and SE and Autobahn models using the MIB3 system with an 8-inch screen and navigation. The system supported Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and MirrorLink, with Bluetooth and two USB ports. SE models included a three-month trial to SiriusXM with 360L. Volkswagen Car-Net offered Remote Access, Safe & Secure, and Hotspot portals, with Alexa integration for MIB3-equipped models. Standard smart technology included LED lights, keyless access, rain-sensing wipers, and heated mirrors.

The 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid aimed to achieve a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS by redesigning its LED headlights and making them standard. The car included a rear-seat reminder and rear seatbelt reminder system, with the Touring model adding low-speed braking control. The Honda Sensing suite of ADAS featured refinements to adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist. However, the system's operation was still noticeable, and the lane departure warning could be improved. The low-speed automatic braking system required recalibration, as it was overly sensitive with a full payload.

The 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and "Good" scores from the IIHS, except for an "Acceptable" score in small overlap front; passenger side, and headlights. The GTI included standard safety systems such as forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitor, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Autobahn trim added adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and park assist. The GTI's sharp handling was a potential advantage in avoiding collisions.