2021 Honda Accord Hybrid vs 2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid

The 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid came in multiple trims—standard, EX, EX-L, and Touring—with prices ranging from $26,370 to $36,240. The hybrid powertrain, which added $1,600 except for the Touring trim where it represented a $460 savings, was noteworthy. Despite the lack of a Sport trim, the Accord Hybrid presented a well-balanced exterior characterized by its proportion, stance, style, and detailing, which Honda models frequently struggled to achieve. In 2021, the Accord Hybrid received subtle front-end styling updates, including a new grille better integrating the Honda Sensing radar unit, a revised bumper, and new headlights. Touring trims boasted 19-inch aluminum wheels, replacing the standard 17s, and introduced Sonic Gray Pearl as a new color. Our test vehicle—a Touring trim in Lunar Silver—exuded sophistication with its dark undertone, preventing the typical bright, somewhat dull appearance of silver metallic paints. However, these new wheels, although visually appealing, demanded extra effort to maintain due to their gloss black inserts. Inside, the Lunar Silver paired exclusively with a Black interior, but models in Platinum White Pearl or Radiant Red Metallic offered a high-contrast Ivory-over-Black two-tone option. Despite using plastic for lower panels, the cabin of the Accord Hybrid maintained an upscale appearance, bolstered by simulated matte-finish wood trim, robust controls, and polished metallic accents. While the upper rear door trim disappointed with its hard plastic, logically arranged controls, an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment display featuring both volume and tuning knobs, and excellent outward visibility made the Accord easy and enjoyable to use. For the 2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid, a history over 60 years old in the U.S. market set the backdrop for one of Toyota's flagship sedans. Minimal changes accompanied the 2022 update as the model received a mild makeover in 2021. Yet, the Camry Hybrid remained a visual delight with its expressive and futuristic front end, sturdy feature set, and various alloy wheel sizes, ranging from 16 to 19 inches based on trim. The Camry’s interior mirrored its exterior’s dynamic styling, featuring a sweeping dashboard curve that extended from the driver’s side across the center stack and formed part of the center console. The arrangement was topped by a large infotainment touchscreen on the control center’s upper half. Seating in the second row was notably comfortable, accommodating even the middle seat with a bolstered cushion, underscoring Toyota's commitment to quality finishes and trim materials.

The 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid, featuring Honda's sophisticated two-motor hybrid system, integrated 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 and employing an electronic continuously variable transmission (eCVT), the combination produced a total of 212 horsepower and 232 pound-feet of torque. The immediate torque availability provided a quick 0-60 mph time of 6.5 seconds. While the standard trims boasted an impressive 48 mpg in combined driving, the Touring trim, due to its larger wheels, earned a 43-mpg rating. The powertrain control module adapted to various driving needs through three operational modes: EV Drive for low speeds and short distances, Hybrid Drive where the gas engine supported the electric motor, and Engine Drive which combined efforts of the gas engine and electric motor to propel the vehicle. Additional selectable modes like EV, Econ, and Sport catered to driver preferences. The 2021 updates included improved throttle response and a more natural acceleration sound, enhancing the overall driving experience despite occasional steady-state droning under full-throttle acceleration. With 19-inch wheels and 235/40 tires, the Accord Hybrid Touring handled corners efficiently, with Honda tuning the suspension for a balance of athletic handling and ride compliance. The added weight from the battery and electric motor felt negligible, and the brake-by-wire regenerative braking system excelled in its modulation and response. Turning to the 2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid, the vehicle's performance optimized fuel efficiency rather than track capabilities. The base LE model achieved an EPA rating of 51 mpg city/53 mpg highway/52 mpg combined, while other trims offered 44 mpg city/47 mpg highway/46 mpg combined. It integrated a 2.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine with variable valve timing, direct and port injection, and two electric motors, combining for an output of 208 horsepower. Power was delivered to the front wheels via an electronically controlled CVT, with SE and XSE models featuring paddle shifters for simulated six-speed operation. Drive modes included EV, Eco, Normal, and Sport, controlled via the center console. Although the EV mode operated within a narrow range, the Camry Hybrid handled commendably, benefitting from a lower center of gravity due to the battery placement. Performance drawbacks were minor, such as difficulty maintaining EV mode and some droning from the drivetrain.

Spaciousness was a highlight of the 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid, which, though classified as a midsize sedan, offered room typical of a full-size sedan. From the 12-way power-adjustable driver’s seat to the notably large rear seat, comfort was paramount. The Touring trim included heated and ventilated front seats and heated rear seats, although a front passenger height adjuster was absent. Interior storage was plentiful, featuring a capacious center console bin, a covered compartment with a wireless smartphone charger, and large door panel bins. The Accord Hybrid also offered significant trunk space without compromising utility, boasting a 16.7 cubic-foot trunk identical to non-hybrid Accords. This was notably larger than competing sedans, accommodating full-size suitcases and expanding utility through 60/40 split-folding rear seats. In contrast, the 2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid balanced ride height and seating position for comfortable, easy entry and exit. Seating arrangements permitted a variety of positions to suit different driving needs, with unexpected headroom providing additional comfort. The front offered substantial storage options, with a large glove compartment and several dash nooks. The second row in the Camry Hybrid was also inviting, with easy entry and exit, comfort, and generous storage, including bottle holders and map pockets. The trunk offered 15.1 cubic feet of space, identical to the standard Camry, facilitated by the low battery placement. The inclusion of a trunk pass-through and foldable second-row seats furthered cargo capacity.

For 2021, Honda made the 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system standard across all Accord Hybrid trims, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The EX trim introduced wireless connectivity for these platforms, along with improved front-seat USB access and 2.5-amp quick-charge USB ports for the rear seats. Wireless smartphone charging was available from the EX trim upwards. EX-L trims featured a premium sound system, while the Touring trim added navigation, HondaLink subscription services, and a WiFi hotspot. The system handled well, although voice command recognition required exact prompts and pathways, limiting natural language use. Testing revealed difficulties, such as failing to locate the nearest hospital, highlighting limitations in emergency navigation functionality. The 2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid incorporated advanced technology, including a JBL premium audio system available on XLE and XSE models, configured specifically during the current generation's development. This system, consisting of nine speakers and sophisticated software, delivered impressive audio clarity. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and a WiFi hotspot were standard on all models. A 7-inch touchscreen was standard on lower trims, with a 9-inch option on the XLE and XSE. All Camry Hybrid trims featured Toyota’s Smart Key System, push-button start, automatic LED headlights, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a rearview camera with projected path. The XSE model offered a 10-inch head-up display, bird’s-eye view camera, intelligent clearance sonar with rear cross-traffic braking, and ventilated seats.

The 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid aimed for the Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS by redesigning its LED headlights and making them standard. The standard driver assistance suite included a rear-seat reminder, rear seatbelt reminder, and, on the Touring trim, low-speed braking control. Honda enhanced the adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist within Honda Sensing, adding a dedicated button to access settings. Nonetheless, criticisms remained regarding the systems' transparency and low-speed automatic braking sensitivity. The 2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid came equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ (TSS 2.5+), a comprehensive suite featuring pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, lane departure alert, Lane Tracing Assist, automatic high beams, and traffic-sign recognition. It included the Star safety system, encompassing stability control, traction control, anti-lock brakes, brake force distribution, brake assist, and smart stop technology. Ten airbags ensured occupant protection, complemented by LATCH anchors for child seats and child protection locks. The NHTSA awarded the 2022 Camry Hybrid a five-star overall rating, with the 2021 model receiving an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ rating, anticipated to carry over to the 2022 model.