2021 Honda Accord vs 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback

Honda sells both the Accord and the Civic for a reason: They are not direct competitors. Many shoppers consider both, however, so it’s worth digging into their similarities and differences. For the 2021 model year, Honda elevated the Accord with refined features, an additional trim level, and competitive pricing, prioritizing safety to earn high praise. The 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback returned to its roots, available once more as a hatchback with a redesign that aimed for popularity reminiscent of the 1990s, showing promise in testing of its new iteration.

Performance ratings from CarGurus experts show a slight edge for the 2021 Honda Accord at 9 out of 10, compared to 8 out of 10 for the 2022 Civic Hatchback. The Accord provides two engine options, with the 2.0-liter turbo-four delivering engaging drive dynamics without sacrificing fuel economy. The Civic Hatchback's performance is marked by its practicality for daily driving and fuel efficiency, with the 1.5-liter turbo engine offering a balanced mix of power and comfort, though it falls short for those seeking a sportier ride.

In terms of form and function, both the 2021 Honda Accord and the 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback excel, each catering to different consumer needs with their unique design and utility features. The 2021 Honda Accord, clearly developed with daily drivability in mind, marries style with practicality. It accommodates five adults comfortably, offering generous head, hip, and legroom both in the front and the rear. The car's trunk is notably spacious, with a cargo capacity of 16.7 cubic feet, which is more than most midsize sedans offer. This makes the Accord not only a comfortable ride for passengers but also a practical choice for those who need ample luggage space. The interior is thoughtfully designed. By ensuring that controls and the infotainment system are easily accessible, Honda enhanced the overall user experience. The 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback shines with its functional design, emphasizing the versatility that hatchbacks are known for. It boasts a generous trunk capacity of 24.5 cubic feet, providing a substantial space that is further complemented by an innovative two-piece cargo shade for ease of storage. The back seat features a 60/40-split folding design, potentially doubling the available cargo space and accommodating larger items with ease, although Honda does not provide an official maximum cargo volume measurement. Despite some minor feedback regarding seat adjustments and the absence of rear AC vents in certain trims, the Civic Hatchback offers a comfortable and accommodating interior for all passengers. The driver's seat, in particular, benefits from eight-way power adjustment, adding to the car's appeal for those behind the wheel. Both vehicles demonstrate Honda's commitment to combining aesthetic appeal with practical utility, offering spacious and comfortable interiors that do not compromise on cargo space. Whether it's the Accord's elegance and spacious trunk or the Civic Hatchback's versatility and generous cargo capacity, both models stand out as well-designed cars that meet a wide range of preferences and needs.

Technology scores reflect a high level of satisfaction with both models. The Accord's technology package includes an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen and a host of connectivity and entertainment features as standard, with upgrades available in higher trims. The Civic Hatchback features a new infotainment system with options for a 7-inch or 9-inch touchscreen, wireless connectivity in higher trims, and a premium Bose sound system, setting a new standard for Honda's infotainment offerings.

Safety is a paramount concern for both models, with the Accord and Civic Hatchback offering comprehensive suites of safety features and driver-assistance technologies. The Accord's robust safety package has earned it top ratings from safety organizations, while the Civic Hatchback's updated Honda Sensing features and structural improvements also garnered a Top Safety Pick+ nod from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), highlighting Honda's commitment to safety across its lineup.

The Accord's pricing strategy offers value across its trim levels, with competitive pricing and features that match or exceed those of its rivals. The Civic Hatchback's value proposition is somewhat diminished by the concentration of desirable features in the higher-priced Sport Touring trim, raising questions about the allocation of features across the range.