2023 Honda Accord vs 2022 Nissan Sentra

The 2022 Nissan Sentra had been meticulously redesigned in 2020 and maintained this fresh look into 2022 with minimal changes. The exterior closely resembled a smaller version of the Altima, embodying a low-slung, coupe-like, and modern demeanor. Compared to the pre-2020 models, known for their boxy and somewhat awkward design, the 2022 Sentra showcased Nissan's evolved design language. It offered a variety of bold colors like blue, burnt orange, and “Scarlet Ember,” alongside a more traditional gray that was available with a contrasting black roof.

Inside, the Sentra excelled with a modern yet straightforward layout that balanced form and function. The control interface was user-friendly, and the trio of central dash vents imparted an upscale appearance. The dashboard was accentuated by a prominent touchscreen intended to serve as the cabin's visual focal point.

The Sentra came in three trims: S, SV, and SR. The base S trim featured 16-inch steel wheels with plastic covers, halogen headlights, dual power side mirrors, and power amenities such as windows, locks, and remote keyless entry. It also included a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The SV trim improved upon the S trim with alloy wheels, heated side mirrors, premium cloth upholstery, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, an 8-inch touchscreen, and additional tech like intelligent cruise control. The top-tier SR trim offered 17-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, remote start, dual-zone climate control, and sport cloth seats with unique accent stitching.

For 2022, the Sentra SR was available in a striking Midnight Edition package, characterized by dark accents, black 18-inch alloy wheels, and LED fog lights. The test model also included optional ambient cabin lighting and discreet external under-car lighting.

On the opposite side, the 2023 Honda Accord underwent a redesign to embrace a more technical and conservative look. Shedding much of the chrome from previous models, it exhibited a modern but somewhat restrained exterior. Despite this change, the Canyon River Blue paint on the test model received positive remarks.

The Accord EX's interior featured appealing and durable cloth seats with contrast stitching. Stylish metal mesh dashboard trim seamlessly integrated the air conditioning vents. Honda focused on digital instrumentation and a straightforward infotainment system, reflecting refinement and attention to detail. The overall ambiance prioritized practicality and durability over extravagance.

The 2022 Nissan Sentra utilized a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 149 horsepower and 146 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and front-wheel drive. This setup, while not remarkable, provided satisfactory performance both for city commutes and highway drives. The CVT managed power efficiently, allowing for decent low-end acceleration and consistent high-speed performance. The Sentra also featured a Sport button on the shifter, though it offered minimal impact on performance. The steering was well-weighted, providing crisp cornering capabilities, and the suspension effectively absorbed minor road imperfections, although harsher conditions posed a challenge. All in all, the Sentra thrived as a reliable commuter car and occasional road trip companion.

The 2023 Honda Accord LX and EX were equipped with a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 192 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 192 pound-feet of torque between 1,700 rpm and 5,000 rpm. This engine, coupled with a CVT, powered the front wheels. Though the smaller turbo four was not quite as exhilarating as the discontinued 2.0T, it provided adequate power for the 3,280-pound EX. The transmission efficiently mimicked the sound and feel of a traditional automatic under hard acceleration and performed adequately during regular driving.

The Accord featured a MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension, as well as a dual-pinion, variable-ratio steering system that offered a responsive and engaging drive. The EPA estimated a combined fuel economy of 32 mpg for the LX and EX, but real-world testing under triple-digit heat conditions resulted in 28.7 mpg.

In various driving scenarios, the Accord excelled in urban and suburban environments, with excellent visibility and nimble handling. The suspension filtered out road harshness without compromising road feel, and driving dynamics were particularly enjoyable on winding roads. Despite some tire limitations, the Accord handled curves and braking challenges adeptly, making it a pleasure to drive.

The 2022 Nissan Sentra featured a respectable 14.3 cubic feet of trunk space, outshining many other small sedans but falling slightly short of the Kia Forte's 15.3 cubic feet. The trunk could be expanded using the standard 60/40 split-fold rear bench, though the ledge created by the folded seats could complicate loading larger items. The Sentra’s trunk could be remotely opened via the key fob or a dash button, and the spring-loaded mechanism gave it a power-opening feel without the actual power system.

Inside, the Sentra provided ample headroom and legroom in both the front and rear seats, offering a comfortable riding experience. The front row boasted large door cargo trays and bottle holders, while the center console included numerous cupholders and storage trays.

The 2023 Honda Accord’s transition from LX to EX trim introduced features such as a darker wheel finish, heated exterior mirrors, dual-zone automatic climate control, a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, heated front seats, and a 60/40-split folding rear seat. Despite some notable omissions like a height-adjustable front passenger seat and rear air conditioning vents, the Accord made functional improvements.

Rear-seat passengers in the Accord benefitted from high-mounted seats with excellent leg support, ample legroom, and ease of access. Honda also offered a sizable 16.7 cubic-foot trunk, equipped with a handle for easy closing and capable of standing full-size suitcases on their sides.

The 2022 Nissan Sentra came standard with a 7-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a USB port, and Bluetooth connectivity. The SV and SR trims upgraded to an 8-inch touchscreen, offering the same smartphone integration features. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with straightforward menu navigation and physical buttons for essential functions. However, the graphics could have used an update, and the lack of wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto was a notable shortcoming.

In contrast, the 2023 Honda Accord LX and EX featured a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster and a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system. This setup included Bluetooth, wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, text-messaging support, HondaLink services, and Wi-Fi access. While the screen sizes were relatively modest, they functioned effectively. The EX trim also provided an eight-speaker audio system and two 3.0-amp USB-C ports. The absence of SiriusXM satellite radio and a somewhat misleading control knob were minor drawbacks. Nevertheless, the overall tech package was balanced and adequate.

The 2022 Nissan Sentra was equipped with a comprehensive suite of standard driver-assistance features, including forward and reverse automatic emergency braking, forward collision avoidance, pedestrian detection, driver drowsiness monitoring, lane-departure warning, and blind spot monitoring. The test model also included advanced features like a surround-view parking monitor and adaptive cruise control. Despite some overly cautious settings, the Sentra’s safety systems were robust. The Sentra earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a "Top Safety Pick" award from the IIHS.

Similarly, the 2023 Honda Accord came with the Honda Sensing suite, which included adaptive cruise control with traffic-jam assist, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and lane-centering assist. EX models offered an affordable package adding blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. Honda Sensing generally performed accurately and reliably, with clear system status communication. The Accord earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS for 2023.