2023 Honda Accord vs 2022 Subaru WRX

The all-new 2022 Subaru WRX, with its wider frame, had a subtle front end that maintained the signature hood scoop and hexagonal grille with sharp LED headlights. The side profile was smoother and less busy than before, featuring air outlets designed to improve airflow and black plastic cladding textured with a hexagonal pattern to reduce turbulence. Despite these aerodynamic enhancements, the cladding received mixed reviews for its visual appeal. The rear fenders flared dramatically, and a large plastic bumper stretched halfway up the car’s rear. The taillights' multifaceted design mimicked magma when illuminated, and the car retained its quad tailpipes. Our Premium-trim test vehicle boasted LED fog lights, 18-inch dark gray alloy wheels, and a subtle lip spoiler.

Inside, the WRX saw significant upgrades. With a D-shaped steering wheel, aluminum-alloy pedal covers, and carbon-fiber-pattern trim accents, the interior was functional and visually pleasing. Red contrast stitching on black cloth seats added a sporty touch, ensuring the WRX looked and felt modern and upscale.

The 2023 Honda Accord, on the other hand, shifted to a more technical look, shedding much of its predecessor's chrome for a modern, conservative appearance. The Canyon River Blue paint on our test car was a particular highlight, earning plenty of compliments. The Accord EX trim included a pewter wheel finish, which struck a balance between the LX model's silver wheels and the black wheels popular among sporty models.

Inside the Accord EX, the cloth seats with contrast stitching, metal mesh dashboard trim, and digital instrumentation created a sophisticated environment. The integration of the air conditioning vents into the dashboard design was particularly notable, reflecting Honda's attention to detail and refinement. For its price and class, the Accord EX provided a well-outfitted interior.

The 2022 Subaru WRX significantly upgraded its powertrain by replacing the previous 2.0-liter turbocharged engine with a 2.4-liter turbocharged Boxer engine, producing a modest increase to 271 horsepower. The torque output remained at 258 pound-feet. The six-speed manual transmission allowed precise handling and easier gear changes, while the Subaru Performance Transmission CVT offered faster shifts and an external transmission-fluid cooler on higher trims.

Despite the enhancements, the WRX's performance was only marginally better than its predecessor. While driving from Healdsburg, CA, to the Pacific coast, the Subaru felt somewhat lacking in immediate power, especially compared to competitors like the Volkswagen GTI, which offered more torque and less weight. The WRX provided standard AWD, making it suitable for various driving conditions. The suspension improvements, including a body-mounted stabilizer bar, enhanced the car's ride quality, reducing body roll and improving comfort on rough terrain.

The 2023 Honda Accord LX and EX featured a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine delivering 192 horsepower and 192 pound-feet of torque, similar to the previous generation but with refinements. The CVT aimed to emulate the feel of a traditional automatic and succeeded to some extent. The Accord EX, weighing 3,280 pounds, handled well in urban settings, providing a comfortable and responsive ride. The MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension managed the vehicle's weight distribution, and the dual-pinion, variable-ratio steering offered good response and road feel.

Fuel efficiency was a notable aspect of the Accord, with an EPA rating of 32 mpg combined. However, during our test, it returned 28.7 mpg due to continuous air conditioning use in high temperatures. The Accord's ride quality was satisfactory, yet the CVT's Sport mode left much to be desired. On twisty roads, the Accord's handling was confident, though the tires limited its full potential.

Regarding interior space and practicality, the 2022 Subaru WRX offered a cargo capacity of 12.5 cubic feet, a slight improvement over the previous model's 12 cubic feet. The 60/40 split-folding rear seat increased flexibility, making it more practical for carrying larger items. The sport seats were comfortable and supportive, available in premium cloth or Ultrasuede depending on the trim. With standard AWD and well-bolstered seats, the WRX presented itself as a feasible daily commuter and performance vehicle.

The 2023 Honda Accord, particularly in the EX trim, included several upgrades over the base LX trim, such as 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 these amenities, the Accord EX lacked rear air conditioning vents and USB charging ports. The driver's seat needed more seat-track travel, which could be limiting for taller drivers. However, the rear seats were highly praised for their leg support and ease of entry and exit. The Accord stood out with its large 16.7 cubic-foot trunk, facilitating easy loading and providing extensive storage space, proving the Accord's practicality.

The 2022 Subaru WRX saw significant upgrades in its technology offerings, particularly in the premium trim and higher variants. The standout feature was the 11.6-inch tablet-style touchscreen display, borrowed from models like the Outback and Legacy. While it wasn't without quirks, it was visually impressive and user-friendly. Physical controls for climate and audio functions were a practical touch. However, the integration of Android Auto and Apple CarPlay was inconsistent, with Android Auto only utilizing half the screen. The base trim's dual 7-inch displays were functional but not as refined. Additionally, the WRX offered an 11-speaker Harman Kardon audio system on higher trims, which provided excellent sound quality.

The 2023 Honda Accord LX and EX came with a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster and a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Despite the smaller screen size, the system was functional and easy to use. It included Bluetooth connectivity, wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and HondaLink connected services with Wi-Fi access. The EX trim also featured an eight-speaker audio system but lacked SiriusXM satellite radio. The physical controls for the stereo were appreciated, although the lack of a tuning knob was a slight inconvenience. Overall, the Accord EX offered basic but adequate technology for the price.

Safety was a key area where the two vehicles took different approaches. The Subaru WRX's safety features were largely dependent on the choice of transmission. CVT-equipped models received Subaru's EyeSight suite of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), including automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and more. However, the manual transmission models lacked these features due to the technical challenge of avoiding stalling during emergency stops. Nevertheless, all WRX models came with the Subaru Global Platform, which enhanced crash protection, and seven airbags, including a driver's-side knee airbag.

The 2023 Honda Accord came standard with Honda Sensing, a comprehensive suite of ADAS features, across all trims. This included adaptive cruise control with traffic-jam assist, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, and more. The EX trim offered an additional $550 safety package with blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, which was recommended for added peace of mind. The Accord earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, demonstrating its commitment to safety.