2023 Honda Accord Hybrid vs 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI

The 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI, despite boasting all-new body panels, retained a familiar look that might not be immediately distinguishable from its predecessor unless you were a dedicated fan. The new GTI was longer and lower, maintaining a 103.6-inch wheelbase, which contributed to a stable silhouette while preserving its nimble handling. The front end featured a smooth hood, a subtle honeycomb-patterned air intake, and the signature red accent line between the LED headlights, with an optional light bar for added drama. Aerodynamic enhancements included redesigned side-view mirrors, underbody paneling, and revised wheel-arch linings. The GTI came with red brake calipers, 18-inch alloy wheels on S and SE trims, and 19-inch wheels on the Autobahn trim. Color options ranged from staple shades like silver, black, and white to more vibrant hues like Atlantic Blue Metallic and Kings Red Metallic, with Pomelo Yellow Metallic exclusive to the Autobahn trim.

Inside, the GTI featured plaid cloth seats on the S and SE trims, with Vienna leather available on the SE and standard on the Autobahn. The classic golf-ball shifter knob was retained for manual transmission models, and all trims included stainless steel pedals. The interior was designed with a driver-centric approach, featuring a center stack angled towards the driver and a unique "light and sight" panel for adjusting headlights and defogging settings.

The 2023 Honda Accord Hybrid, particularly in the range-topping Touring trim, showcased an elegant exterior that drew comparisons to luxury sedans like the Audi A7. The Accord's sleek lines, redesigned front grille, and updated LED lighting contributed to its refined appearance. The car was stretched by nearly three inches, with a more upright front grille, blacked-out LED headlights, and taillights spanning the rear width. The overall length increased by 2.8 inches, and the rear track by 0.4 inches, giving the car a planted stance accentuated by a long, flowing roofline.

Starting at approximately $38,435, the Accord Touring offered seven exterior colors and 19-inch alloy wheels with black accents, with optional gloss-black HPD 19-inch alloys available for an additional $2,000. The interior featured a new dashboard design, a 12.3-inch touchscreen with Amazon Alexa, wireless device charging, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. The Canyon River Blue Metallic paint and black leather interior in our tester added to the upscale feel, with cloth seats standard in the Hybrid Sport and leather in other trims. The optional gray leather cabin was available with specific exterior colors.

The 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI, introduced in 1983, evolved significantly over the years. The 2022 model featured a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 241 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque, peaking at a low 1,750 rpm. This power was sent to the front wheels via a six-speed manual or a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DSG). The GTI's fuel economy was estimated at 24 mpg city, 34 highway, and 28 combined with the manual transmission, slightly improving with the automatic.

The GTI's handling was enhanced by a retuned suspension, with a lighter front assembly and stiffer rear springs. Various drive modes allowed customization for Eco, Comfort, or Sport settings, and a standard electronic torque-sensing limited-slip differential worked with the electronic stability control to reduce understeer. The top-tier Autobahn trim featured the DCC adaptive damping system, capable of 200 adjustments per second, providing a smooth and powerful driving experience.

The 2023 Honda Accord Hybrid, equipped with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and two electric motors, delivered 204 horsepower to the front wheels via a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). The Accord Hybrid's powertrain switched seamlessly between electric and gas power, offering smooth and efficient performance. The suspension effectively absorbed road imperfections, providing a balanced ride that was neither too firm nor too soft.

Honda improved the regenerative braking system, increasing from four to six levels of regen, making it easier to fine-tune and more comfortable for drivers unfamiliar with regenerative braking. The Accord's agile handling and increased length did not compromise its ease of parking, making it a relaxing and familiar car to drive in various environments.

The 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI balanced performance and practicality with 19.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the back seat, expanding to 34.5 cubic feet with the 60/40 split-folding rear seat. The driver-centric interior featured a center stack angled towards the driver and a unique "light and sight" panel for adjusting headlights and defogging settings. Rear legroom was surprisingly generous, making the GTI suitable for transporting a family of four.

The 2023 Honda Accord Hybrid's cabin adopted the layout from Honda's Civic and CR-V models, featuring a strip of honeycomb mesh trim hiding the dash-mounted air vents. The infotainment screen was prominently placed atop the dashboard, with buttons and dials for climate control within easy reach. The Touring trim included heated and ventilated seats, a traditional gearshift, and a dedicated volume control knob. The front seats provided excellent support, and rear legroom and shoulder room were generous, though headroom was slightly compromised by the sleek roofline. Trunk space was ample at 16.7 cubic feet, with a low load floor for easy access.

The 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI featured a fully digital driver information display with customizable gauge displays and 30 ambient lighting profiles. The 10.25-inch driver display was standard on all trims, with an 8.25-inch touchscreen in the S trim and a 10-inch touchscreen with navigation in the SE and Autobahn trims. The infotainment system included Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and Bluetooth connectivity, with a 9-speaker Harmon Kardon sound system in the SE and Autobahn trims. Volkswagen's Car-Net system offered various features, some at additional costs, including remote access, emergency assistance, and WiFi capability.

The 2023 Honda Accord Hybrid came with a 12.3-inch touchscreen and digital gauges, with wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and device charging. The Touring trim included advanced tech features like "Hey Google" virtual assistant, Amazon Alexa, a head-up display, a 12-speaker Bose audio system, HD radio, and four USB ports. The intuitive menus and physical volume and climate control buttons made the system user-friendly.

The 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI included Volkswagen's IQ.Drive, offering advanced driver assistance systems like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear traffic alert. However, IQ.Drive was only available on automatic GTIs. Park Distance Control was standard on all trims, with Park Assist available on the Autobahn trim. The GTI had not been crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS.

The 2023 Honda Accord Hybrid featured the Honda Sensing bundle, including automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, traffic sign recognition, pedestrian and cyclist detection, and a rear-seat reminder. The Touring trim added a multi-angle rearview camera, front and rear parking sensors, and a head-up display. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were optional for $550. The Accord Hybrid earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from IIHS, scoring "Good" in all crash tests and other safety evaluations.