2023 Volkswagen Jetta vs 2024 Honda Accord Hybrid

The 2023 Volkswagen Jetta presented a conservative design that was typical of the brand, aiming for a timeless appeal. However, its current generation lacked the symmetry and balance of its predecessors, resulting in a more bland appearance. Despite this, the Jetta SEL's interior offered a touch of luxury with features like ambient lighting, genuine leather upholstery, and a large sunroof, all contributing to an upscale feel for under $30,000. The no-nonsense interior design, reminiscent of the Audi brand, provided a sense of emotional value, even if the exterior didn't quite match up.

In contrast, the 2024 Honda Accord Hybrid embraced a clean and technical look, especially striking with its machined-finish 19-inch wheels on the Sport and Touring trims. The Canyon River Blue metallic paint on the Touring model, paired with a black leather interior, added a touch of sophistication. Inside, the Accord Hybrid Touring impressed with its 'Acura Lite' interior, featuring a gray headliner, metallic finishes, and an artful mesh trim strip. Despite some shiny plastic elements, the overall design was well-received, offering a blend of comfort and style that appealed to those seeking a more luxurious experience.

The 2023 Volkswagen Jetta was equipped with a 1.5-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine, producing 158 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. This setup provided zippy acceleration and a nimble feel, especially in urban settings. However, the automatic transmission exhibited a noticeable delay in response, which could be mitigated by using the Sport mode, albeit at the cost of fuel efficiency. The Jetta SEL averaged 30 mpg in testing, slightly below the EPA's 33 mpg estimate. Despite these quirks, the Jetta's accurate steering and predictable handling made it enjoyable to drive, especially on mountain roads.

The 2024 Honda Accord Hybrid featured a two-motor hybrid powertrain, combining a 2.0-liter gasoline engine with two electric motors, delivering a total of 204 horsepower and 247 lb-ft of torque. This setup provided enthusiastic acceleration from a stop, with the electric motor's torque available instantly. The Accord Hybrid excelled in city driving and on freeways, though the gas engine's sound was less pleasant at high revs. The Touring trim returned 43.1 mpg in testing, slightly below the EPA's 44 mpg estimate. The Accord's blend of ride and handling characteristics made it a trustworthy and enjoyable daily driver.

The 2023 Volkswagen Jetta offered a spacious interior, comfortably accommodating four adults, with the option to fit a fifth passenger for short trips. The trunk provided 14.1 cubic feet of cargo space, nearly matching some midsize sedans. The Jetta SEL featured an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel, though the front passenger seat lacked height adjustment. The rear seats offered ample legroom and heated cushions, though rear air conditioning vents were absent.

The 2024 Honda Accord Hybrid prioritized comfort, with a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat and heated front seats in leather-upholstered trims. The Touring trim added ventilated front seats and heated rear seats. Rear passengers enjoyed generous legroom and headroom, with supportive seating and air conditioning vents. The trunk offered 16.7 cubic feet of cargo space, surpassing rivals in its class. Interior storage was excellent, though the driver's seatback lacked a storage pocket.

The 2023 Volkswagen Jetta SEL featured a 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit Pro and an 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system included a proximity-sensing surface and knobs for volume and menu functions. However, the infotainment system required multiple inputs for simple tasks, and the voice recognition system was limited without Car-Net service upgrades. The SEL trim included a Beats Audio premium sound system, though it was less satisfying than previous Fender systems.

The 2024 Honda Accord Hybrid came with a 10.2-inch digital instrumentation display and a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Standard features included wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Alexa Built-in. The Touring trim added a 12-speaker Bose sound system, a wireless charger, and Google Built-in with a complimentary three-year subscription. However, voice recognition issues with Google Assistant and Alexa led to a preference for Apple CarPlay and Siri. The digital instrumentation was practical, providing clear information on vehicle status.

The 2023 Volkswagen Jetta SE and SEL were equipped with IQ.Drive, a package of advanced driving assistance systems. This included Travel Assist, which combined adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assist, and Emergency Assist, which could stop the car safely if the driver was unresponsive. The Jetta received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA but earned four stars for frontal-impact protection. The IIHS rated its safety as Poor in a new moderate overlap frontal-impact crash test.

The 2024 Honda Accord Hybrid earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, thanks to its Honda Sensing suite of driver-assistance features. This included automatic high-beam headlights, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control with traffic-jam assist. However, the system faced challenges in bright sunlight, and the adaptive cruise control left gaps that allowed other drivers to cut in. Despite these issues, the Accord's safety features were generally effective.