Honda Accord vs Toyota Corolla

The 2022 Toyota Corolla had a new-age look after it was revamped a few years prior. The model initially appeared as a 2019 hatchback and a 2020 sedan. Toyota tried to shake off its ‘boring’ reputation by giving the Corolla a flashy exterior. Features like scowling LED headlights and a wide grille aimed to capture the eye, though it wasn't as unique as the Hyundai Elantra and less cohesive compared to the redesigned Honda Civic. Toyota showcased the Corolla's adaptability with different trim styles. The SE and XSE models displayed a more aggressive front fascia that almost looked like a mouth guard. Nightshade Editions added blacked-out trims, and Apex Editions featured bronze accents and custom 18-inch wheels, which were lighter by 2.2 pounds. The Corolla SE Apex Edition we tested held its own with a Fast and Furious vibe in gray color. The interior of the Corolla was straightforward but unremarkable. While it had the usual Toyota build quality, the piano black finishes attracted dust and smudges easily. The SE Apex Edition’s interior was practically the same as the regular SE model and featured light gray upholstery prone to staining. Standard cloth upholstery came with the base, while upscale trims could opt for SofTex leatherette. Meanwhile, the 2023 Honda Accord had a design overhaul emphasizing a modern yet conservative aesthetic. The redesign favored cleaner lines and a more technical feel over the shiny chrome and elaborate character of its predecessors. The model sported improved looks without being overly flashy. Our test model, the Accord EX, received a lot of admiration for its Canyon River Blue paint and pewter wheel finish. Inside, the Accord EX showcased durable cloth seats with contrast stitching and sleek metal mesh dashboard trim integrating the air vents seamlessly. Digital screens paired well with tactile switchgear, enhancing the feeling of refinement.

The 2022 Toyota Corolla offered two engine choices. The L, LE, and XLE trims housed a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine providing 139 horsepower and 126 lb-ft of torque. The 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine in SE and XSE trims delivered 169 hp and 151 lb-ft of torque. The sport exhaust system of the Apex Editions added a bit of flair without upping horsepower. The smaller engine came with a mandatory CVT, while the 2.0-liter had a six-speed manual option available for those desiring more control. All Corolla variants were front-wheel drive, with an all-wheel-drive option on the horizon for 2023. The manual transmission in our SE Apex Edition test car aligned well with the model’s sportier ambitions. Suspension upgrades like lowered coil springs and solid stabilizer bars enhanced nimbleness and front-end responsiveness. However, the sportier suspension compromised ride comfort, making it notably stiffer. The Apex Edition impressed in corners but lagged during highway accelerations. The 2023 Honda Accord equipped the LX and EX trims with a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 192 hp and 192 lb-ft of torque. The engine kept its roots from the previous generation while incorporating refinements. Standard features included remote start and an automatic stop/start system. The CVT worked adequately but was less exciting, though it mimicked the workings of a traditional automatic decently well. Our test car, weighing 3,280 pounds, handled itself with moderate dynamism despite being equipped with basic front-wheel drive. The Accord’s suspension system, featuring MacPherson struts at the front and a multi-link rear setup, managed weight distribution efficiently. The steering system was responsive, and the ventilated front and solid rear disc brakes ensured reliable performance. According to EPA ratings, the Accord LX and EX should achieve 32 mpg in combined driving. Our evaluation route yielded 28.7 mpg partly due to persistent air conditioning in triple-digit heat. The sedan thrived in urban settings with clear outward visibility and manageable parking.

Interior measurements for the 2022 Toyota Corolla weren't specified, but the vehicle felt moderately roomy. A lower beltline improved visibility, but a noticeably deep dashboard, due to the raked windshield, hampered frontal sightlines, making it difficult to see the end of the hood. Legroom could be constrained for taller drivers, though a standard tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel helped adjust into a favorable driving posture. Both front and rear seats were cushy but lacked support. The Corolla’s trunk held 13.1 cubic feet of cargo space, falling short of competitors like the Honda Civic. The cabin had minimalist storage spaces, with a thin center console and shallow cup holders. The 2023 Honda Accord EX stood out in space and comfort. While it missed some features, including a height-adjustable front passenger’s seat, rear air conditioning vents, and USB charging ports, its interior had numerous positives. The driver enjoyed dual-zone climate control, a power-adjustable 10-way seat, and warmth from heated front seats. Rear passengers benefitted from good legroom and support due to a high-mounted seat. The Accord’s trunk boasted a substantial 16.7 cubic feet of space, offering remarkable storage and easy luggage handling thanks to its self-opening lid and user-friendly handle.

In terms of technology, the 2022 Toyota Corolla lagged behind its contemporaries. The base model came with a 7-inch touchscreen, with an 8-inch version available in higher trims. Standard tech features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, WiFi connectivity, Amazon Alexa integration, and SiriusXM satellite radio, paired with a basic six-speaker audio system. Higher trims could switch to a nine-speaker, 800-watt JBL audio system. The interface was user-friendly but felt outdated compared to Hyundai and Kia offerings, missing out on advanced features like wireless smartphone integration. Contrastingly, the 2023 Honda Accord provided a straightforward yet efficient tech setup. Standard features included a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster and a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system. This setup supported Bluetooth, wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, text-messaging, and HondaLink connected services including Wi-Fi access. While SiriusXM wasn’t included, we had no issues streaming through Apple CarPlay. Physical controls for main functions were appreciated, though the seemingly intuitive tuning knob turned out to be a function control. The EX trim came enhanced with an eight-speaker audio system, providing decent sound quality.

In 2022, both the Toyota Corolla sedan and hatchback received the IIHS "Top Safety Pick+" award, achieving top "Good" ratings in all crash tests. However, headlight ratings were slightly lower, at "Acceptable" or "Marginal." The NHTSA gave the Corolla a five-star overall safety rating, with top scores in frontal and side crash tests but four stars in rollover tests. Toyota equipped the Corolla with a comprehensive safety suite, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning with steering assist, and adaptive cruise control, among others. Blind-spot monitoring was available but not standard across all trims. Every 2023 Honda Accord came with the Honda Sensing safety suite, encompassing adaptive cruise control with traffic-jam assist, forward collision warning, emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and more. Additional features, such as a reversing camera with multiple views, automatic high-beam headlights, and driver monitoring, provided comprehensive safety coverage. The EX trim offered options like blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The Accord’s systems operated with precision and subtlety, enhancing the driving experience.