2023 Honda Accord Hybrid vs 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback

In 2022, Honda viewed the fading popularity of hatchbacks as an opportunity and unveiled the redesigned Civic Hatchback, ready to leverage the dwindling market and present itself as one of the remaining U.S.-produced compact cars. The Civic Hatchback’s front half virtually mirrored the new Civic sedan, albeit with distinct grille patterns and wheel designs. From the rear, it boasted a unique aesthetic, although “stubby butt syndrome” persisted, maintaining a dense visual weight around its front wheels when viewed from certain angles.

The interior of the Civic Hatchback maintained a sleek and modern look, enhanced by Sport Touring trim’s digital instrumentation and sophisticated infotainment displays. The car featured attractive metal honeycomb dashboard detailing that cleverly concealed the air vents, and high-quality controls. Nevertheless, the sometimes awkward CVT shifter operation detracted slightly from its polished vibe.

In contrast, the 2023 Accord Hybrid showcased an elegant exterior that resembled higher-end luxury sedans, notably drawing comparisons to the Audi A7. The refreshed Accord was 2.8 inches longer than its predecessor and sported a revamped front grille, blacked-out LED headlights, and stylish taillights running across the rear. Its long, flowing roofline and increased rear track width gave it a planted and visually appealing stance.

Inside, the Accord Hybrid featured a modernized dashboard with a prominent digital instrument display and physical controls for ease of use. Touring trim accentuated the upscale feel with fancy features like heated and ventilated seats. The new design even reintroduced a traditional gearshift, offering a convenient touch and making operation more intuitive.

The 2022 Civic Hatchback offered multiple performance configurations. The LX and Sport trims came with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine delivering 158 horsepower and 138 lb-ft of torque, paired with either a CVT or a six-speed manual transmission for the Sport trim. EX-L and Sport Touring variants boasted a livelier turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 180 horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque, providing an exhilarating drive. The CVT models offered smooth performance, with manual versions enhancing the driving enthusiast’s experience. The Civic Hatchback, equipped with MacPherson struts in the front and a multi-link independent rear suspension, promised a balanced ride but fell short for hardcore sport drivers, potentially waiting for the Civic Si or Type R models.

The 2023 Accord Hybrid focused on efficiency and smooth driving experiences with its 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine combined with dual electric motors, pushing out 204 horsepower to the front wheels via a CVT. The Accord’s suspension skillfully balanced firmness and comfort, adeptly handling road imperfections. Enhanced regenerative braking provided better control, making the Accord Hybrid both agile and relaxing across various driving environments. However, although the hybrid system transitioned smoothly between gas and electric power, it wasn’t designed for sheer raw acceleration but facilitated effortless highway merging and passing.

Hatchbacks excel in practicality, and the 2022 Civic Hatchback didn’t disappoint. Its trunk offered a spacious 24.5 cubic feet, supplemented by a clever two-piece cargo shade. The rear seats folded in a 60/40 split, albeit without an official maximum cargo volume. While legroom was sufficient and seating comfortable, a few design oversights—like the lack of rear air conditioning vents and a front passenger seat height adjuster—were noted. The driver’s seat's eight-way power adjustment and the dual-zone automatic climate control in higher trims contributed to an overall practical and comfortable cabin environment.

On the other hand, the 2023 Accord Hybrid took a page from the Civic’s book, featuring a similar cabin design. Highlights included the honeycomb mesh trim and practical button placement for climate control and heated/ventilated seats, enhancing usability and comfort. The new gearshift was more intuitive and user-friendly than the previous button-based system. The front seats provided excellent support for long drives, and while rear legroom and shoulder room outdid rivals like the Toyota Camry Hybrid and Hyundai Sonata Hybrid, the sleek roofline compromised headroom for taller passengers. The trunk, with its 16.7-cubic-foot capacity, offered generous and easily accessible storage, undoubtedly a plus for family fitness.

The 2022 Civic Hatchback came with a robust and user-friendly infotainment system. Lower trims (LX, Sport, and EX-L) had a 7-inch touchscreen with wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while the Sport Touring trim featured a 9-inch display, wireless smartphone integration, SiriusXM satellite radio, wireless charging, and a premium 12-speaker Bose audio system. Digital instrumentation varied from the standard 7-inch screen in lower trims to a comprehensive 10.2-inch display in the Sport Touring.

The 2023 Accord Hybrid also showcased advanced tech features. The Hybrid Accord upped the ante with a 12.3-inch touchscreen and digital gauges. High-end features like wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, a head-up display, and a 12-speaker Bose audio system came standard on Touring trims. Honda ensured practical usability with physical volume controls and climate buttons, enhancing user convenience.

Safety was a strong suit for both cars. The 2022 Civic Hatchback’s Honda Sensing suite included adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. New features like Traffic Jam Assist further enhanced safety, though certain features like blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic warning were only available on higher trims. The Civic Hatchback achieved a “Top Safety Pick+” rating by the IIHS, showcasing Honda’s commitment to safety.

Similarly, the 2023 Accord Hybrid was stocked with Honda Sensing, covering essentials like automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, traffic sign recognition, and pedestrian detection. Touring trims added a multi-angle rearview camera, parking sensors, and a head-up display. A slight drawback was that blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert remained optional, albeit affordably. The Accord Hybrid also earned a “Top Safety Pick+” from the IIHS, reinforcing its safe and reliable image.