2020 Subaru WRX vs 2020 Honda Accord

The 2020 Subaru WRX, a performance-oriented offshoot of the Impreza, maintained its aggressive styling with a wider stance, lower front splitter, and a functional air intake. Despite its sporty exterior, the WRX's cabin was somewhat understated, which might have surprised those unfamiliar with its performance capabilities. The WRX was available in several trims, each offering a range of features from manual transmission and heated seats in the base model to Brembo brakes and Recaro seats in the Sport-tech RS. The STI variant further enhanced the sporty appeal with additional aerodynamic components and a more powerful engine.

In contrast, the 2020 Honda Accord was celebrated as one of the most stylish iterations of the model, with a sleek fastback design that belied its family sedan roots. The Accord's aesthetic appeal was heightened with 19-inch alloy wheels available on higher trims, while 17-inch wheels offered a more economical choice. The Accord was available in multiple trims, including a hybrid option, with prices ranging from $28,705 to $40,405. Inside, the Accord boasted high-quality materials, with soft-touch surfaces and a simulated wood finish, creating a luxurious feel.

The 2020 Subaru WRX was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-litre boxer-four engine, delivering 268 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. It featured symmetrical all-wheel drive and a standard six-speed manual transmission, with an optional CVT that included Subaru’s SI-DRIVE and paddle shifters. The manual transmission offered a 50:50 torque distribution, while the CVT had a 45:55 front:rear torque-split ratio, making it more responsive. The WRX was praised for its minimal turbo lag and precise steering, making it a joy to drive on winding roads. The STI variant, with a 2.5-litre engine producing 310 hp, offered even sharper handling but at the cost of a stiffer ride.

The 2020 Honda Accord offered a standard 1.5-litre turbocharged engine with 192 horsepower, paired with a CVT and front-wheel drive. For those seeking more power, a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine with 252 horsepower was available, mated to a ten-speed automatic transmission. The Accord also offered a hybrid powertrain with 212 horsepower, achieving impressive fuel efficiency. The 2.0T engine provided a thrilling driving experience, though the front-wheel-drive setup struggled to handle the power. The Accord's adaptive dampers and precise steering made it enjoyable to drive, though the brakes could have been more refined.

The 2020 Subaru WRX offered excellent visibility thanks to its simple sedan layout and large windshield. The cabin featured a straightforward dash layout with easy-to-use controls and ample storage. Front-row seating was spacious, with adequate rear-seat space for adults on short trips. However, the WRX's 340 litres of cargo space was limited compared to other compact sedans, though comparable to sports cars.

The 2020 Honda Accord, essentially a full-size sedan, provided generous rear-seat legroom and 473 litres of trunk space, making it ideal for family road trips. The driver's seat was highly adjustable and comfortable, though the front passenger seat lacked height adjustment. The back seat was exceptionally comfortable, with wide doors for easy access and available heated outboard positions. The Accord's interior was well-designed, with plenty of storage and clear instrumentation.

The 2020 Subaru WRX featured a 6.5-inch or 7-inch infotainment touchscreen with the Starlink system, offering Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system was user-friendly, with a digital display in the instrument panel and an additional information screen atop the dash. While not the latest technology, it provided all necessary features without being overwhelming.

The 2020 Honda Accord boasted an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, praised for its intuitive design and functionality. It included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a ten-speaker audio system from the Sport trim upwards. The Touring trim added HondaLink services, a Wi-Fi hotspot, navigation, and wireless charging. However, the system lacked natural voice recognition, requiring specific prompts for accurate responses. A head-up display was exclusive to the Touring trim.

The 2020 Subaru WRX came standard with front- and side-impact airbags, traction control, and a tire-pressure monitoring system. The EyeSight suite, optional on the WRX, included features like forward-collision warning and adaptive cruise control. The WRX earned top safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA.

The 2020 Honda Accord was equipped with the Honda Sensing suite as standard, offering features like forward collision warning, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. The Accord received top safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA. However, blind-spot monitoring was reserved for the Touring trim, and some Honda Sensing features could be more refined.