2021 Honda Civic vs 2022 Toyota Camry

The 2021 Honda Civic continued the tradition of segment-defining models that Honda has released every decade or so. With its bold design, the 10th-generation Civic, introduced in 2016, was a car that people either loved or hated. Despite its polarizing looks, it remained a popular choice, with over a million units on the road. The Civic Touring trim, with its Cosmic Blue Metallic paint and 18-inch wheels, was particularly striking, though opinions on its aesthetics varied depending on the angle and lighting. Inside, the Civic's cabin, while not as dramatic as when first introduced, still featured quality materials and thoughtful design, though the 7-inch infotainment screen seemed dated.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota Camry, especially in the TRD trim, turned heads with its eye-catching Cavalry Blue paint and aggressive styling. This was a departure from the Camry's traditionally conservative design, and it was clear that Toyota aimed to shed the car's "boring" reputation. The TRD model featured a sporty body kit, matte-black 19-inch wheels, and red accents, making it stand out. Inside, the Camry TRD's interior was less polarizing, with a driver-oriented centre console and an unusual dashboard layout. However, some elements, like the red gauge illumination and seatbelt embroidery, were considered tacky. Despite these quirks, the Camry TRD was a bold attempt to inject excitement into the midsize sedan segment.

The 2021 Honda Civic offered a choice between a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with 158 horsepower and a turbocharged 1.5-litre engine producing 174 horsepower. The latter, standard on the Touring trim, provided ample power and was paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). While the CVT contributed to excellent fuel economy, averaging 6.8 litres per 100 kilometres, it was criticized for its droning noise and lack of engagement. The Civic's independent suspension and steering were praised for their ride and handling qualities, making it a fun car to drive, especially with the Touring trim's 18-inch wheels.

The 2022 Toyota Camry TRD, on the other hand, boasted a robust 3.5-litre V6 engine delivering 301 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, the Camry TRD offered impressive performance, with a Sport mode and paddle shifters enhancing the driving experience. Despite its power, the Camry TRD managed a fuel consumption of 9.5 L/100 km, slightly above the expected 9.4 L/100 km. The TRD's track-tuned suspension, stiffer sway bars, and performance brakes contributed to its dynamic handling, making it a joy to drive on winding roads. However, the lack of all-wheel drive meant that the front wheels could easily lose traction.

The 2021 Honda Civic sedan, despite its compact classification, offered interior space comparable to a midsize car from a decade ago. The low seating position required some effort to get in and out, but once inside, the Civic provided comfort, especially in the front seats with their eight-way power adjustment. The rear seats, while spacious, lacked air conditioning vents, which could be uncomfortable on hot days. The Civic's trunk offered 428 litres of space, though the Touring trim's premium sound system reduced it to 416 litres. The centre console provided ample storage, with various trays and bins for convenience.

The 2022 Toyota Camry TRD featured a sporty driving position and comfortable front seats with power height adjustment. While the back seat accommodated two adults comfortably, the TRD model lacked rear-seat air vents and a folding rear seatback, limiting cargo flexibility. The trunk, at 428 litres, was smaller than some competitors, but the Camry compensated with generous in-cabin storage, including a large centre armrest bin.

The 2021 Honda Civic's technology was beginning to show its age, with a standard 5-inch LCD screen and limited infotainment features. The Touring trim upgraded to a 7-inch touchscreen with a 10-speaker audio system, HD Radio, and SiriusXM satellite radio. While Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available, the voice recognition system was unsophisticated, requiring specific prompts. The premium sound system was a nice addition, but the standard eight-speaker setup was adequate.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota Camry offered a standard 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The TRD trim featured a 9-inch display with a JBL premium audio system, though the sound quality was sometimes bass-heavy. While the Camry lacked dynamic navigation and voice recognition, connecting via Apple CarPlay or Android Auto allowed for the use of Siri or Google Assistant. Other Camry models offered additional features like a head-up display and surround-view monitoring, but these were not available on the TRD.

The 2021 Honda Civic came equipped with Honda Sensing, a suite of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) that included adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assistance. However, the Civic's LaneWatch system, which used a camera to monitor the right lane, was criticized for its limitations and lack of a traditional blind-spot warning system. Despite these drawbacks, the Civic earned a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA, making it a safe choice for families.

The 2022 Toyota Camry featured Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, which included adaptive cruise control, lane-centring assistance, and a blind-spot monitoring system with rear cross-traffic alert. While the lane-maintenance technology could be overly sensitive, the Camry's Safety Connect system provided additional peace of mind with features like automatic collision notification and emergency assistance. The Camry received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA, ensuring a high level of safety for its occupants.