2023 Honda Accord vs 2022 Honda Civic

The 2022 Honda Civic presented a more mature and conservative design compared to its predecessor, aligning more closely with the larger Accord sedan. This 11th-generation Civic was available in familiar trims such as LX, EX, Sport, and Touring, with prices in Canada starting at an MSRP of $24,465 for the LX and reaching up to $30,265 for the Touring, excluding a $1,700 destination charge. The Civic Touring, our primary evaluation vehicle, featured a new Morning Mist Blue paint, adding $300 to the price, bringing it to $32,396. The Civic's interior embraced simplicity, with a minimalistic control layout and improved materials, especially in the Touring trim, which reflected a newfound maturity.

In contrast, the 2023 Honda Accord underwent a redesign, adopting a more technical and modern appearance, albeit with a conservative touch. The Accord EX, the only gas-only model in Canada, was priced at $37,000, with additional fees bringing the total to $38,964. The Accord's exterior featured a dark grille, LED headlights, and a Canyon River Blue paint that garnered compliments. Inside, the Accord EX offered durable cloth seats with contrast stitching and a stylish metal mesh dashboard trim. The digital instrumentation and touchscreen infotainment system reflected attention to detail and refinement, making the Accord EX a well-outfitted choice for its class and price.

The 2022 Honda Civic offered two engine options, both improved from the previous generation. The LX, EX, and Sport trims featured a 2.0-litre DOHC four-cylinder engine producing 158 horsepower and 138 lb-ft of torque. The Touring trim, however, boasted a turbocharged 1.5-litre DOHC four-cylinder engine with 180 horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque, providing a satisfying blend of performance and efficiency. Both engines were paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) with new Step Shift programming, enhancing the driving experience. The Civic's handling was agile and enjoyable, with improved structural rigidity and suspension tuning, making it a fun and predictable compact sedan.

The 2023 Honda Accord EX was equipped with a turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine, delivering 192 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 192 lb-ft of torque between 1,700 rpm and 5,000 rpm. This engine, carried over from the previous generation, was paired with a CVT that mimicked the sound and feel of a traditional automatic. The Accord's front-wheel-drive setup, combined with a MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension, provided a balanced ride. The Accord's handling was precise, with responsive steering and effective brakes, although the tires could have offered more grip. The Accord EX returned 8.2 L/100 km on the evaluation route, slightly above the expected 7.3 L/100 km due to testing conditions.

The 2022 Honda Civic prioritized comfort with redesigned front seats offering improved support. The Touring trim featured leather-lined, power-adjustable front seats with heating, though ventilation was absent. The Civic's low seating position could be challenging for some, but the rear seat offered ample legroom and thigh support. The Civic's trunk provided 419 litres of space, or 408 litres in the Touring trim, accommodating full-size suitcases and offering a split-folding backseat for added utility.

The 2023 Honda Accord EX came standard with heated exterior mirrors, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat. However, it lacked a power-adjustable front passenger seat, rear air conditioning vents, and rear USB charging ports. The Accord's rear seat offered excellent leg support and legroom, with easy entry and exit. The trunk boasted a generous 473 litres of space, with a convenient handle for closing the lid.

The 2022 Honda Civic featured digital instrumentation, with the Touring trim offering a 10-inch display panel with customizable options and a Vehicle Activity display. The infotainment system included a 7-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, while the Touring trim upgraded to a 9-inch display with wireless connectivity and a 12-speaker Bose audio system. The Civic's infotainment system was user-friendly, with a ledge for hand stabilization and impressive voice recognition technology.

The 2023 Honda Accord EX was equipped with a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster and a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The system included Bluetooth, wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and HondaLink connected services. The EX trim featured an eight-speaker audio system, but lacked SiriusXM satellite radio. The Accord's infotainment system was straightforward, with physical controls for the stereo and main functions, though the tuning knob was misleadingly placed.

The 2022 Honda Civic came with an upgraded Honda Sensing suite, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. The Civic also featured a new blind-spot warning system with rear cross-traffic alert, replacing the previous LaneWatch system. The Civic's architecture was strengthened for improved collision protection, and new airbag designs offered enhanced head protection.

The 2023 Honda Accord included the Honda Sensing suite, with adaptive cruise control, traffic-jam assist, forward collision warning, and more. The Accord's safety features performed with accuracy and refinement, though the lane-departure warning could be improved. The Accord earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, ensuring robust protection in the event of a collision.