2021 Honda Accord vs 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI

The 2021 Honda Accord was a staple in the midsize sedan market, competing fiercely with rivals like the Toyota Camry, Mazda6, and Hyundai Sonata. For 2021, Honda refreshed the Accord's design, introducing a wider, restyled grille that gave the car a more sculpted appearance. The Honda Sensing safety system's radar unit was better integrated, enhancing the vehicle's aesthetic appeal. The Accord's lighting system was upgraded with LED headlights and lowlights, improving nighttime visibility. The car's fog light openings were reduced in size, contributing to a more sophisticated look. The Accord offered a range of trims, each with distinct features, from the Canada-exclusive SE to the top-tier Touring 2.0. Interior options varied from cloth to leather-trimmed seats, with a new Sonic Gray Pearl paint option adding a unique touch to the Sport and Touring models.

The 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI, while boasting all-new body panels, maintained a familiar silhouette that echoed its predecessors. The Mk8 GTI was longer and lower, with a stable yet nimble stance. Its design featured a smooth hood and a subtle honeycomb-patterned air intake, with a signature red accent line running between the LED headlights. Aerodynamic enhancements included redesigned side-view mirrors and underbody paneling. The GTI's wheel options varied by trim, with sizes ranging from 17 to 19 inches. The car's colour palette included traditional shades like silver, black, and white, alongside vibrant options like Atlantic Blue Metallic and Pomelo Yellow Metallic. Inside, the GTI offered a driver-centric layout with plaid cloth seats standard on lower trims and Vienna leather on the Performance trim. The classic golf-ball shifter knob was a nod to its heritage, and stainless steel pedals added a sporty touch.

The 2021 Honda Accord offered two engine options, catering to different driving preferences. The standard engine was a 192-horsepower turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder, delivering 192 pound-feet of torque and paired with a CVT. This engine was available on the SE, Sport, EX-L, and Touring trims. For those seeking more power, a 2.0-litre turbo-four engine produced 252 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. This engine was available on the Sport 2.0 and Touring 2.0 trims. The Accord's fuel economy varied by engine, with the 1.5-litre engine achieving 7.2 to 7.5 L/100 km combined, while the 2.0-litre engine consumed 9.1 L/100 km combined. The Accord's driving dynamics were engaging, with paddle shifters on the Sport and Touring trims enhancing the driving experience.

The 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI featured a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 241 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque. This engine was an updated version of the EA888, offering improved heat management and a broader torque curve. The GTI's power was delivered to the front wheels via a six-speed manual transmission or a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DSG) with paddle shifters. The GTI's fuel consumption was estimated at 9.3 L/100 km city, 7.0 highway, and 8.3 combined with the automatic transmission, slightly higher with the manual. The GTI's handling was enhanced by a retuned suspension, electronic torque-sensing limited-slip differential, and various drive modes. The Performance trim offered additional benefits with the DCC adaptive damping system, allowing for precise handling adjustments.

The 2021 Honda Accord was designed with practicality in mind, offering ample space for five passengers. The interior provided generous head-, hip-, and legroom, ensuring comfort for both front and rear occupants. Standard features included dual-zone automatic climate control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and push-button start. The rear seats featured a 60/40 split, allowing for pass-through access to the 473-litre trunk. The cabin layout was intuitive, with essential controls within easy reach. While small-item storage was limited, the centre console offered a convenient cubby for personal items.

The 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI balanced performance with practicality, offering 564 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats. With the 60/40 split-folding rear seat, total cargo space expanded to 977 litres. The GTI's interior was driver-focused, with the centre stack angled towards the driver. The "light and sight" panel provided a streamlined approach to adjusting headlights and defogging settings. Rear-seat legroom was impressive, offering comfort for passengers. The GTI was well-suited for daily use, accommodating a family of four with ease.

The 2021 Honda Accord featured an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen with physical volume and tuning knobs. Standard technology included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and two USB ports. Higher trims added features like satellite radio, a wireless phone charger, and a 10-speaker premium audio system. The Touring trims offered an on-board navigation system, rain-sensing wipers, and a head-up display, providing comprehensive information to the driver.

The 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI boasted a fully digital driver information display, allowing customization of gauge displays and ambient lighting. The infotainment system featured an 8-inch touchscreen on the base trim and a 10-inch display with navigation on higher trims. Standard connectivity included Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and Bluetooth. The Performance trim offered a 9-speaker Harmon Kardon premium audio system. Volkswagen's Car-Net system provided remote access features, enhancing convenience for GTI owners.

The 2021 Honda Accord prioritized safety with a comprehensive suite of features. Standard equipment included vehicle stability assist, brake assist, a rearview camera, and LED daytime running lights. The Honda Sensing suite offered advanced driver-assist technologies like lane-keeping assist, blind spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. The Accord received top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, ensuring peace of mind for drivers and passengers.

The 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI was equipped with Volkswagen's IQ.Drive, offering advanced driver assistance systems. Features included adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, forward collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. However, IQ.Drive was only available on automatic GTIs. Park Distance Control was standard across all trims, with the Performance trim offering additional Park Assist technology. As a new model, the GTI had not yet been crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS.