Since their arrival in the US, and probably before that in Japan, the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord have been rivals. These two midsize sedans have been giving us the family-sized drive we’ve admired for a long time with the reliability, quality, and resale scores that we’ve loved. The question for you is which one of these two models will be right for you. Let’s take a look and then you can drive the Accord or the Camry.
The Starting Point
The Toyota Camry is known for its stately demeanor and excellent ride while the Honda Accord does an excellent job of giving you comfort and sport in a sedan package. The Toyota has shifted toward sporty driving more recently with the new TRD model that gives you the power and fun you want when you’re looking for good performance. Conversely, the Accord has become more mild-mannered with the deletion of the V6 engine that used to be part of the lineup.
Powertrains
Toyota Camry
You’ll find a choice of two different powertrains in the Toyota Camry to give you the power you need. All models except the XLE V6, XSE V6, and TRD come with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. The lower rims give you 203 horsepower and 184 lb.-ft. of torque while the XSE is tuned to 206 horsepower and 186 lb.-ft. of torque. the 3.5-liter V6 gives you 301 horsepower and 267 lb.-ft. of torque for your drive.
Honda Accord
When you look at the Honda Accord, you’ll find a pair of four-cylinder turbocharged engines to choose from. The base model is a 1.5-liter engine that makes 192 horsepower and 192 lb.-ft. of torque. The 2.0-liter engine is offered in the Sport and EX-L models and it gives you 252 horsepower and 273 lb.-ft. of torque.
Fuel Mileage
Toyota Camry
The most frugal of the Toyota Camry models is the L trim which gives you 29 city/41 hwy mpg when you want to take a drive. Each trim above this will reduce your fuel mileage by one mpg. If you add AWD to this car, your fuel mileage will drop by three mpg, which means you need to figure out whether or not it’s worth the reduction for you to have AWD.
The Honda Accord gives you 30 city/38 hwy mpg when you have the smaller of the two engines and the CVT automatic transmission. Select the larger engine and you’ll have 23 city/34 hwy when you get ready to take a drive. If you have the smaller engine and the manual transmission, you can expect to enjoy 26 city/35 hwy mpg during your drive. You’ll have to figure out which powertrain is right for you in the Accord.
Technology and Features
Toyota Camry
You’ll find six core trims offered in the Toyota Camry to give you the package of items you want. You can also find several options including a Nightshade edition. Each trim comes with its own package of features and options for you to have the stuff you want when you take a drive. The Safety Sense system of driver assistance features is a standard part of every model of the Camry.
Camry L Trim
The base Toyota Camry L trim gives you a seven-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Alexa, and Android Auto. You’ll have a 4.2-inch MID screen for the connectivity you want and the safety package included on all models.
Camry LE Trim
Move up to the LE trim of the Toyota Camry and you’ll have a power driver’s seat, three USB ports, 17-inch wheels, an electric moonroof, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and a Homelink system are offered. You can add blind-spot monitoring, dual-zone climate controls, AWD, and the cold weather package to this car.
Camry XLE Trim
One of the best values you’ll find in the Toyota Camry lineup is the XLE trim. This model gives you 18-inch wheels, optional AWD, blind-spot detection, rear cross-traffic alert, dual-zone climate controls, and an integrated rearview camera. Ass wireless charging, a larger 8.1-inch touchscreen, and a panoramic moonroof to the XLE trim of the Camry.
Go Sportier
If you want a sportier version of the LE trim, you’ll see the SE trim. Similarly, if you’re looking for a sportier version of the XLE trim, you’ll want to see the XSE models. These two trims add blacked-out treatments and larger wheels than their counterparts.
Camry TRD
The top model of the Toyota Camry is the TRD edition which gives you the V6 engine you want and the sporty items that give you the performance you’re looking for. You’ll love the added visual elements that give this car a racy-red look and the fun you want to enjoy on the road.
Honda Accord
The Honda Accord isn’t as distinct in its trim lineup. There are five main trims and three exterior packages to give you the look and the qualities you want when its time for a great drive. Find the trim that has the items you’re looking for when you want to drive the Honda Accord and enjoy what it has to offer.
Accord LX Trim
The starting point for the Honda Accord is the LX trim which gives you dual-zone climate controls, push-button starting, a seven-inch touchscreen, and Bluetooth connectivity. You’ll also have the benefits of
Honda Sensing which is standard on all models to give you adaptive cruise control, collision mitigation, and lane-keeping assist.
Accord Sport Trim
Move to the Honda Accord Sport and you’ll have the connectivity of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This model also gives you the choice of powertrains that can be right for you. If you opt for the 2.0-liter engine and ten-speed automatic transmission, you’ll also get a moonroof, blind-spot detection, adaptive cruise control, rear cross-traffic alerts, heated front seats, SiriusXM satellite radio, heated side mirrors, and 19-inch wheels. The infotainment screen is an eight-inch model and you’ll have a power driver’s seat in this version of the Accord.
Higher Trims
As you move to the EX, EX-L, and Touring trims, you’ll find a bit of a muddled set of features that you can select from. Memory seating and an auto-dimming rearview mirror are offered in the EX-L and Touring trims. These two trims are also where you find the comfort of leather seating to give you the smooth materials you want during your drive. Add optional items including wireless charging, a head-up display, and in-car Wi-Fi to the mix. These items are standard on the Touring trim and optional on the EX and EX-L.
Interior and Cargo Space
Toyota Camry
You’ll find plenty of passenger room for adults in all seats of the Toyota Camry. Legroom measures 42.1 inches in the front and 38 inches in the rear to give you the space needed to stretch out. The trunk of the Camry gives you 15.2 cubic feet of storage space to make it easy for you to take items with you when its time to take a drive. Load up the family and take them on a road trip in the Camry.
Honda Accord
Even though the Honda Accord is half an inch shorter than the Camry it has a longer wheelbase. The Accord is also wider and taller to give you more cabin area to fit inside. You’ll have 42.3 inches of legroom in the front and 40.4 inches in the rear of the Honda Accord. The trunk measures 16.7 cubic feet to give you more room for the stuff you need to take with you when its time for a drive.
Styling
Toyota Camry
You’ll find the design of the Toyota Camry to be uniform across the lineup with the only difference being the added visual items of the sporty SE and XSE trims. The design of the Camry is edgy and gives you the youthful exuberance you’re looking for when you want to show off what this car can be. Yes, the Camry is a family sedan, but it looks so good you don’t need to have a family to drive it.
Honda Accord
When you see the Honda Accord, you might consider it to be an elegant car when compared to the Toyota Camry. The Accord appears to have a timeless design that everyone will love. The smooth lines
and coupe-esque roofline makes this car look sporty and fun. If you don’t see the badging of the Honda Accord, you might think this car is part of one of the premium or luxury brands. You’ll be able to show the Accord off for a long time and enjoy the gorgeous style.
Which Car Should You Drive?
Its time to choose either the Toyota Camry or the Honda Accord and begin to have the drive you want to enjoy every day. The Camry has a lineup of dedicated models and performance features while the Accord brings something for everyone in every trim. Both cars have excellent reliability scores and fuel mileage to make them practical for you and your family. Find your sedan and begin the drive today.
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