Toyota Camry Vs. Honda Accord: Compare Cars Page 2

By Bengt Halvorson

9 77,491 views Feb 18, 2013

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The Camry still wins for fuel economy—for now, that is, if you consider that the Camry Hybrid is widely available and has excellent gas-mileage ratings of 43 mpg city, 39 highway. But if you're weighing the mainstream models against each other, the Accord emerges as the more frugal. Honda won't have a Hybrid model until the 2014 model year, when it will also introduce a Plug-In Hybrid model. In the meantime, looking at the rest of the lineup, the Accord earns an excellent 27/36 mpg with its new direct-injection four-cylinder and continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), while the four-cylinder Camry gets 25/35 at best. V-6 Accords are especially smart and efficient, with ratings of 21/34, while Camry V-6 models stand at 21/30.

If you need to settle what could at this point be close to a tie for some, it's worthwhile to take a longer look at the styling and performance of these two cars. Don't count on either of these models to add excitement or sex appeal. With the Camry's current design purely evolutionary, and Honda proudly touting that it designed the Accord from the inside out, these aren't models designed to catch your eye from a distance. In fact, they're both very likely to blend in with

For 2012, the Toyota Camry was completely redesigned—although the changes were so subtle and evolutionary you might not have even noticed. The 2013 redesign given to the Accord is roughly in the same league—although the Accord does look a slightly more exciting and better proportioned on the outside, with more of a premium look inside. Of course, on the outside, especially, both of these models have been upstaged by the Hyundai Sonata, as well as the daring new Ford Fusion.

As far as performance goes, these are two of the only remaining mid-size models to offer an available V-6, and in both cases it's a smooth, refined, and very strong option. In the Accord especially it gives this Honda more of an Acura feel. Both models are also very smooth with their base four-cylinder engines, and the new CVT in the Honda doesn't succumb to the undesirable drone and rubber-band feel that CVTs so often do. The Camry is downright dull to drive, although it has a more responsive feel in SE versions; on the other hand, the Accord gets the higher score here because of its well-tuned steering and crisp, light driving feel.

While the Camry doesn't lag far behind the Accord in any one way—well, except styling, perhaps—Honda has produced a more compelling design and driving experience that still hits all the marks for practicality, comfort, and features.

2013 Toyota Camry	2013 Honda Accord Sedan
TCC Rating
7.6 The 2013 Toyota Camry is no standout for design, but it's more than ever the sensible pick for those who value comfort, value, and frugality above all else.	8.8 The 2013 Honda Accord is one of America's best, most sensible sedans, even if it hasn't changed radically.
Styling
6A ubiquitous shape and conservative styling make the Camry no standout, but up close it's crisper, neater, and a little more upscale. Read more	8The design of the 2013 Honda Accord maximizes interior space, yet it's classy and well-proportioned. Read more
Performance
7The 2013 Toyota Camry won't delight driving enthusiasts, but it handles well enough and accelerates responsively. Read more	8A set of new efficiency-minded powertrains proves refined and responsive in the Accord, while handling is crisp and confident. Read more
Quality
9The 2013 Camry is quiet, spacious, and smooth-riding—and the SE is worth the upgrade for its better-bolstered seats. Read more	9The 2013 Honda Accord models have cabin appointments that go beyond what typical, budget-minded mid-size buyers might expect. Read more
Safety
8There are more airbags than most cars in this class, and great crash-test results--although at least one 'poor' results keeps it from being a true top pick. Read more	10The 2013 Accord has better crash-test ratings than any other affordable mid-size sedan, as well as a robust list of available active-safety features and a new, stronger structure. Read more
Features
8Upper trims of the Camry, like the XLE and SE offer long lists of features, while the base models offer lots of value for the money. Read more	9Honda piles on the useful features, even in LX and EX trims, while the EX-L and Touring models get the traditional luxury treatment. Read more
Green
9V-6 versions of the 2013 Camry are no standout, while four-cylinder models are quite fuel-efficient—and the 43-mpg Camry Hybrid might as well be an honorary Prius. Read more	7Thanks to a new CVT and direct injection, the 2013 Accord four-cylinder gets up to 36 mpg--but the V-6's 34 mpg highway is even more impressive. Read more
MSRP
from $22,235	from $21,680
Invoice
from $20,345	from $19,849
Fuel Economy - Combined City and Highway
28	28
Front Leg Room (in)
41.6	42.5
Second Leg Room (in)
38.9 Read Full Specs	38.5 Read Full Specs