Toyota Camry Vs. Honda Accord: Compare Cars

Back in the 1980s, Toyota and Honda hit their stride in the U.S. with the Camry and Accord, two models that have come to epitomize the American mid-size sedan. Since then, both models have been thoughtfully evolved to keep pace with what families need in a frugal family sedan, and while they've never been all that stylish, they've always been smart and sensible—as well as among the top sellers on the market.

Style and performance definitely take second stage for most of the budget-oriented family shoppers who consider the Accord and Camry. They're more concerned with whether there's enough interior space and comfort in a sedan, whether it's safe, and what kind of features you get for the money.

Both the Camry and Accord offer a comparable package—and they're about the same size, overall—but the Accord emerges as the winner from a space and comfort standpoint. The rather flat, unsupportive front seats that are included in most of the Camry models (except SE models) are inferior to the front seats in the new 2013 Accord, as they have improved back support and better bolstering. We think most shoppers will also prefer the trim and materials in mainstream Accord EX models to that in the comparable Camry LE, as it's just a little more upscale in look and feel. In back, both of these models have rooflines that don't tuck dramatically downward, like some models in this class, so they're among the better choices for carrying adults in the back seat. With its rather low beltline and a little more side glass, the Accord offers a slightly better view outward for those in back—possibly eliminating the need for Dramamine.

Toyota and Honda have paid more attention to refinement this time around and added extra noise insulation, but thanks to standard Active Noise Control and Active Sound Control on the Honda Accord—which especially help cancel out road noise—the Accord is the clear winner here, too. For ride quality, the Camry is the softer of the two in most of its trims, although the Accord's firmer calibration brings crisper handling response.

The Toyota Camry is one of the best safety picks in its class, including top crash-test ratings across both U.S. test agencies—with Top Safety Pick status from the IIHS and a five-star overall score from the federal government. At the time of writing, the U.S. agencies haven't yet released crash-test ratings for the 2013 Accord, but Honda already anticipates top ratings from both—including a 'good' rating in the new IIHS small overlap side test, which might make it one of the first mainstream sedans to achieve it. Both models offer some sophisticated advanced safety technology, including Forward Collision Warning, Lane Departure Warning, and Adaptive Cruise Control, as well as a cool new LaneWatch system that shows you an expanded view from the in-dash display when you click the turn signal lever. Toyota is offering a blind-spot monitoring system, as well as a rearview camera system. Our only complaint is that, with either of these models, not all these safety features are offered a la carte and you need to step up to pricier and more luxurious models in order to get them.

The market has evolved to expect connectivity features even in lower-priced vehicles, and both of these models cater to that expectation, with standard Bluetooth hands-free calling, Bluetooth audio streaming, and a USV port. But Honda has gone well beyond that, also including SMS text capability, Pandora audio streaming, dual-zone climate control, and an eight-inch i-MID display. Provided you're looking at one of the more affordable trims, we think Honda is the winner here, too—but only slightly.

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.