When it comes to choosing a new midsize sedan, two names immediately rise to the top of the list: the Toyota Camry and the Honda Accord. Both vehicles have carved out reputations over decades as reliable, comfortable, and fuel-efficient options that appeal to a wide range of buyers. But with so many similarities, which one is actually better?
In this in-depth comparison, we’ll examine performance, fuel economy, interior features, technology, safety, pricing, and long-term ownership experience to help you determine which model is the superior choice for your needs and preferences. Whether you’re prioritizing fuel efficiency, driver engagement, or advanced tech, this Camry vs. Accord showdown will give you the insights you need.
1. Overview and Legacy: Decades of Trust
Both the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord have long-standing legacies in the American automotive market. The Camry, introduced in the U.S. in 1983, has consistently been one of the top-selling cars in America. The Accord, dating back to 1976, has followed a similar trajectory, maintaining a loyal customer base due to its balance of performance and practicality.
As of 2025, both models are in their latest generations, offering modern styling, efficient engines, and advanced driver-assistance features.
2. Performance and Drivetrain
Toyota Camry Performance
The 2025 Toyota Camry offers three engine options:
- 2.5L inline-4 – 203 horsepower
- 3.5L V6 – 301 horsepower (higher trims)
- Hybrid system with 2.5L inline-4 – 210 horsepower
The base 2.5L engine delivers a smooth ride with adequate acceleration. However, it’s the hybrid variant that really shines, combining efficiency with a refined hybrid CVT (continuously variable transmission). The V6 trim is ideal for those who want more power in a midsize sedan, providing sportier driving dynamics.
Honda Accord Performance
The 2025 Honda Accord offers a more streamlined setup with two engine options:
- 1.5L turbo inline-4 – 192 horsepower
- Hybrid system with 2.0L inline-4 – 204 horsepower
The Accord’s turbocharged engine offers spirited acceleration and surprisingly peppy performance in city and highway driving. The hybrid system is smoother and more refined, delivering strong fuel economy. Unlike the Camry, the Accord doesn’t offer a V6 option, but its turbo engine provides adequate power for most buyers.
Comparison Summary
| Aspect | Toyota Camry | Honda Accord |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower (Base) | 203 hp | 192 hp |
| Horsepower (Hybrid) | 210 hp | 204 hp |
| Horsepower (Top Trims) | 301 hp (V6) | 204 hp (Hybrid) |
| Transmission Options | 8-speed automatic, CVT | CVT only |
Overall, the Camry gives buyers more flexibility with engine options, while the Accord excels in refinement and smooth turbo performance.
3. Fuel Economy and Range
Fuel efficiency is a top priority for many midsize sedan buyers, and both the Camry and Accord deliver strong numbers.
Toyota Camry
The Camry hybrid continues to impress with city fuel economy in the high 40s. Even the standard 2.5L engine delivers an EPA-estimated 28 mpg city and 39 mpg highway. The V6, while powerful, drops to approximately 22 mpg city and 31 mpg highway.
Honda Accord
The Honda Accord hybrid is one of the most efficient midsize sedans on the market, routinely scoring over 48 mpg in combined driving. Even the non-hybrid turbo model gets around 30 mpg highway, making it a great balance between efficiency and performance.
Which Offers Better Fuel Economy?
If fuel efficiency is your top concern, the Honda Accord hybrid edges out the Camry slightly, especially for city commuters. However, Toyota’s hybrid still offers impressive numbers and the benefit of a proven reliability record.
4. Interior Comfort, Cargo Space, and Seating
Camry Interior
The Toyota Camry offers a more traditional, button-laden layout. Its cabin is designed for comfort, with ergonomic seating and quiet insulation against road and wind noise. The 2025 model has slightly more shoulder room and headroom front and rear compared to the Accord.
Accord Interior
The Honda Accord’s cabin is slightly more upscale and modern, with soft-touch materials, well-integrated controls, and a tech-forward layout. Honda has emphasized driver-centric design, so the dashboard feels tailored to the driver’s needs. It offers generous legroom and is known for its well-bolstered front seats.
Cargo and Interior Space Comparison
| Feature | Toyota Camry | Honda Accord |
|---|---|---|
| Front Shoulder Room | 58.9 inches | 58.0 inches |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 58.4 inches | 57.8 inches |
| Trunk Space | 15.1 cubic feet | 16.7 cubic feet |
| Legroom (Rear) | 38.0 inches | 39.3 inches |
While the differences are marginal, the Honda Accord offers slightly more rear legroom and trunk space, making it better suited for families who prioritize rear passenger comfort and luggage capacity.
5. Technology and Infotainment
Honda Accord Tech Features
The 2025 Accord comes standard with an 12.3-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and dual-zone climate control. Higher trims add a head-up display, a wireless phone charger, and a 12-speaker Bose audio system.
Toyota Camry Tech Features
The Camry offers a suite of updated tech for 2025, including a next-gen 12.3-inch touchscreen, standard wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and Toyota’s Intelligent Assistant with enhanced voice recognition. A panoramic sunroof and digital rearview mirror are optional.
Key Differences
The Accord’s infotainment system is noted for being more intuitive, while the Camry’s system has been improved but still receives some mixed reviews due to menu layouts and system responsiveness. In general, Honda has taken a strong lead in usability and seamless smartphone integration.
6. Driver Assistance and Safety
Both the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord come with a full suite of driver-assistance technologies as standard or optional.
Camry Safety Features
Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 includes:
- Pedestrian detection
- Digital rearview mirror
- Adaptive cruise control
- Automatic high beams
- Blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert
Accord Safety Features
Honda Sensing includes:
- Traffic sign recognition
- Collision mitigation braking
- Road departure mitigation
- Adaptive cruise control
- Low-speed follow system
Safety Rating and Reliability
Both vehicles received top safety ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Toyota is slightly more reputable in long-term reliability, but Honda isn’t far behind.
7. Pricing and Value
Toyota Camry Starting Price
The Camry starts around $26,500 for the base LE trim. The hybrid begins at $30,500 and the XSE V6 model starts at $35,145.
Honda Accord Starting Price
The Honda Accord is slightly more expensive, starting at $28,600 for the LX model, with the hybrid starting at $32,100. Top trims like the Touring hybrid can exceed $37,000.
Ease of Negotiation and Depreciation
Toyota typically offers more competitive leasing deals, and the Camry depreciates slightly slower than the Accord, making it a good resale value contender. However, many buyers argue that the Accord offers more premium features out of the gate, potentially justifying its higher MSRP.
8. Maintenance and Long-Term Ownership
Estimated Maintenance Costs
Both sedans are known for low maintenance costs. Accord owners report slightly higher oil change costs due to synthetic oil requirements, while Camry owners enjoy longer oil-change intervals.
Service Intervals
Toyota recommends oil changes every 10,000 miles under standard conditions, whereas Honda advises 7,500-mile intervals or annually, whichever comes first.
Owner Satisfaction and Reliability Ratings
J.D. Power and Consumer Reports consistently rank both highly in long-term reliability, but Toyota takes a slight edge in overall customer satisfaction, especially in terms of vehicle longevity.
9. Ride Quality and Handling
Toyota Camry Ride Experience
The Camry provides a plush and composed ride, ideal for daily commuting and long highway drives. However, critics note that it can feel somewhat numb in steering feedback, particularly compared to its main competitor.
Honda Accord Ride Experience
The Accord is often praised for better steering feel, a tighter ride, and more engaging suspension tuning. While it’s not as sporty as a dedicated sports sedan, Honda’s midsize model offers the best driving experience in its class.
Driver Engagement
For enthusiasts who like a responsive steering wheel and nimble handling, the Honda Accord clearly takes the lead. If comfort and ease of ride are more important, the Toyota Camry may suit you better.
10. Which Midsize Sedan Should You Buy?
Choosing between the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord ultimately depends on your personal priorities. Here’s a quick breakdown to help you decide:
Choose the Toyota Camry If:
- You want a variety of engine options, including a powerful V6
- Maximum resale value and long-term reliability are priorities
- You prefer a smoother, softer ride for long drives
- You like a traditional dashboard layout with physical controls
- You frequently carry passengers or value front-seat space
Choose the Honda Accord If:
- Superior fuel economy is your top priority
- You enjoy a more engaging driving experience
- You prefer a modern, tech-forward interface
- You want slightly more rear legroom and trunk space
- You’re willing to pay a bit more for perceived premium design and build quality
Expert Verdict
Both the Toyota Camry and the Honda Accord are fantastic vehicles tailored to slightly different preferences. The Camry wins in terms of powertrain options, comfort, and resale value. The Accord edges ahead with better fuel economy, sharper handling, and a more refined driver-focused interior.
If you’re leaning toward a high-trim V6 version or hybrid, Toyota offers more flexibility. If you value driving dynamics alongside efficiency, the Accord is your better pick.
Regardless of which you choose, you’re getting a well-rounded midsize sedan with a proven record of excellence and dependability. But for most buyers, the 2025 Honda Accord delivers the best blend of efficiency, comfort, and driving enjoyment — narrowly edging out its longtime competitor.
Whether you prefer the Toyota Camry or the Honda Accord, you’re investing in a reliable, capable, and well-equipped sedan ready to handle everyday life with ease. Make sure to take both models for a test drive and consider your individual needs. In this battle of Camry vs. Accord, both are winners — but your driving style, budget, and priorities will decide the clear champion for you.
Which car has better fuel efficiency, the 2025 Toyota Camry or the 2025 Honda Accord?
The 2025 Honda Accord continues to impress with its fuel efficiency, particularly with its hybrid variant. The hybrid model is expected to deliver around 48 mpg in combined city/highway driving, making it an excellent option for eco-conscious drivers and commuters. Even the non-hybrid turbocharged four-cylinder model offers competitive numbers, with an estimated 35 mpg combined.
On the other hand, the 2025 Toyota Camry hybrid offers approximately 43 mpg combined, which is still commendable, but lags slightly behind the Accord in this regard. The non-hybrid versions of the Camry, which include a 2.5L four-cylinder and a 3.5L V6, are less fuel-efficient than the Accord’s turbo-four. In general, the Accord gives a small edge to those prioritizing fuel economy.
How do the interiors of the 2025 Toyota Camry and Honda Accord compare?
The 2025 Honda Accord has seen a significant interior overhaul, focusing on premium materials and an upscale ambiance. The cabin includes a driver-centric dashboard design, with high-quality soft-touch surfaces, available quilted leather upholstery, and refined wood accents. The tech layout is modern, with a sizeable center touchscreen, minimal physical buttons, and intuitive user interface integration.
The 2025 Toyota Camry also boasts a comfortable and well-designed interior, though it maintains a more conservative aesthetic compared to the Accord. Camry offers generous seating space, supportive front seats, and high build quality. While its infotainment system is user-friendly, some reviewers find its interior layout and trim options less dynamic than the Accord’s latest design. Both cars are comfortable, but the Accord feels more modern and tech-forward.
Which sedan is more technologically advanced, the 2025 Camry or Accord?
Honda has significantly upgraded the technology features in the 2025 Accord, offering a cutting-edge infotainment system with a large 14.3-inch vertical touchscreen. The system supports both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the user interface is clean and responsive. Additional tech highlights include wireless charging, over-the-air updates, improved driver-assistance features in Honda Sensing, and high-quality audio systems from premium brands.
Toyota has also stayed competitive for the 2025 Camry, featuring a newly redesigned multimedia system with a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen and support for wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 comes standard with advanced safety features, but some critics note that the system’s interface lags slightly behind Honda’s in intuitiveness. While both models are technologically capable, the Accord provides a more innovative and advanced experience.
Which car has better performance, the 2025 Toyota Camry or Honda Accord?
The 2025 Honda Accord is powered by a standard 1.5L turbocharged four-cylinder hybrid or non-hybrid powertrain. The hybrid system delivers a balance of efficiency and adequate performance, offering around 204 horsepower with smooth acceleration and responsive handling. The Accord’s chassis tuning delivers a sportier ride without sacrificing comfort, appealing to a wide range of drivers.
The 2025 Toyota Camry offers a pair of engines, including a 2.5L four-cylinder and a 3.5L V6, along with a hybrid option. The V6 delivers strong acceleration and a confident driving feel with 305 horsepower, giving the Camry an advantage for those who prioritize power. The hybrid version focuses on fuel efficiency over performance. While the Accord’s hybrid offers slightly better economy, the Camry V6 is the top choice for drivers seeking traditional engine performance.
Are the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry reliable in 2025?
Both the 2025 Toyota Camry and Honda Accord are expected to maintain the long-standing reliability that both brands are known for. Toyota ranks highly in reliability surveys, and the 2025 Camry continues this tradition with proven powertrains and minimal electronics-related issues. Owners praise the Camry for its durability and low cost of ownership.
Honda also enjoys a strong reputation for reliability, and the 2025 Accord benefits from a refined hybrid system and improved build quality. Recent model improvements haven’t compromised reliability, and customer reports indicate smooth long-term ownership experiences. While both vehicles are dependable, the Camry might earn slightly higher scores in long-term dependability studies.
Which sedan provides a better driving experience, the Honda Accord or Toyota Camry in 2025?
The Honda Accord has traditionally been praised for offering a more engaging driving experience. The 2025 model continues this with precise steering, well-tuned suspension, and nimble handling that leans toward a sportier feel. Its hybrid model maintains a composed and smooth ride while delivering responsive acceleration and quiet operation during highway cruising.
The Toyota Camry, while not as sporty as the Accord, emphasizes comfort and refinement in its driving dynamics. The ride is smooth and forgiving over rough road conditions, with a quiet cabin and substantial isolation from road noise. The hybrid version further enhances ride quality with seamless transitions between gas and electric power. For most drivers, both offer an enjoyable experience, but the Accord feels more agile and driver-focused.
How do the pricing and value propositions of the 2025 Toyota Camry and Honda Accord compare?
The 2025 Honda Accord maintains a competitive pricing structure, with the base model offering an impressive array of features that reflect good value. Optional packages and the hybrid variant raise the overall cost, but the Accord’s fuel efficiency and standard technology can offset this. Resale values are traditionally strong, reinforcing the Accord’s reputation for long-term value.
The Toyota Camry remains close in initial pricing and continues to hold strong resale values thanks to its reputation for reliability. Higher trim levels, especially those with the V6 engine, can exceed similar Accord configurations. However, Toyota’s widespread dealership network and lower maintenance costs add to its appeal. Overall, both cars offer strong value, but the Accord edges ahead for those prioritizing tech, efficiency, and a premium feel.