Accord vs Camry
Honda brings the Accord; Toyota answers with the Camry. Both play in the midsize sedan class. Of the 4 areas we compared, the Camry wins 3. If one area explains the result, it’s fuel economy & range.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Camry wins
- Fuel Economy & Range Camry wins
- Space & Practicality Accord wins
- Off-road & Towing Camry wins
- Price Accord wins
- Fuel Economy & Range1.7
- Fuel Economy & Range10.0
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Key Differences
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The Camry has better fuel economy
The Camry’s 51 mpg leaves the Accord’s 32 mpg well behind, so if this spec matters to you, the choice is easy. Official figures rarely match real-world driving exactly, but the ranking between two cars tends to hold.
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The Camry has 33 hp more power
Not a close call. The Camry lists 225 hp and the Accord lists 192 hp. That’s a substantial gap. More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board.
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The Accord has 11% more cargo space
The Accord wins this narrowly, 16.7 cu ft against 15.1 cu ft, which makes it more of a bonus than a reason to buy. The Accord’s larger cargo area makes family trips and big shopping runs easier.
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The Camry has better city fuel economy
Among all the differences on this page, 53 mpg against 29 mpg is one of the most meaningful, and it favors the Camry. Hybrids often shine in the city, and the Camry has the better rating here.
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The Camry has better highway fuel economy
The Accord gives up a lot on fuel economy (highway): 37 mpg, compared with 50 mpg on the Camry. Highway fuel economy matters if you cover long distances at steady speeds.
Design & Size
Dimensions
| Spec | Accord | Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 195.7 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Width (no mirrors) | 73.3 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Height | 57.1 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Wheelbase | 111.4 in | N/A (not specified) |
Engine & Performance
Camry leads
If engine & performance is high on your list, the Camry makes the stronger case by a wide margin. The Camry comes with 33 hp more power. Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels. Net result: the Camry leads this part of the comparison.
Total system output
Accord: 192 hp Camry: 225 hp The Camry’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed.
Fuel Economy & Range
Camry leads
When it comes to fuel economy & range, the Camry is comfortably ahead. Here the Camry offers better fuel economy. The Camry uses less fuel on the standard combined cycle, which matters most if you drive a lot. Bottom line for fuel economy & range: the Camry has the edge.
Fuel economy (combined)
Accord: 32 mpg Camry: 51 mpg Better combined fuel economy lowers your running costs every week, and the savings add up over years of ownership.
Fuel economy (city)
Accord: 29 mpg Camry: 53 mpg In town, driving style has a big effect, but the Camry starts from a better baseline.
Space & Practicality
Accord leads
The Camry keeps it close on space & practicality, yet the Accord holds a small lead. The Accord answers with 11% more cargo space. Cargo figures are measured in different ways by different makers, so small gaps may not show in practice. Anyone shopping mainly on space & practicality should start with the Accord.
Cargo (behind rear seats)
Accord: 16.7 cu ft Camry: 15.1 cu ft Cargo space behind the rear seats is what you use every day for groceries, strollers and luggage.
Off-road & Towing
Camry leads
The Camry edges the off-road & towing section, though the Accord stays close. The Camry makes its case with available all-wheel drive. The Camry offers all-wheel drive; the Accord doesn’t, which matters if you face harsh winters. On off-road & towing alone, the Camry gets the nod.
AWD / 4WD available
Accord: no Camry: yes All-wheel drive helps you get going on slippery roads, but good tires matter just as much for stopping and turning.
Safety & Tech
The safety & tech data here comes as names and types, not scores. Check the table to see what each one uses.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Accord | Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Hybrid |
| Engine | 1.5L turbo I4 | 2.5L I4 hybrid |
| Total system output | 192 hp | 225 hp (winner) |
| Torque | 192 lb-ft | N/A (not specified) |
| Transmission | CVT | eCVT |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD (AWD available) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Accord | Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 32 mpg | 51 mpg (winner) Most efficient in class |
| Fuel economy (city) | 29 mpg | 53 mpg (winner) Best city economy |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 37 mpg | 50 mpg (winner) Best highway economy |
| Fuel tank | 14.8 gal | N/A (not specified) |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Accord | Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | 16.7 cu ft (winner) Biggest cargo area | 15.1 cu ft |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Accord | Camry |
|---|---|---|
| AWD / 4WD available | No | Yes (winner) |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Accord | Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Largest touchscreen | 12.3 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Driver-assist suite | Honda Sensing | N/A (not specified) |
| Basic warranty | 3 yr / 36,000 mi | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | Accord | Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 195.7 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Width (no mirrors) | 73.3 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Height | 57.1 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Wheelbase | 111.4 in | N/A (not specified) |
Price
| Spec | Accord | Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $28,395 | $28,400 |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Price & Value
Choosing the Accord saves $5 at launch prices, which is nice but not decisive. The Camry’s premium of $5 isn’t just for the name; it brings better fuel economy and 33 hp more power.
Launch prices in the US as of April 2024; street prices move, so check before you buy.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the Accord if…
- you want more cargo space behind the rear seats (16.7 cu ft vs 15.1 cu ft)
- you’d put the $5 saving toward something else
- you already know your way around Honda’s products
Choose the Camry if…
- you drive a lot and want lower running costs (51 mpg vs 32 mpg combined)
- you merge, overtake or climb hills with a full load (225 hp vs 192 hp)
- you mostly drive in town (53 mpg vs 29 mpg in the city)
- you cover long highway distances (50 mpg vs 37 mpg on the highway)
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the Accord or the Camry?
The Camry makes more sense overall. Consider the alternative only if you value 11% more cargo space above everything else.
Is the Accord cheaper than the Camry?
At launch, the Accord undercut the Camry by $5. These figures are as of April 2024, and street prices can change.
Executive Summary
Whenever Honda and Toyota go head to head, I learn something about what each one cares about, and the Accord and the Camry are no exception. The Camry wins me over with better fuel economy. Add 33 hp more power to the list, and the Camry looks even better. Still, if you care most about 11% more cargo space, the Accord deserves a look.
The Accord is built for people who weigh space & practicality heavily, and the Camry for people who weigh engine & performance.
My pick: I think most people will be happier with the Camry, unless you know that 11% more cargo space would make a real difference in your routine.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.