Comparison Data
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2023 Honda Accord Touring Hybrid
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2023 Toyota Camry SE Hybrid
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|---|---|
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Engine Displacement
2.0L
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2.5L
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Engine Cylinders
Hybrid I4
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Hybrid I4
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Peak Horsepower
204 net hp
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208 net hp
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Peak Torque
247 net lb-ft
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N/A
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Fuel Economy
5.0 / 5.7 / 5.3 L/100 km cty/hwy/cmb
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5.3 / 5.0 / 5.1 L/100 km cty/hwy/cmb
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Cargo Space
473 L
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428 L
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Base Price
$44,500
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$37,570
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A/C Tax
$100
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$100
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Destination Fee
$1,830
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$1,860
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Price as Tested
$46,430
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$41,870
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Optional Equipment
None
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$2,340 – Nightshade package, $2,340
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If you’re shopping for a vehicle that emphasizes fuel efficiency and driving engagement, a sedan is still the way to go compared to a crossover.
That brings us to the 2023 Honda Accord Hybrid and its rival, the 2023 Toyota Camry Hybrid. These two automakers have been pumping out hybrid versions of their popular midsize sedans for years, although it’s the latter that’s enjoyed the most sales success. However, Honda has opted for an all-new hybrid powertrain in the redesigned Accord that makes it more competitive than it’s ever been.
Styling
With a smoother overall look, the Accord has a more attractive exterior design. The Camry looks a bit too angular and alien, while the refined lines of the Accord seem minimalistic yet futuristic. The Honda also boasts a sportback-like profile – although that’s not reflected in the actual trunk operation, which is traditionally hinged.
Our Camry SE tester Camry was fitted with the Nightshade package ($2,340), which adds stylish bronze wheels and blacked-out trim. The sedan now appears more aggressive, if that’s what you’re looking for, and not even the coolest Accord looks as tricked out.
The battle inside seems a little unfair – like comparing two cars from different decades. The Camry suffers from a few flimsy, cheap-feeling trim bits, something that we’ve seen in other Toyota models. Big buttons adorn the dash, but the fit and finish are less impressive than the Accord, which feels more robust and high-end.
Honda Accord Hybrid: 8/10; Toyota Camry Hybrid: 7/10
Practicality
The trunk is the first place most automakers stuff hybrid components, but despite the addition of a hybrid powertrain, both sedans feature the same cargo space as their gas counterparts. That’s largely due to both battery packs being stuffed under their back seats, as well as the electric motors being tucked under their hoods. (That also means both these sedans are front-wheel drive-only.)
Those seeking a more spacious trunk should opt for the Accord, which boasts 473 L of space compared to 428 L in the Camry. Both cars have folding rear seats with a 60/40 split to accommodate longer items.
Honda Accord Hybrid: 8/10; Toyota Camry Hybrid: 7.5/10
User Friendliness
While the Camry features well-labelled and easy-to-use buttons, it also uses an infotainment system that seems ancient. The nine-inch touchscreen feels slow and bothersome but includes support for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, both of which are wired.
The 12.3-inch screen in the Accord Hybrid is far faster and prettier. There’s also a 10-inch driver display that provides plenty of trip and vehicle information. The green driving coach is easier to understand than the analogue-looking dial in the Camry.
The Accord also includes support for Android Auto and wired Apple CarPlay, but those connections are wireless. The Touring trim adds Android Automotive OS functions like built-in Google Maps and the search engine giant’s voice-assist system. If Google isn’t your thing, the Accord also supports Amazon Alexa.
Honda Accord Hybrid: 8.5/10; Toyota Camry Hybrid: 7/10
Fuel Economy
An inefficient hybrid is like a three-legged chair: useless. The Toyota Camry Hybrid is rated by Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) for a combined 5.1 L/100 km, but during this wintertime test – and with tires to match – our tester averaged about 6.0 L/100 km. The Accord Hybrid is good for 5.3 L/100 km, according to NRCan, but our testing saw it average 5.8 L/100 km.
Honda Accord Hybrid: 8/10; Toyota Camry Hybrid: 8.5/10
Power
Those fuel consumption numbers are pretty good, but they don’t tell the whole story. The gas-electric Toyota Camry makes 208 net hp from its combined powertrain, while the Accord generates 204 net hp. Both cars use automatic continuously variable transmissions (CVTs) that send power to their front wheels.
The Camry is eager to rely on its electric motor at lower speeds and will fire up the gas motor quickly for more passing power when needed. The Accord feels a bit lazy sometimes, taking too long to turn off the gas engine. However, the gas engine seems like it’d be a morning person: it never feels like waking up. Once it does, however, it never disrupts this Honda’s refined driving manners.
Honda Accord Hybrid: 7/10; Toyota Camry Hybrid: 7.5/10
Driving Feel
Though the Accord came out on top with its fuel efficiency during our test, it wasn’t quite as responsive or engaging as its rival. The Camry was our favoured driving partner thanks to its heavier, more direct steering feel and direct input response. It also boasts a firm ride, but not one that could be misinterpreted as uncomfortable.
The Accord rides a bit more like an underpowered premium sedan. It’s smooth and cool like your favourite jazz track but never feels like it can increase its tempo. The steering is a bit on the light side by comparison, adding to the sensation that this is a comfy cruiser more than anything else.
Honda Accord Hybrid: 7/10; Toyota Camry Hybrid: 7.5/10
Comfort
The Camry Hybrid features less rear headroom than its gas-only counterpart, a by-product of its battery location, and the spec sheet suggests it has less headroom than the Accord Hybrid. However, jump into the back seat and you’ll find the Toyota is a bit more accommodating than the Honda in terms of upright space, although the latter offers plenty of legroom.
When it comes to seat comfort it’s easy to pick the thrones in the Accord, which are cushy, soft, and easy to sink into. Honda includes heated seats and a heated steering wheel and offers ventilated front seats and heated rear ones as optional extras. The Toyota comes with heated front seats, while a heated steering wheel is in all but the entry-level LE, and ventilated front seats come in the range-topping XLE. However, heated rear seats aren’t available.
Honda Accord Hybrid: 7.5/10; Toyota Camry Hybrid: 7/10
Features
Both cars come with plenty of sought-after features. The Camry includes a standard power-adjustable driver’s seats, dual-zone climate control, and a bevy of safety gear. It’s available in four trims, allowing more equipment choices including a head-up display, exterior LED lighting, surround-view cameras, ambient lighting, a wireless phone charger, integrated garage door opener, and JBL-branded stereo.
By comparison, there are only two Accord Hybrid trims to choose from. The Sport gets19-inch alloy wheels, LED lights, a power sunroof, active noise cancelling, dual-zone climate control, remote start, and power-adjustable driver’s seats. The top Touring trim includes a head-up display, rear USB ports, a Bose sound system, wireless phone charging, memory settings for the driver’s seat and door mirrors, and rain-sensing wipers.
Honda Accord Hybrid: 8/10; Toyota Camry Hybrid: 7.5/10
Safety
Both the Accord and Camry include standard automatic high-beam headlights, forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assistance. The Honda also features standard blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, a combined system that’s optional on the Camry. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has awarded both sedans with its Top Safety Pick+ award.
Honda Accord Hybrid: 8/10; Toyota Camry Hybrid: 8/10
Value
One of the advantages of the Toyota Camry is its number of trims, which start as low as $33,810 including freight for the entry-level LE version. The fully loaded XLE model is $42,610. The SE trim tested here with the Nightshade package will set shoppers back $39,430 before tax.
If those numbers concern you, don’t even consider the Accord Hybrid, which starts around the price of the top-trim Camry. The Accord Sport Hybrid has an asking price of $42,830, while the fully loaded Accord Touring Hybrid will set you back $46,330.
Honda Accord Hybrid: 7/10; Toyota Camry Hybrid: 8/10
The Verdict
The 2023 Honda Accord Hybrid is the perfect pick for those seeking an efficient, refined, and sleek-looking ride. But for those that want something that’s a bit more budget-friendly and enjoyable to drive without sacrificing efficiency, the 2023 Toyota Camry Hybrid should work just fine. Even so, the Accord is the better vehicle overall. It costs more and is somewhat boring to drive, but those aren’t fatal flaws for shoppers seeking first-rate fuel efficiency.
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