Mid-size sedans may not be the kings of the car market they once were, but the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry still stand tall as titans of the road. Choosing between a sedan and a similarly priced crossover often brings advantages like sleeker styling, sharper driving dynamics, more features, refined interiors, and notably better fuel economy. When you factor in the hybrid versions, the Honda Accord Hybrid and Toyota Camry Hybrid, the deal gets even sweeter. These eco-conscious models offer a slight price increase over their gasoline-only counterparts but reward drivers with significantly improved gas mileage. Why say no to spacious comfort, solid performance, and the prospect of nearly 50 mpg?
However, the Accord Hybrid and Camry Hybrid each bring unique strengths to the table, catering to different preferences. Both received updates for the 2021 model year, making this comparison even more relevant. Based on thorough testing of these two hybrid sedans, we delve into a head-to-head comparison across key areas to determine which emerges as the ultimate champion.
Fuel Efficiency Face-Off
For many hybrid car buyers, fuel economy sits at the top of the priority list. Let’s dive right into this crucial aspect. Both the Accord Hybrid and Camry Hybrid demonstrate exceptional thriftiness, especially considering their size and performance capabilities. However, Toyota edges out Honda in fuel efficiency, both according to EPA estimates and real-world driving experiences.
The Toyota Camry Hybrid LE leads the pack with impressive EPA ratings of 51 mpg city and 53 mpg highway. In comparison, most Honda Accord Hybrid trims achieve 48 mpg city and 48 mpg highway. The Camry Hybrid SE and other higher trims slightly decrease to 44 mpg city and 47 mpg highway. Our test drive of the Accord Hybrid Touring model resulted in 44 mpg city and 41 mpg highway. In practical mixed driving scenarios, the Camry consistently delivered around 44 mpg, while the Accord achieved approximately 41 mpg. While both cars could surpass 50 mpg at lower speeds, the Honda’s highway mileage on open freeways closely mirrored that of the non-hybrid Accord. For drivers primarily focused on long freeway journeys, the standard gasoline models might suffice.
Toyota Camry Hybrid showcasing its fuel efficiency.
Price and Feature Breakdown
The 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid enters the market with a starting price of $26,570, slightly undercutting the 2021 Toyota Camry Hybrid’s base price of $27,270. The base Accord boasts alloy wheels, a step up from the Camry’s steel wheels with plastic covers. However, Toyota includes a standard power driver’s seat even in the base LE trim, while Honda reserves this feature for the upgraded EX trim ($30,520).
As you explore higher trim levels, the Camry Hybrid generally maintains a slightly higher price point compared to similarly equipped Accord Hybrid models. Both sedans offer a wide array of features, from luxurious heated and ventilated leather seats to premium sound systems and convenient head-up displays. Yet, the Honda tends to offer these features at a slightly more accessible price.
Honda Accord Hybrid highlighting its competitive pricing and feature set.
Exterior Styling: A Matter of Taste
Both the Accord and Camry hybrids maintain a visual resemblance to their gasoline-only counterparts. However, distinct design philosophies differentiate these two sedans. The Accord embraces a sleek, elongated, and low-slung aesthetic, characterized by a swept-back roofline, narrow headlights, and a streamlined grille.
The Camry adopts a more upright yet rounded stance. Toyota offers two distinct design themes for the Camry: a more refined grille and rear bumper in the LE and XLE trims, and a sportier visual appeal in the SE and the newly introduced XSE trims. Both models received subtle styling updates for the 2021 model year, requiring a keen eye to spot the changes. Ultimately, exterior design preference is subjective. We’ll leave it to you to decide which styling approach resonates more.
Toyota Camry Hybrid showcasing its exterior design.
Interior Design and Quality Comparison
The 2021 Toyota Camry Hybrid boasts a refreshed interior design. Toyota redesigned the dashboard to accommodate a larger infotainment touchscreen, which now protrudes slightly above the dash. Base models feature a modest 7-inch screen, while a more substantial 9-inch screen is newly available. The Camry’s interior is user-friendly, with the dashboard seamlessly flowing towards the center console, enveloping the gear selector.
The 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid features a symmetrical dashboard layout, also incorporating an infotainment screen that extends above the dash. Its controls are generally user-friendly, although the 8-inch screen can feel a bit cluttered with densely packed icons compared to the Camry’s interface. However, the most significant difference lies in interior quality. The Camry exhibits solid build quality and materials appropriate for its price point, with pleasant materials in frequently touched areas, some elegant accents, but also some hard, less refined plastics in other zones. The Accord elevates the interior experience, consistently presenting a premium look and feel. Its buttons and knobs convey a sense of quality, and its infotainment system now supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, eliminating the need for USB cable connections.
Honda Accord Hybrid’s superior interior design and material quality.
Cabin Space and Comfort Assessment
If you appreciate the feel of a luxury sports sedan, the Accord Hybrid’s low, supportive seats might appeal to you. It also offers more generous rear legroom and a larger trunk compared to the Camry Hybrid, boasting 16.7 cubic feet of cargo space versus 15.1 cubic feet.
Despite these advantages, the Camry takes the win in this category. Its seats strike a more universally appealing balance of cushioning and support, and their slightly higher positioning facilitates easier entry and exit without feeling awkwardly elevated. Furthermore, despite its low-slung profile, the Accord Hybrid surprisingly lacks an available passenger-side seat-height adjuster, even as an optional feature. For maximum space or a sportier seating position, the Honda might be preferable. However, for everyday comfort that caters to a broader range of occupants, the Toyota edges ahead.
Toyota Camry Hybrid’s comfortable and spacious interior.
Acceleration and Performance Dynamics
Honda updated the Accord Hybrid’s powertrain for the 2021 model year, and the result is truly impressive. Honda pairs a 2.0-liter gasoline four-cylinder engine with an electric motor, delivering a combined output of 212 horsepower and 232 lb-ft of torque. The hybrid system operates with exceptional seamlessness. The gasoline engine transitions on and off almost imperceptibly, and acceleration is smooth, responsive, and even accompanied by a pleasing engine note.
The Camry Hybrid’s powertrain, while still commendable – 208 horsepower from a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine combined with an electric motor – feels less refined in comparison. It provides respectable acceleration and excellent fuel economy, but the transitions between electric and gasoline power are more noticeable than in the Accord. The Toyota doesn’t accelerate as briskly as the Honda. While not slow or noisy, it lacks the eagerness to encourage spirited driving. The Accord Hybrid, in contrast, is genuinely enjoyable to drive, earning high marks in this aspect.
Honda Accord Hybrid showcasing its acceleration and performance.
Ride Quality and Handling Prowess
The Camry has historically been associated with a somewhat bland driving experience. However, the current generation departs from the floaty suspension of older models. It offers a remarkably smooth ride while also exhibiting agreeable agility. The steering is responsive and well-weighted, and cornering feels confident.
Yet again, the Accord surpasses the Camry in driving dynamics. Drivers prioritizing ultimate comfort might find the Honda’s firmer ride less appealing, but it strikes a magnificent balance of composure without being overly stiff – even with the test vehicle’s upsized 19-inch alloy wheels. The Accord Hybrid embodies a cohesive sports sedan character, whereas the Camry Hybrid remains primarily a competent family car. The Accord Hybrid confidently tackles corners with precision and enthusiasm, all while maintaining commendable comfort and quietness.
Honda Accord Hybrid demonstrating superior ride and handling.
Safety Ratings and Features
Both the Camry Hybrid and Accord Hybrid prioritize safety, achieving exceptional ratings. Both earned a perfect five-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in all crash test categories and the highest Top Safety Pick+ designation from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). They also come equipped with a comprehensive suite of standard safety technologies, including forward automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and more.
The Camry gains a slight edge in safety features by offering optional rear automatic emergency braking, a surround-view parking camera, and cyclist-detection capability for the forward automatic braking system. Both sedans offer optional blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert; it’s standard on all but the base Accord Hybrid trim and either standard or optional across the Camry Hybrid lineup.
Toyota Camry Hybrid highlighting its safety features.
Final Verdict: Choosing Your Hybrid Champion
The 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid stands out as a rare hybrid that doesn’t overtly scream “hybrid,” all while delivering impressive fuel efficiency. It’s quick, quiet, agile, and boasts a beautifully crafted interior. You can drive it with the spirit of a sports sedan and still achieve 40 mpg or higher, particularly in stop-and-go traffic. And it provides ample space for family and passengers.
If maximizing fuel efficiency in a family sedan is your primary goal, the 2021 Toyota Camry Hybrid offers a more cushioned ride than the Accord. It’s more fuel-efficient, especially on highways (though neither car shines exceptionally on open highways). It includes a few more available safety features. And it remains a pleasant car to drive, whether cruising or navigating winding roads. However, for those who prioritize a truly exceptional driving experience, the Honda’s dynamic performance and refined interior make it worth the slight compromise in ultimate fuel economy.
Honda Accord Hybrid recognized as the overall winner in this comparison.
