2018 Toyota Camry vs 2018 Honda Accord: Which Mid-Size Sedan Should You Choose?

The 2018 Toyota Camry and the 2018 Honda Accord both bring a lot to the table in the competitive world of mid-size sedans. Known for their reliability, fuel efficiency, and advanced safety features, these two vehicles have long been favorites among drivers. This guide dives into a detailed comparison, so you can determine which car best suits your needs. We’ll cover performance, interior comfort, safety, technology, and more. Along the way, we’ll highlight the pros and cons of each vehicle so you get a balanced view.

Performance & Powertrain Options

When it comes to performance, the Camry and Accord each offer unique powertrain options tailored to different driving preferences. Here’s a breakdown of what’s available in both models.

Engine Choices and Horsepower

Both the Camry and Accord offer a variety of engines, so let's look under the hood and see how they compare:

1. Toyota Camry Engine Options

   • Base Engine: 2.5-liter inline-4 with 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque
   • Optional Engine: 3.5-liter V6 with 301 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque

2. Honda Accord Engine Options

   • Base Engine: 1.5-liter turbocharged inline-4 with 192 horsepower and 192 lb-ft of torque
   • Optional Engine: 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 with 252 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque

The Camry’s V6 engine is perfect for drivers craving extra power on the highway, while the Accord's turbocharged engines offer a smooth and punchy performance that feels particularly lively in city driving. But which one’s better? It depends on your priorities:

• If you need that extra kick on the open road, the Camry’s V6 is likely the better choice.
• For those who prefer a more balanced power-to-fuel-efficiency ratio, the Accord’s 1.5-liter turbo engine might be more appealing.

Fuel Economy

Fuel economy is crucial, especially for those who use their car for commuting or long trips. Here’s how each model fares:

• Toyota Camry

  • 2.5L Inline-4: 28 MPG city / 39 MPG highway
  • 3.5L V6: 22 MPG city / 33 MPG highway

• Honda Accord

  • 1.5L Turbo Inline-4: 30 MPG city / 38 MPG highway
  • 2.0L Turbo Inline-4: 22 MPG city / 32 MPG highway

The Honda Accord generally has a slight edge in fuel efficiency, especially in city driving. However, the Camry’s base engine delivers better highway fuel economy than the Accord’s 1.5-liter option. If you prioritize highway driving, you might find the Camry a more economical choice.

Interior Design & Comfort

When it comes to interior design, both the 2018 Camry and 2018 Accord offer spacious cabins, high-quality materials, and ample cargo space. But there are subtle differences in design and comfort that may sway your decision.

Cabin Space

The Honda Accord is known for its slightly larger interior dimensions, which means more legroom, especially in the back seat. The Camry's cabin is also comfortable but may feel a bit more compact in comparison.

• Camry Pros: High-quality materials and supportive seating.

• Camry Cons: Less backseat legroom than the Accord.

• Accord Pros: Roomy backseat, excellent headroom.

• Accord Cons: Interior design may feel a bit less upscale than the Camry.

Seating and Comfort Features

1. Toyota Camry

   • Available leather upholstery
   • Power-adjustable seats with heating options
   • Driver-oriented cockpit design

2. Honda Accord

   • Ventilated seats available in higher trims
   • Generous rear legroom, ideal for families
   • Sleek dashboard layout with easy-to-reach controls

"Alex Collantes, a car enthusiast, shared their thoughts: 'The Camry feels sportier and more compact, which I actually like, but the Accord is undeniably spacious—perfect if you often have passengers in the back seat.'"

Technology & Infotainment

Both the Camry and Accord are equipped with cutting-edge technology and infotainment systems, though each has its strengths.

Touchscreen & Infotainment Systems

• Toyota Camry

  • Entune 3.0 system with a 7-inch touchscreen (upgradeable to 8 inches)
  • Apple CarPlay compatibility but lacks Android Auto

• Honda Accord

  • 8-inch Display Audio touchscreen as standard
  • Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support

The Honda Accord is slightly ahead in terms of technology, offering both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto right out of the box, while the Camry’s Entune system lacks Android Auto support.

Safety Features

Safety is a key consideration, and both of these sedans have advanced safety features designed to protect you and your passengers.

Standard Safety Packages

1. Toyota Camry

   • Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P) with Pre-Collision System
   • Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist
   • Automatic High Beams

2. Honda Accord

   • Honda Sensing Suite with Collision Mitigation Braking
   • Road Departure Mitigation
   • Adaptive Cruise Control

Both safety systems are robust, though each has slight differences. The Honda Sensing Suite is praised for its adaptive cruise control which works well even in heavy traffic.

Price & Trim Options

When choosing between these two vehicles, price and trim levels may play a significant role.

Price Range

• Toyota Camry: Starts around $24,000 for base trims and can go up to $35,000 for premium trims.
• Honda Accord: Slightly more affordable with base models starting around $23,500 and premium trims reaching $34,000.

The Accord may offer a bit more value for your money in the lower trims, while the Camry's upper trims add some luxurious touches that might be appealing for those looking for more amenities.

Potential Drawbacks

While both cars have significant strengths, it's also important to consider their potential drawbacks.

Toyota Camry Drawbacks

• Lack of Android Auto: For Android users, the absence of Android Auto can be a significant drawback.
• Less Rear Legroom: Families with taller passengers may find the back seat slightly cramped.

Honda Accord Drawbacks

• No V6 Engine Option: Some drivers may miss the power of a V6 option.
• Less Sporty Design: The Accord’s appearance might feel less dynamic than the Camry's sleeker styling.

Verdict: Which Car is Right for You?

Choosing between the 2018 Toyota Camry and 2018 Honda Accord ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and driving needs. Here’s a quick summary to help you decide:

• Choose the Toyota Camry if you:
  • Value a sportier design and the option for a powerful V6 engine.
  • Are willing to forego Android Auto for other tech features.
• Choose the Honda Accord if you:
  • Prefer a roomier interior with generous legroom, especially in the back.
  • Want both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility as standard.

As Alex Collantes put it: 'Both cars are fantastic choices but I’d lean toward the Accord if tech and space are your top priorities. For a sportier drive the Camry is a solid pick.'

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the major differences between the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord?

The main differences lie in their engine options, with the Camry offering a V6 and the Accord opting for turbocharged inline-4 engines. The Accord also has a more spacious interior and supports both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while the Camry only supports Apple CarPlay.

Which is more fuel-efficient: the Camry or the Accord?

The Accord's base engine is slightly more efficient in city driving, while the Camry’s 2.5L engine has better highway fuel economy.

Does the Toyota Camry offer better resale value than the Honda Accord?

Both vehicles have excellent resale value, but Toyota tends to lead in terms of long-term value retention, making the Camry a solid choice if resale value is a priority.

In the end the 2018 Toyota Camry and Honda Accord are both standout choices in the mid-size sedan category. Each has its own unique strengths and potential drawbacks so your choice will largely depend on what features and characteristics are most important to you. Whether you prioritize power, technology, fuel efficiency, or interior space, these two sedans won’t disappoint.