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What's Your Choice- 48 MPG 2020 Honda Accord Hybrid vs. 52 MPG 2020 Toyota Camry Hybrid

America now has two midsize sedans with amazing fuel economy and power. We compare and contrast them

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Green vehicles in America have never taken on so many sizes, shapes, and styles. Those who wish to remain in a midsized sedan now have two amazing options. Both of these vehicles offer great fuel economy and a familiar look. Here is our breakdown of the contrasts and similarities of the two for shoppers trying to pick one for their driveway.
camry vs. accord hybrid mpg chartAccord Hybrid vs. Camry Hybrid - MPG
The 2020 Accord Hybrid has just one MPG rating to know and it's 48 MPG. However, the Camry comes in two distinct styles with two different ratings. The first is the Camry Hybrid LE. It has a rating of 52 MPG. The XLE and SE trims have slightly different equipment and earn a rating of 46 MPG. All of our numbers quoted are the EPA Estimated Combined figure. See our chart above for more details.
camry hybridAccord Hybrid vs. Camry Hybrid - Safety
Both the Camry and Accord lines are extremely highly rated for safety by IIHS. The Camry earns the top score possible, the Top Safety Pick Plus rating. The Accord earns the second-best rating the IIHS Top Safety Pick rating. The only difference in the scores is the headlight ratings the two earn. And there is overlap in the ratings. We call this one a tie. Both come with a host of standard active safety features.

Accord Hybrid vs. Camry Hybrid - Infotainment
The Accord and Camry both offer simple to use touch-screen infotainment systems. Your taste will be the real differentiator here. Both now offer Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. During your test drive, be sure to pair your phone and operate each using the system of your choice. Not all smart-phone interfaces work the same. Here's another hint; check to see if the trim you are opting for has a wireless charging tray.

Accord Hybrid vs. Camry Hybrid - Power and Torque
Both of these sedans offer outstanding power and torque by comparison to the four-cylinder cars in this segment. However, the Accord has 212 hp and the Camry 176. Both offer multiple drive modes so try them on your test drive and see how the response is. The electric motor(s) count for a lot when it comes to torque, so take note of how the vehicle feels when starting out from a stop. We suspect if you have not tried a hybrid in the past you will be surprised at the amount of "pull" these cars offer.

Accord Hybrid vs. Camry Hybrid - Pricing
There is a lot of overlap in the prices of the Accord and Camry Hybrids. Including destination charges, the Accord Hybrid starts at about $26,400 and ends at about $36K. The Toyota Camry Hybrid trims range in price from about $29,100 to about $33,400. There are just too many options and packages to compare in one overview, but ask your dealer to show you a vehicle with the options and features you value most. We suspect that you will find the cost comparison between the two brands to be very close when equally-equipped. One added aspect of this consideration is that Toyota includes the first two years of routine maintenance in the price. We assign an approximate value of that service of $275. Another factor to remember is that both of these models will have a cost per mile of energy close to electric vehicles depending upon local prices. When cross-shopping green vehicles like these versus conventionally powered sedans it is important to remember the fuel savings over the life of the vehicle.

camry LE HybridAccord Hybrid vs. Camry Hybrid - Styling
Our readers have their own eyes, so we won't insult them by commenting on which of these two popular models is "better-looking." However, we can point out that the Camry comes in more variety of styles.

Our overview is no substitute for a carefully-planned test drive and a careful search of local deals and inventory of these two comparable models. If you have made your choice, please tells us what swayed your decision in the comments below.

Related Story: 2018 Honda Clarity PHEV Touring – Here’s the Most Honest Review You Will Read About This Important New Green Car

In addition to covering green vehicle topics, John Goreham covers safety, technology, and new vehicle news at Torque News. You can follow John on Twitter at @johngoreham.

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Comments

DeanMcManis (not verified)    September 30, 2019 - 10:24AM

The Accord hybrid and Camry hybrid are both filling the gap between the regular gas powered versions of these cars, and the plug-in hybrid models of the Honda Clarity and Prius Prime. Happily there isn't too much of a price premium to pay for the hybrid option over the base models, but depending on incentives and subsidies in your area the Clarity and Prius Prime PHEVs might actually be a better deal, especially if you have commuter lanes, and want the benefits of the reliability and engineering of a Camry or Accord but in a more upmarket package. Personally, I prefer the styling of the new Accord to the Camry. There are versions of the new Camry where the styling is similarly sporty, but not in the base models or the hybrid model. Still, there is so much to recommend with both of these cars that you will want to see them in real life and test them out before deciding. Also the updated Honda Insight is in the running against these two models, with a lower price and comparable hybrid (read excellent) gas mileage, but in a slightly smaller package than the mid-sized models.

John Goreham    September 30, 2019 - 11:32AM

In reply to by DeanMcManis (not verified)

I'm really glad you added this comment. I should have included something to this effect in the story. I'd like to create a story on this topic (Hybrids vs. PHEVs - a practical guide for buyers). Would you like to have some input? You have walked the walk here on this topic more than I have. This is a story we should do to help green vehicle shoppers. Glad you added this. Let me know if you'd like to help add some content, or I will tackle it using your prior comments and stories as part of the guide. Cheers,

DeanMcManis (not verified)    September 30, 2019 - 3:21PM

It is a good article to write, especially with new hybrid models introduced, and more coming. We should also have sub $40K BEVs included in the comparison, as they would be included in many buyer's comparative review. You have got my email through Torquenews.

Ron Lee (not verified)    May 9, 2020 - 4:31AM

Test drove both of these -- excellent vehicles indeed. Road manners are similar with the Camry slightly quieter; however the Accord handling, steering feel and stronger "torquey" acceleration is certainly compelling. Interior comfort goes to the Honda with a control layout that is clean, roomy (Camry center stack overwhelms) -- the massive rear seat legroom in the Accord gives it a full size feel. The new Honda Premium Audio infotainment is superior ergonomically. In fact the Accord more directly competes with the Avalon Hybrid overall. Here is where the Accord crosses the finish line -- the EX-L package compares closely with the Avalon Hybrid XLE, beats the Camry Hybrid XLE -- all at a lower price point for comparable features. Value is the key here, which is what most hybrid buyers look for. The Accord package has a luxury appeal in the EX-L package with a strong elegant feature set at just around $30K (negotiated) -- I ended up with a Platinum White Pearl with Ivory leather interior that is stunning.