With many employees back in the office post-pandemic, the search for an efficient, reliable, and safe commuter car is back on. The good news is that it doesn’t take long to realize that two mainstays in the commuter car competition still lead the pack. The Accord, found at your local Honda dealership, continues to offer everything you need for your daily commute, as well as its rival, the Toyota Camry. It makes sense, especially when you realize that efficiency is one of the main priorities for each brand.
Knowing this, all that’s left is to choose the right one for you, which might mean something different for each driver. So, maybe the first question should be, “What would make your commute easier?” On average, American drivers commute just under an hour each day, which, on the surface, doesn’t seem like much. However, weather, accidents, and other factors can extend that commute even further. While you think about the answer to the above question, we’ll break down the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry, focusing on efficiency, reliability, safety, comfort, and convenience to help you make an informed decision.
Efficiency
Efficiency is a great place to start, especially as today’s car brands and drivers continue to focus on sustainability and reducing their carbon footprint. In fact, both Toyota and Honda have initiatives to achieve carbon neutrality in the next few years. For Honda, its “Triple Action to ZERO” plan focuses on carbon neutrality, clean energy, and resource circulation in hopes of reaching zero environmental impact by 2050 in its products and more. Meanwhile, Toyota’s focus on sustainability has a goal of 70% electrified new vehicle sales by 2030 and carbon neutrality for all its plants by 2035.
Regarding current efficiency, Honda offers four hybrid options for the Accord. The EX-L, Sport, Sport L, and Touring all offer 204 hp and instant torque, along with an inline four-cylinder engine and a two-motor hybrid system. Essentially, this two-motor hybrid system has a traction and generator motor. The generator motor efficiently turns the engine’s output into electricity, which powers the tires and charges the battery. When the vehicle slows down, it also turns the energy back into electricity. On the Camry side of things, there are five hybrid options. They include the LE, SE, SE Nightshade, XLE, and XSE. Each option is equipped with a 2.5L four-cylinder engine that offers 208 hp.
Of course, efficiency comes down to numbers, such as how far you can go. For the hybrid options, the EX-L hybrid range runs from 51 MPG in the city, 44 MPG on the highway, and 48 MPG combined. The Toyota LE hybrid also performs well, with 51 MPG in the city and 53 MPG on the highway.
If you’re not ready to take the hybrid route, you’ll be happy to know that both the Accord and Camry gas engine options also give you great efficiency when it comes to fuel use. For instance, the LE and SE of the Camry—both of which have a four-cylinder engine—earned EPA estimates of 28 MPG in the city and 39 MPG on the highway. For the Accord, the LX and EX—their only non-hybrid options—offer 29 MPG in the city and 37 MPG on the highway.
Reliability
Both the Honda Accord and the Toyota Camry have great reputations when it comes to reliability, which is one of many reasons why these two continue to be considered when choosing a commuter car. For the Accord, many drivers report smooth sailing well past 100,000 miles, while the car’s reliability rating on popular sites like RepairPal is 4.5 out of 5.0, which is the top spot when compared to 24 other midsize cars. The Camry also ranks well, receiving a 4.0 out of 5.0, putting it third on the same list. Both cars also have strong after-sale support and warranty protection, making each a smart choice when choosing a commuter car that will last long and continue to function well.
Safety
Beyond reliability, safety is often the next thing that drivers think of when comparing the Toyota Camry and the Honda Accord. Both have consistently received either a Top Safety Pick+ rating or a Top Safety Pick rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), as well as high marks from the National Highway Safety Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Toyota’s collection of safety systems is called Toyota Safety Sense (TSS). The 2024 Toyota Camry is equipped with TSS 2.5+, which includes available features like a Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection and Dynamic Radar Cruise Control. You’ll also enjoy Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, which helps keep you centered in your lane while alerting you if you drift too far to one side with both an audible sound and gentle nudging on the steering wheel. You’ll also find available Lane Tracing and Road Sign Assist systems, as well as Automatic High Beams.
For the Accord, it is equipped with Honda Sensing, which is Honda’s collection of safety features. Within this collection, you’ll find available features like Collision Mitigation Braking, which detects vehicles, pedestrians, and other obstacles in your path and alerts you so that you can course-correct. If you’re not able to react in time, the system can apply the brakes to help reduce the impact or avoid the collision altogether. Other available features include things like a Road Departure Mitigation System and Traffic Sign Recognition. You’ll also find commute-specific safety features like Adaptive Cruise Control with Low-Speed Flow and Lane Keeping Assist with Traffic Jam Assist. Both of these work together to keep you focused, safe, and moving in the right direction during your commute.
Comfort and Convenience
While efficiency, reliability, and safety are strong factors to consider when choosing a commuter car, you also want the vehicle you choose to be comfortable and convenient. The good news is that both the Accord and Camry continue to deliver, making each a well-rounded option. The Honda Accord offers a streamlined interior with options for heated seating that include lumbar and pelvis support, as well as comfort and style thanks to the available leather trim.
Even better, you can find trim levels with ventilated seats as well. It also provides any carpool passengers with ample leg and headroom in the back seat, providing you with a seating capacity of five. For entertainment during the drive, you’ll enjoy seamless connectivity to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with an available Bose Premium Sound System. Also, the Accord gives off a futuristic vibe with the larger-than-life 12.3-inch touchscreen that gives you access to Google built-in, navigation, and more on certain models.
When considering the Toyota Camry, you’ll find the focus is driver-centered, ensuring everything you need is at your fingertips. Not only that, but the available leather-trimmed eight-way power-adjustable front seats give you the chance to commute more comfortably than ever before. You’ll also enjoy the available JBL Premium Audio System, along with the available heated and ventilated seats throughout. Additionally, staying connected during the drive is easy thanks to an available nine-inch touchscreen that includes navigation, as well as a standard seamless connection to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Commuting Made Easy
If you’re in the market for a reliable, efficient, and safe commuter car that also delivers comfort and convenience, you might consider the Honda Accord or the Toyota Camry. Both options have a solid reputation and offer a long list of amenities that make the commute easier. As you get back into the swing of communicating again, ask yourself what you want out of your commuter car, then check out your options at a local dealership.
