The Toyota Camry and Honda Accord are two of the best-selling midsize vehicles of all time. For 2012, both models return with handsome styling, long-term reliability and competitive pricing. Keep reading to compare the features, specs and safety of the 2012 Toyota Camry and 2012 Honda Accord.
Both the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord come standard as a sedan. However, the Accord is also available as a coupe. Comparing the sedans, both models display a somewhat reserved exterior design. While far from unattractive, shoppers looking for a little panache may want to look elsewhere.
In terms of size, the Honda Accord boasts the bigger dimensions. This results in a larger interior, which may make it a better choice if rear seat comfort is important to you. The negative side of all that size, however, is a vehicle that isn't quite as easy to maneuver. A vehicle redesign helps bring the Camry's interior quality up to par with that of the already applauded Honda Accord. The 2012 Camry offers 15.4 cubic feet of storage, while the Accord delivers 14.7 cubic feet.
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Performance: 2012 Toyota Camry vs. 2012 Honda AccordThe Toyota Camry comes standard with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that outputs 178 horsepower and 170 lb-ft. of torque. The Honda Accord counters with a very similar 2.4-liter inline-four that delivers 177 horsepower and 161 lb-ft. of torque. Fuel figures for both of these engines are above average for the class. The EPA suggests you'll earn 23 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway (27 mpg combined) with the Honda Accord. The Toyota Camry edges these figures out with an estimated 25 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway (28 mpg combined).
A V6 engine upgrade is available on both models. The Camry's 3.5-liter V6 ramps things up to 268 horsepower and delivers 21 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway (25 mpg combined). The 3.5-liter V6 Accord zips along with 271 horsepower and earns up to 20 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway (24 mpg combined).
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Safety: 2012 Toyota Camry vs. 2012 Honda AccordStandard safety features available on the 2012 Honda Accord include antilock disc brakes, stability control, traction control, front side airbags, side curtain airbags and active front head restraints. The Camry bests this list by adding rear-seat side airbags, two knee airbags, brake assist and an available blind-spot monitoring system (however, active front head restraints are not available). In crash tests performed by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the Honda Accord earned a best-possible rating of "Good" and frontal-offset and side-impact collisions and a second-best rating of "Acceptable" in roof strength tests. The Camry earned a rating of "Good" in all categories tested.
Pricing and Features: 2012 Toyota Camry vs. 2012 Honda AccordWith a base MSRP of $21,380, the Honda Accord proves the more affordable model. However, the Camry's starting price of $21,955 makes the price difference fairly negligible. Standard features on the Accord include 16-inch wheels, air conditioning, full power accessories, cruise control, height-adjustable driver's seat, tilt/telescoping steering wheel, six-speaker stereo, CD player, auxiliary audio input and iPod/USB interface. The Camry's starting package is fairly similar. However, it adds Bluetooth and subtracts power locks.
Both models offer a healthy list of feature upgrades. However, the Camry offers a few exclusive items, such as 10-speaker stereo, 18-inch wheels and Entune smarphone integration.