2021 Honda Accord vs 2022 Toyota Camry

The 2021 Honda Accord received a mid-generation refresh to stay competitive in a crowded market. It was available in six trim levels, including the Canada-exclusive SE trim. The Accord Sport 2.0, our test vehicle, featured a more sculpted front with a wider grille and better-disguised radar unit for the Honda Sensing safety system. LED headlights and lowlights improved night visibility, while smaller fog light openings added sophistication. New alloy wheel designs and the Sonic Gray Pearl paint option enhanced its aesthetic appeal. Inside, the Accord offered a sophisticated interior with high-quality cloth or leather-trimmed seats, depending on the trim. A power moonroof was standard from the Sport trim, though it reduced headroom slightly. The Accord's interior was well-regarded, though not quite at the premium level of the Mazda6 Signature model.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota Camry, particularly in the TRD model, turned heads with its eye-catching Cavalry Blue paint and aggressive styling. The TRD model featured an aerodynamic body kit, matte-black 19-inch wheels, and red accents, making it stand out. Despite its bold exterior, the Camry's interior was less polarizing, with a driver-oriented centre console and unusual dashboard layout. However, the red gauge illumination and accents were considered tacky. The Camry TRD's design was reminiscent of 1990s Pontiacs, but it delivered on performance, unlike its predecessors. The Camry's styling was a departure from its traditionally conservative design, offering a more dynamic and youthful appearance.

The 2021 Honda Accord offered two engine options: a 192-horsepower turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine and a more powerful 2.0-litre turbo-four producing 252 horsepower. The 1.5-litre engine was paired with a CVT, while the 2.0-litre engine came with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The Accord was front-wheel drive only, with no all-wheel drive option. Fuel economy varied between the engines, with the 1.5-litre engine achieving 7.2 to 7.5 L/100 km combined, depending on the trim, and the 2.0-litre engine consuming 9.1 L/100 km combined. The Accord's driving dynamics were engaging, with smooth braking and paddle shifters for the Sport and Touring trims.

The 2022 Toyota Camry TRD featured a robust 3.5-litre V6 engine producing 301 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The TRD model offered a Sport transmission mode and paddle shifters, enhancing its performance. Fuel consumption was rated at 9.4 L/100 km combined, with real-world testing achieving 9.5 L/100 km. The Camry TRD boasted track-tuned driving dynamics, with improved torsional rigidity, stiffer suspension, and larger brakes. Despite its front-wheel drive configuration, the Camry TRD delivered solid and secure handling, though it lacked the option for all-wheel drive. The suspension provided a balance between performance and comfort, making it suitable for daily driving.

The 2021 Honda Accord was designed for practicality and comfort, offering ample space for five passengers. The front and rear seats provided good head-, hip-, and legroom, even for larger occupants. Standard features included dual-zone automatic climate control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and push-button start. The rear seats had a 60/40 split and a centre armrest, allowing for pass-through from the spacious 473-litre trunk. The cabin layout was driver-friendly, with easy access to essential controls and the infotainment system. While small-item storage was limited, the Accord offered a well-designed interior for daily use.

The 2022 Toyota Camry TRD featured a sporty driving position with fabric seat inserts and a tall centre console. Despite lacking additional bolstering, the front seats were comfortable, with power height adjustment. The Camry's back seat accommodated two adults comfortably, though the TRD model lacked rear-seat air vents and a folding rear seatback. The fixed rear seat limited cargo flexibility, with a 428-litre trunk. However, the Camry offered generous in-cabin storage, including a large bin under the centre armrest. While not the roomiest in its class, the Camry provided a practical interior for everyday use.

The 2021 Honda Accord came equipped with an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, featuring physical volume and tuning knobs. The system was responsive and visually appealing, with standard features like Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and two USB ports. Higher trims added satellite radio, a wireless phone charger, a 10-speaker premium audio system, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The Touring trims included an onboard navigation system, rain-sensing wipers, and a head-up display, offering advanced tech features for a more connected driving experience.

The 2022 Toyota Camry featured a standard 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with physical knobs and shortcut buttons for ease of use. The system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and SiriusXM satellite radio. Camry XSE and TRD models upgraded to a 9-inch touchscreen with additional subscription services and a 9-speaker JBL premium audio system. While the TRD model lacked dynamic connected navigation, it offered voice control through Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. Other Camry models had options for a head-up display and a 360-degree surround-view monitoring system, though not available on the TRD.

The 2021 Honda Accord prioritized safety with a comprehensive suite of features. Standard equipment included vehicle stability assist, traction control, brake assist, a rearview camera, and LED daytime running lights. The Honda Sensing suite added lane-keeping assist, lane departure warning, road departure mitigation, blind spot monitoring, forward collision warning, and adaptive cruise control. The Accord received top safety ratings, earning a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. It also featured LATCH connectors for child safety seats.

The 2022 Toyota Camry came with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, offering adaptive cruise control, lane-centring assistance, and collision avoidance features. Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert was standard on the TRD and XSE trims. While the lane-departure warning system occasionally issued false alerts, the Camry's safety features provided a comprehensive safety net. Safety Connect offered additional services, including automatic collision notification and emergency assistance. The Camry also received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA, ensuring peace of mind for drivers and passengers.