2018 Toyota Camry Hybrid vs. Honda Accord Hybrid - Which Sets the Midsized Hybrid Bar?

Honda released its 2018 Accord Hybrid today calling the model "The benchmark among midsized hybrids." The Accord Hybrid is all-new for 2018 and comes in five trim levels that will be familiar to any Honda owner or shopper. The 2018 Toyota Camry was released late last year. Let's do a side by side comparison of the two popular midsize sedans focusing on the facts and figures. We look forward to doing a full report on each after having tested them.

2018 Toyota Camry Hybrid vs. Honda Accord Hybrid - Fuel Economy
The all-new Toyota Camry Hybrid is built two ways. The first is a trim built for those shoppers for whom fuel economy is the single most important consideration. The Camry Hybrid LE boasts a 52 MPG EPA-Estimated combined fuel efficiency rating and is rated 51 City and 53 Highway by the EPA. The Camry Hybrid XLE and SE trims offer hybrid buyers excellent fuel economy as well but have differences that make them more focused on style and driving pleasure in combination with fuel economy. These two trims are rated at 46 MPG Combined, 44 City and 47 Highway.

The all-new 2018 Honda Accord comes with one set of fuel economy ratings for all trims. The new Accord Hybrid is rated earns a 47 MPG rating on all three EPA test cycles. Overall, the Camry Hybrid LE has a 12% fuel economy advantage over the new Accord Hybrid, but the Accord beats the two other Camry trims in Combined and City ratings.

2018 Toyota Camry Hybrid vs. Honda Accord Hybrid - Prices
The all-new 2018 Camry Hybrid starts at $28,695 in LE trim, rises to $30,395 in SE trim, and the XLE Hybrid starts at $33,145. These prices all include destination and are before dealer discounting.

The new 2018 Honda Accord Hybrid starts an incredibly low $25,990 in it base trim and rises to $35,600 in its top Touring Trim. These prices also include destination. Honda has recently told Torque News that its incentive spending is about a third of that of Toyota at roughly $1,500 per vehicle. Those shopping for deals should expect more special financing offers and MSRP discounts at Toyota dealers if we understand the situation correctly.

2018 Toyota Camry Hybrid vs. Honda Accord Hybrid - Safety
IIHS does not test individual trims of a given model normally. Presently, there is no specific rating for the hybrid trims of the Camry and Accord. However, due to higher-rated headlights on some trims, the 2018 Camry has earned the highest possible safety rating, Top Safety Pick Plus, and the Accord has earned the Top Safety Pick Designation.

2018 Toyota Camry Hybrid vs. Honda Accord Hybrid - Passenger Space and Cargo
The Accord edges the Camry in both passenger space and cargo volume. With a 106 cubic foot passenger volume vs. the Camry's 100, and a 17 cubic foot cargo are vs. the Camry's 15, the Accord is a larger vehicle in both regards. We do not have any information at this time to indicate the hybrid system compromises any interior space.

2018 Toyota Camry Hybrid vs. Honda Accord Hybrid - Infotainment
One area in which the Accord tops the Camry is infotainment options. Although both offer excellent services overall, Honda offers Android Auto and Apple Car Play. Toyota's Camry offers neither. The advantages of these systems are many, and afford drivers the option to use Apple Maps and Google Maps, as well interact more directly with the apps they know and love on their phones.

2018 Toyota Camry Hybrid vs. Honda Accord Hybrid - Who is Ahead?
This comparison is preliminary. The Accord has been winning over reviewers, while the Camry has been the sales leader since both introduced their new generation. We look forward to a chance to drive the cars and report our findings after a full road test.