The Benchmark
Park these two sales giants next to each other and the overall appearances are similar. Both feature snubbed noses, more a byproduct of today's requisite pedestrian crash standards than a concession to boldness. In profile, the Accord's character line gives it more of an aggressive, fast-forward look, while from the rear each seems relatively drab, although the Camry's body kit and spoiler add some pizzazz. Nevertheless, the Accord's "sharp and strong" styling theme is just that in light of the Camry, giving it a richer, more distinguished body. Advantage: Accord.
Inside, the slightly larger Honda (101.0 cubic feet in our sunroof-equipped EX versus 100.0 cubic feet for the Camry) feels airier than the Toyota. Each offers plenty of room for four and decent space for five, but it's the Accord you'll want for impressing the in-laws. Sure, it's the added area, but more so it's the Honda's upscale level of luxury-the soft, gathered leather, the silver-rimmed gauges, and the driver-seat power lumbar support-that places it a smidge above the Toyota. Advantage: Accord.
With power and torque ratings effectively a wash, not to mention practically identical fuel economy, the two 3.5-liter engines are about as equal as they come. The Accord's PZEV rating in CARB states obviously trumps the lack of same in the Camry, but the Toyota's six-speed automatic, replete with the seamless and swift manual mode, outclasses the Accord's five-speed, which seems as refined but misses the connectedness of full manual control. It's a close call here, but powertrains cross the finish line in a tie. Advantage: Push
The roads around Boston aren't known for buttery surfaces, as harsh winters, humid summers, and heavy traffic render them cracked, rippled, and potholed. While not ideal for residents, these conditions are idyllic for testing ride compliance. The Toyota, the enthusiast's example of the Camry lineup, feels noticeably stiffer than the Accord, transmitting more road irregularities and feeling a bit less forgiving. Nonetheless, the SE's all-strut suspension is still well damped and not rough by any means.
The Honda, on the other hand, strikes a better balance between providing tactile road feel and eliminating harshness, a compromise that, as with the BMW 3 Series, the Accord seems to have mastered. Presented with bends in the road, the Camry quickly makes it known it's the hungrier of the two, devouring turn after turn with minimal fuss and surprisingly brisk speed. If Toyota claimed its TRD racing arm had created the family man's dream driver, you'd believe it. The Accord, while not as lively through the turns as the SE, still feels buttoned down and competent in the curves, offering crisp, communicative steering, and the flattest handling traits of any Accord sedan to date. Advantage: Push.
Donning sportier duds, a ritzier cabin, and a powertrain and chassis on par with those of the Camry, the all-new Accord edges ahead to take Round One of this epic battle. Still the number-one contender, the Camry will no doubt be back for Round Two, perhaps in hybrid form, when the rumored Accord diesel makes its debut. For now, though, the Accord reigns as the best of the best-the benchmark.
1st Place: Honda Accord EX-L V-6
Sportier dress, ritzier cabin, and powertrain and chassis on par with any of its foes.
2nd Place: Toyota Camry SE V-6
Best of the rest, this player will certainly return to fight another day. Perhaps in a hybrid persona?
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