Toyota Camry vs. Honda Accord vs. Hyundai Sonata: Midsize Hybrid Sedans Comparison Test

Summary

In this automotive review, the Toyota Camry Hybrid emerges as the new king of hybrid sedans, dethroning the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The Camry impresses with its sleek design, smooth hybrid transition, and advanced safety features, while offering a comfortable and high-quality interior. Despite strong competition from the Honda Accord, which boasts speed and handling, and the Sonata's efficiency and new double screen layout, the Camry's overall performance and value secure its victory. The review humorously critiques the Sonata's driving experience and the Accord's exclusive features on its top trim, ultimately highlighting the Camry's well-rounded appeal.

Takeaways

• 🚗 The Toyota Camry has been redesigned and is now considered the new king among hybrid sedans, outshining its previous versions.
• 🌟 The Hyundai Sonata Hybrid, once a favorite, has been overtaken by the improved Camry and Accord due to their enhancements.
• 🛠 The Sonata's handling is criticized as being borderline unpleasant, with more body roll and noise compared to its competitors.
• 📱 Despite its drawbacks, the Sonata still offers a new double screen layout, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, along with impressive fuel efficiency over 51 MPG combined.
• 🏙️ The Honda Accord offers a comfortable and well-appointed interior, with the top trim featuring advanced tech like Google Maps and a Bose audio system, but at a higher cost.
• 🏎️ The Accord is noted as the quickest car in the test, with a 0 to 60 mph time of seven seconds and the best handling dynamics.
• 🔧 The Camry's new design is praised for its improved aesthetics and quality, with a 12.3-inch touchscreen and wireless connectivity options.
• 🌐 The Camry is the only hybrid-only option in its class, aligning with current market trends and offering over 45 miles per gallon in efficiency.
• 🚙 Toyota's safety technology in the Camry is highlighted as a significant upgrade, providing smooth and intuitive driver assistance features.
• 🏆 The Camry wins the comparison test due to its consistent performance across all evaluated categories, without ranking last in any.

Q & A

What is the main reason the Toyota Camry has become the new favorite hybrid sedan?

The Toyota Camry is now hybrid-only, which aligns with current consumer preferences for hybrids. It also offers improved efficiency, design, and safety technology, making it a strong contender in the hybrid sedan market.

Why did the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid lose its top spot in the favorite hybrid sedans list?

The Hyundai Sonata Hybrid was once favored for its technology and value, but competitors like the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord have caught up and surpassed it in terms of quality, efficiency, and overall driving experience.

What is the most significant improvement in the new Toyota Camry that sets it apart from its competitors?

The new Toyota Camry's most significant improvement is its hybrid-only engine option, which reflects the current market trend towards hybrid vehicles, along with its enhanced safety technology and a more appealing design.

How does the Honda Accord compare to the Toyota Camry in terms of performance?

The Honda Accord is the quickest car among the three, achieving 0 to 60 mph in seven seconds during testing. It also provides a neutral and controlled handling experience, making it a favorite for driving enthusiasts.

What are some of the notable features of the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid that still make it a competitive choice?

The Hyundai Sonata Hybrid retains a modern double screen layout, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and is the most fuel-efficient car in the comparison, achieving over 51 MPG combined.

What is the main criticism of the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid's driving experience?

The main criticism of the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid's driving experience is that it is slow to respond and feels clumsy, with more body roll and noise compared to the other competitors.

What are some of the interior quality improvements in the new Toyota Camry?

The new Toyota Camry features a 12.3-inch touchscreen, wireless charging for smartphones, and a more upscale interior design that closely resembles a Lexus, indicating a significant step up in quality.

How does the Honda Accord's rear seat compare to the other two vehicles in terms of comfort and amenities?

The Honda Accord's rear seat is notably comfortable and offers heated seats, air conditioning vents, and two USB-C ports, providing a high level of comfort and convenience for rear passengers.

What is the main advantage of the Toyota Camry's safety technology?

The Toyota Camry's safety technology is advanced, with features that show when a car is pulling in and out of the lane in front of you and can adjust speed smoothly without causing discomfort to the passengers.

Which of the three hybrid sedans has the largest trunk space?

The Honda Accord has the largest trunk space among the three hybrid sedans, making it suitable for big suitcases and Costco runs.

Outlines

00:00

🚗 Toyota Camry's Revamp Shakes Up Hybrid Sedan Rankings

The Toyota Camry has undergone a significant transformation, making it a strong contender in the hybrid sedan market. Formerly unremarkable, the new Camry has surpassed the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid, which was previously the favorite. The Honda Accord and Toyota Camry are now in a close competition, with the Camry emerging as the new leader. The Camry's redesign includes a large glass panel and advanced technology, offering great value. In contrast, the Sonata, once praised for its technology and value, now feels outdated and less enjoyable to drive, with a noisy cabin and less responsive handling. Despite the Sonata's improvements, such as a new double screen layout and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, it's no longer the top choice.

05:01

🏎️ Honda Accord's Features and Performance

The Honda Accord offers a comfortable and user-friendly interior with easy-to-use controls and a comfortable ride. It includes a heated rear seat, air conditioning vents, and USB-C ports, making it a family-friendly option. The Accord is the quickest car in the comparison, with a 0 to 60 mph time of seven seconds, and it handles well with a neutral and controlled driving experience. However, Honda's strategy of placing premium features only in the most expensive model reduces the Accord's value proposition. Aesthetically, the Accord has a functional design, but a fake exhaust port detracts from its appeal. The car's performance and features make it a close second to the Camry.

10:03

🌟 Toyota Camry's Hybrid-Only Approach and Advanced Safety Features

The new Toyota Camry is available only as a hybrid, aligning with current market trends and consumer preferences. It offers impressive fuel efficiency, scoring over 45 miles per gallon in tests. The Camry's design has been updated to be more visually appealing, with a 12.3-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The interior quality has significantly improved, rivaling that of a Lexus. Safety technology in the Camry is a standout feature, with smooth operation and clear visual cues for drivers. It also offers optional all-wheel drive, a rarity in this segment. The Camry's powertrain provides a smooth transition between electric and gas modes, and it handles well enough to be enjoyable for driving enthusiasts. The trunk space is ample, similar to its competitors, but the Sonata offers a unique feature with a hands-free trunk. The Camry's overall performance and feature set have made it the winner in this comparison test.

💬 Conclusion and Call to Action

The video concludes with a call to action for viewers to share their thoughts on the new hybrid-only Toyota Camry and whether it would influence their purchasing decision. The host invites comments and feedback, highlighting the Camry's victory in the comparison test and encouraging viewers to engage in the discussion.

Keywords

💡Toyota Camry

The Toyota Camry is a mid-size car manufactured by Toyota since 1982. In the video, it is highlighted as the new king among hybrid sedans, having undergone significant improvements that make it stand out in its category. The script mentions that the Camry is now available only as a hybrid, reflecting a shift in consumer preferences and automotive trends towards more fuel-efficient vehicles.

💡Hybrid Sedans

A hybrid sedan is a type of vehicle that combines a traditional internal combustion engine with an electric motor to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions. The video discusses a comparison among hybrid sedans, emphasizing the Camry's rise to the top of the list due to its new features and performance improvements.

💡Hyundai Sonata Hybrid

The Hyundai Sonata Hybrid is a mid-size sedan that competes in the same market segment as the Toyota Camry. It was previously the favorite hybrid sedan but, as the script indicates, has been overtaken by the revamped Camry. The Sonata is praised for its technology and value but criticized for its driving experience and noise levels.

💡Honda Accord

The Honda Accord is another mid-size car that competes with the Toyota Camry and Hyundai Sonata. The video script describes it as a strong contender with a comfortable interior and good performance, but it loses points for having many desirable features only available in the most expensive trim.

💡Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are smartphone integration technologies that allow users to connect their phones to the car's infotainment system without the need for a wired connection. The script highlights these features as significant improvements in the new Sonata, making the car more user-friendly and modern.

💡Fuel Efficiency

Fuel efficiency refers to how far a vehicle can travel with a set amount of fuel. It is a critical factor for hybrid sedans, and the video script emphasizes the impressive fuel efficiency of the Sonata and the Camry, with the latter achieving over 45 miles per gallon in testing.

💡Safety Technology

Safety technology in cars includes features designed to prevent accidents or mitigate their effects. The video praises the Toyota Camry's safety technology, noting that it is one of the main reasons for its victory in the comparison test. The script mentions features like lane monitoring and adaptive cruise control that enhance the driving experience.

💡All Wheel Drive

All wheel drive (AWD) is a vehicle configuration where the engine's power is distributed to all four wheels, providing better traction and control. The script points out that the Toyota Camry offers optional all-wheel drive, which is a notable feature for drivers in regions with harsh weather conditions.

💡Interior Quality

Interior quality refers to the materials, design, and overall feel of a car's interior. The video script commends the Camry's interior quality, suggesting that it is now on par with more luxury brands like Lexus, except for a specific dashboard design that is likened to a beard trimmer.

💡Exterior Design

Exterior design pertains to the visual appearance of a car's exterior. The script notes a significant improvement in the Toyota Camry's exterior design, with the new model being described as looking 'kind of cool' and having 'really nice' angles, which is a departure from the previous, less memorable design.

💡Trunk Space

Trunk space is the storage capacity in the rear of a car. The video script compares the trunk spaces of the Camry, Accord, and Sonata, highlighting the practicality of these vehicles for carrying large items or luggage. It mentions that all three cars have 'absolutely huge' trunks, which is an important consideration for many buyers.

Highlights

The Toyota Camry has been completely redesigned and is now better than before.

The Camry's new design has shaken up the list of favorite hybrid sedans.

The Hyundai Sonata Hybrid, once a favorite, is no longer at the top due to competition catching up.

The Honda Accord and Toyota Camry are in an extremely close competition.

The Camry is now the new king among hybrid sedans.

The Hyundai Sonata features a beautiful side-by-side display.

The Sonata's technology and value for money have been overshadowed by competitors.

The Sonata's handling is criticized as being slow and clumsy.

The Sonata is the most efficient car with over 51 MPG combined.

The Honda Accord's interior is comfortable and user-friendly.

The Accord is the quickest car in the test with a 0 to 60 time of seven seconds.

The Camry is now available only as a hybrid, reflecting current market preferences.

The Camry's efficiency is commendable, achieving over 45 miles to the gallon.

The Camry's new design is described as cool and a significant improvement.

The Camry's interior quality has greatly improved, now resembling a Lexus.

The Camry's safety technology is a standout feature, contributing to its win.

The Camry offers optional all-wheel drive, a unique feature in this comparison.

The Camry's trunk space is competitive, though not the largest among the three.

The Sonata is the only car with a hands-free trunk, a notable feature.

The Camry won the comparison test by not placing third in any category.

Transcripts

[MUSIC PLAYING]

CLINT SIMONE: The Toyota Camry, easy to find,

but difficult to remember.

Or at least, it used to be, and that's

because the Camry is all new, and it is

way better than it was before.

And that means that our list of favorite hybrid sedans

is completely shaken up.

The Hyundai Sonata Hybrid used to be our favorite.

No longer the case.

And this battle between Honda Accord and Toyota Camry

has never been closer.

But the Camry is the new king, and you

are going to want to know why.

[MUSIC PLAYING]

Look at this giant piece of glass.

Maybe it's not glass, but regardless, every Sonata now

gets this beautiful looking side by side display,

and that's just one of the many reasons why

we loved this car so much.

The technology, the value, you feel

like you were getting a lot for the money, and that helped

put the Sonata over its competitors.

But the problem is those competitors

have now caught up and left the Sonata behind.

This Sonata is borderline unpleasant to take around

a turn.

This thing rolls harder than a teenager at Coachella.

Now, I know you're not looking for a sports car.

This is a hybrid sedan, but the Sonata

drives so much worse than the other two.

It's almost shocking.

It's slow and kind of clumsy to respond when you want it to,

and even though it has really squishy, almost floaty

suspension, and don't forget these 17 inch

wheels with all that sidewall on the tire,

it's not any more comfortable.

Do you hear that?

It's noisy in here.

There's noise from the engine, from the road.

We actually had to turn down the microphone

just so you didn't go deaf watching this.

[MUSIC PLAYING]

But still, the Sonata retains a lot

of what we liked about it last year,

and it made some really notable improvements.

The new double screen layout is fantastic.

It's really easy to work with, and it's quick.

And above all else, they finally gave

it wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Yay, Hyundai.

Welcome to the 2020s.

It's so nice to have you.

The Sonata is also the most efficient car here.

It did over 51 MPG combined in our ratings loop.

That's super impressive.

And here's just a personal thing,

I like the way it looks a lot better now.

It doesn't look like a fish anymore.

[MUSIC PLAYING]

It's not that the Sonata got any worse.

It's actually that the Camry and the Accord

got better, much, much better.

[MUSIC PLAYING]

Think of the Sonata as one of those brand new construction

apartment buildings that you see on every other street corner.

The walls are so thin that you can hear your neighbors' really

cringey pillow talk.

The appliances, the amenities, they're

nice if not the most functional, and the Sonata even

has that typical millennial gray flooring all over the dash.

This is still a fine car that has a lot going for it,

but if you hold up a magnifying glass

and start looking at all the details, it's lagging.

Does your Camry look like this?

[FOGHORN PLAYS]

We can help you find one that looks more like this if you

head over to edmunds.com.

[MUSIC PLAYING]

Hey, Google, find me the closest Taco Bell.

GOOGLE: All right, there's a Taco Bell 0 point--

CLINT SIMONE: Very important feature.

Not the tacos, the voice assistant, and it's

not just that.

It's the Bose audio system, Google Maps.

All of that is only available on the touring

trim, the most expensive one in the Accord.

That's where we start to get into trouble.

That said, the Accord is really nice in here.

The controls are dead easy to figure out.

You get a real knob for the air conditioning.

You get a real knob for the volume.

Anybody can do this stuff.

And I like the little details they have as well.

Look, these make a clicking noise

when you move them back and forth.

That's a nice touch.

And the Accord is comfortable.

Big, big time comfy in here.

Back seat is super nice, too.

It's the only car here that gives you

heated seats in the rear.

You also get air conditioning vents and two usb-c ports.

[MUSIC PLAYING]

So the Accord is the quickest car here.

It did 0 to 60 in seven seconds during our testing

despite being down about 30 horsepower to the Camry.

And I got to say, from the driver's seat,

it feels the quickest, too.

Also, it sounds the best.

It doesn't sound great, but it sounds best.

This one is also my personal favorite

when it comes to handling.

It's just so neutral and controlled.

You could actually carry some legit speed in the corners

if you want to.

It makes me miss the last generation Accord,

when they put that turbocharged engine in there

and actually cared about performance.

Truthfully, this is the closest second place

finish I've ever had in a video, and the Accord

is so well rounded and likable.

But Honda did make a mistake.

They put all of the cool stuff exclusively

in the most expensive model, and that

means you're losing out on some value.

[MUSIC PLAYING]

No, no, no.

No, don't show them the good part first.

Show them the part that I hate first.

Get over here.

Look at this.

Two exhaust ports, but only one of them is functional.

This one right here works.

This one over here, completely fake.

They went through the trouble of welding this on only for it

not to be functional.

Who the hell thought that was a good idea?

And it's kind of a bummer because the rest

of the Camry's new design is actually really cool.

[MUSIC PLAYING]

And now, we can talk about the good stuff.

This is the new Camry.

It's now hybrid only.

That means every single new Camry,

you can only get it in a hybrid, which I think is a smart idea,

and it really captures where we are in the car world right now.

People want hybrids.

Toyota, out of any company, is going to give you the hybrids.

That also means this car is very efficient.

In our test loop, it did over 45 miles to the gallon.

That makes it a little bit better than the Accord,

but a little bit worse than the Sonata.

But here's the thing that caught me off guard,

it actually looks kind of cool.

I don't feel like I just took an Ambien

when I'm looking at a Camry.

That's something I never thought I would say.

There are angles here that are actually really nice.

It doesn't look as good as the new Prius, but I'll take it.

Some hooligan decided to put blue seats in a blue Camry.

It's actually kind of fun.

I like that.

I mean, don't worry, you don't have

to get the avatar seats if you don't want them,

but at least they give you some fun choices.

The rest of what I'm looking at here

is a big step up in quality.

You get a big old 12.3 inch touchscreen.

Comes with wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto,

and right below it is a row of real buttons to toggle the air

conditioning controls, all of that stuff.

I have the biggest iPhone that you

can buy, and it fits in the wireless charging pad

with a case, and get this, it actually charges my phone.

It doesn't just cook it.

There's also this really nice space here

to throw your keys and all of your other belongings.

Everything is just exactly where you want it to be.

The biggest compliment I can pay this car

is that this is the closest that a Camry's interior has ever

been to a Lexus except for that dash right there.

I think it looks like a beard trimmer.

[BUZZING]

Backseat is pretty decent, too.

I like that the sunroof goes all the way back,

so even they get a nice look of the sky up there.

No heated seats, but you do get a usb-a and a usb-c port

for some of you dinosaurs who have iPhones

that are five years old.

[MUSIC PLAYING]

I think the car just called me a short king.

Aside from that passive aggressive little warning,

which happens every single time you block the sensor right here,

the new Camry safety technology is phenomenal.

It's one of the biggest reasons why this car is

winning this test today.

The latest updates to the system actually show you

when a car is pulling in and out of the lane in front of you,

and the car can slow down and speed up appropriately

without throwing you through a window.

It's just smooth and easy to figure out.

And Toyota has not always done this stuff well,

but man, have they come a long way.

The Camry is also the only car here

that has optional all wheel drive,

so all my friends watching this on cold weather climates,

take note.

This one here is the front wheel drive XSE model,

and it makes the most power of the three.

Hey, watch this, there's actually enough power

now that you can beat the car next to you most of the time.

But the real magic here is in the hand-off

between electric to gas mode.

It is smooth as silk.

Most of the time, you don't even know it's happening.

I've driven this a couple hundred miles this week.

It's not the world's most dynamic car,

but I was very surprised with how well it does in the canyons.

There's a ton of front axle grip, and I got to say,

they dialed in the steering feel perfectly.

Now, most people's Camry experience

will be sitting right back there in an Uber on the way

to the airport, but know that if you're an enthusiast,

and you want to have a little bit of fun behind the wheel,

the Camry has covered.

Let's talk trunks.

The Accord is the biggest one here of the three,

but these are all absolutely huge.

Big suitcases, Costco runs, no problems here.

But Sonata is the only one that can do this.

[MUSIC PLAYING]

So the new version of a car you've

driven past a million times just won this comparison test.

What a world.

Now, obviously, the Accord and the Sonata, they

have their strong suits, no doubt.

But as we went through our rigorous, detail oriented

evaluation process, the Camry didn't get third place

in any category, and that's why it won today.

Now, tell me what you think.

Would you buy a Camry now that it's hybrid only?

Let us in the comments, and as always, thanks for watching.