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.