The iconic Toyota Camry has sat at the top of many midsize sedan rankings for years. With an aggressive new look, stunning driver-assistance technology and renowned reliability, the latest iteration of the Camry has impressed many. However, times have changed. US News & World Report ranked the 2023 Toyota Camry third in its class, below the 2023 Kia K5 and 2022 Honda Accord. Here’s how they stack up against each other.
2022 Honda Accord vs. 2023 Kia K5 vs. 2023 Toyota Camry: Performance and Fuel Economy
While speed and acceleration aren’t standard, mid-size sedan benchmarks, it’s still good to know if the car will get out of its own way. The base model of the 2022 Honda Accord features a fully capable, 192-horsepower turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder. With a continuously variable automatic transmission and front-wheel drive (FWD), the powertrain is smooth and refined for everyday driving.
US News estimates an eco-friendly 30 mpg in the city and 38 mpg on the highway For those who want more boot in their scoot, a 252-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder is available, mated to a ten-speed automatic transmission. Although it offers quick acceleration and seamless gear changes, fuel economy falls to just 22 and 32 mpg city and highway, respectively. Unfortunately, there is no all-wheel drive (AWD) option.
The base Kia K5 has a 180-horsepower 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with an eight-speed automatic transmission powering the front wheels. Adequate for commuting, the EPA estimates 27 mpg in the city and 37 mpg on the highway. Higher-priced trim levels with AWD drop mpg figures to 25 in the city and 33 on the highway. If driving suggests sportiness, a 290-horsepower 2.5-liter turbo-four can be had with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic and AWD. Only one mpg is lost with the power boost, and drivers can experience a shockingly quick zero-60 mph time of 5.2 seconds, Car and Driver says.
The Toyota Camry will beat the Accord in acceleration, but not the K5. Despite its 301-horsepower 3.5-liter V6, the Toyota’s 267 pound-feet of torque doesn’t stand up to the Kia’s 311 pound-feet. If the Camry’s 208-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder is selected, however, it can hang with the Accord in fuel efficiency. With its slick eight-speed auto, the EPA estimates 28 mpg in the city and 39 mpg on the highway. With AWD, those estimates drop to 25 and 34 mpg city and highway, respectively. Models with FWD and the peppy V6 get 22 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway
2022 Honda Accord vs. 2023 Kia K5 vs. 2023 Toyota Camry: Interior Features
Inside the cabin, the Camry is a bit dull but has enough space for passengers and some carry-ons. It is ideal because its trunk is a bit small for cars in the mid-size segment. While any trim level offers a comfortable ride and composed handling, US News reviewers say, “wind and road noise seep into the cabin.” Regardless, the Camry’s intuitive infotainment system can keep customers confused. The standard unit is a 7-inch touchscreen paired with a six-speaker stereo. Pricier trim levels gain a 9-inch touchscreen with navigation and a nine-speaker JBL stereo.
Given its athletic styling, rear-seat headroom in the K5 isn’t ideal for larger-than-average adults. Despite the K5’s sporty exterior, Kia prioritizes comfort over performance. Although less upscale than what some competitors offer, the K5’s modern cabin offers adequate relief and satisfaction. An eight-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and a six-speaker audio system are standard on the K5. A 10.25-inch unit with a 12-speaker Bose stereo is available on upper trim levels, but Apple CarPlay and Android Auto require a wired connection. Yet, so are all Camry models.
Offering Acura-esque luxury, Honda’s Accord has a premium, spacious, and quiet interior with comfortable seats. With 16.7 cu-ft of cargo space, the Accord has one of the largest trunks in the segment. It offers one more countertop microwave-worth of space than the K5 and a smaller washing machine load than the Camry. Standard technology features include an 8-inch touchscreen and a four-speaker stereo. While Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are available, it’s wireless on higher-priced trim levels. Add an eight- or ten-speaker audio system with navigation and a Wi-Fi hotspot when ordered up.
2022 Honda Accord vs. 2023 Kia K5 vs. 2023 Toyota Camry: Driver Assistance Tools
Toyota is one of the best in the business when it comes to driver assistance and safety features. Camrys with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 now come standard with automatic high-beam headlights and road sign recognition. However, it does not include any driver drowsiness monitors. US News claims that Kia and Honda base model features.
However, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert is not standard on the Accord. But it’s on the K5. Toyota and Kia lick the Honda further because the Accord lacks a surround-view parking camera. While the K5 offers a slightly better-stocked driver assistance package than the Toyota, it still lacks the head-up display that the others have.
Which mid-size sedan is worth buying?
US News rates the Accord, K5 and Camry one, two and three as the best-three midsize cars available today. It’s hard to choose between the ever-popular Camry, the amazingly sporty K5 and the best-looking Honda Accord ever. Regarding pricing, the Accord has both the highest starting and top-of-the-line price points of $26,120 and $38,050. The Toyota Camry starts at $25,945, but the standard interior trims the Accord offers require selecting a more expensive trim level. The Premier Camry starts at $36,370, the same as the top-spec Accord.
The lowest starting price for the K5 is $25,090 and the lowest top trim level is $31,490. The top-level GT trim loses a few features of the EX trim, such as ventilated front seats and some driver-assistance aids. However, the optional GT1 package includes these lost features and the EX Premium package’s smorgasbord of content for an additional $4,200. Overall, the top trim K5 GT is more than $3,000 below the segment average