The famous Toyota Camry has sat on many midsize sedan rankings over the years. With a new aggressive look, amazing driver assistance technology and renowned reliability, the latest version of the Camry impresses many. Yet times have changed. US News & World Report ranks the Toyota Camry from 2023 third in class, after the 2023 Kia K5 and the 2023 Honda Accord. Here’s how they stack up.
2023 Honda Accord vs. 2023 Kia K5 vs. 2023 Toyota Camry: performance and fuel economy
While speed and acceleration aren’t the benchmark for standard, mid-sized sedans, it’s still good to know if the car is going its own way. The Honda Accord from 2023 has a perfectly capable, 192 horsepower 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder in the base model. With a continuously variable automatic transmission and front-wheel drive (FWD), the powertrain is smooth and fine for everyday use.
American news estimates an eco-friendly 30 mpg in the city and 38 mpg on the highway. For those wanting more boot space in their scooter, a 252bhp 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder is available, paired with a ten-speed automatic transmission. While it provides quick acceleration and seamless shifting, fuel economy drops to just 22 and 32 mpg city and highway, respectively. Unfortunately, there is no four-wheel drive (AWD) option.
The base Kia K5 comes with a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder producing 180 horsepower mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission that drives the front wheels. Sufficient for commuting, the EPA estimates 27 mpg in the city and 37 mpg on the highway. Higher trim levels with AWD lower the mpg figures to 25 in the city and 33 on the highway. If driving calls for sportiness, there’s a 290PS 2.5-liter turbo-four with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic and AWD. Only one mpg is lost with the power increase, and drivers can experience a shockingly fast zero-60 mph time of 5.2 seconds, Car and driver say.
Toyota’s Camry will beat the Accord in acceleration, but not the K5. Despite its 301 horsepower 3.5-liter V6, the Toyota’s 267 lb-ft of torque is no match for the Kia’s 311 lb-ft. However, if the Camry’s 208-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder is chosen, it could hang with the Accord in terms of fuel efficiency. With its slick eight-speed automatic, the EPA estimates 28 mpg in the city and 39 mpg on the highway. With AWD, these 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.
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2023 Honda Accord vs. 2023 Kia K5 vs. 2023 Toyota Camry: interior features
In the cabin, while the Camry is a bit boring, there’s more than enough room for passengers and some carry-on luggage. This is ideal as the trunk is somewhat small for mid-range cars. While each trim level provides a comfortable ride and controlled handling, American news reviewers say “wind and road noise permeate the cabin.” Either way, the Camry’s intuitive infotainment system can distract customers. The standard unit is a seven-inch touchscreen paired with a six-speaker stereo. Pricier trim levels get a 9-inch touchscreen with navigation and a nine-speaker JBL stereo.
Given its athletic design, the headroom in the rear seats in the K5 is not ideal for larger than average adults. Despite the sporty looks of the K5, the Kia prioritizes comfort over performance. Although less luxurious than what some competitors offer, the K5’s modern cabin offers ample relief and satisfaction. An 8-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 system is available on the higher trim levels, but Apple CarPlay and Android Auto require a wired connection. But that also applies to all Camry models.
Offering Acura-like luxury, Honda’s agreement 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 about a countertop microwave-worth of space more than the K5 and a small washing machine load more than the Camry. Standard tech features include an eight-inch touchscreen and a four-speaker stereo. While Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are available, it’s wireless on more expensive trim levels. Order With also introduces an eight- or ten-speaker audio system with navigation and a Wi-Fi hotspot.
RELATED: 2023 Honda Accord specs, upgrades, features: what we know so far
2023 Honda Accord vs. 2023 Kia K5 vs. 2023 Toyota Camry: Driver Aids
Toyota is one of the best in the industry when it comes to driver assistance and safety features. Camrys with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 now come standard with automatic high beams and traffic sign recognition as standard. However, no drowsiness monitor is included with the driver. US News claims that the Kia and the Honda are base model features.
However, blind spot monitoring with Rear cross-traffic alert is not standard on the Accord. But it is on the K5. Toyota and Kia have licked the Honda further than the Conformity does not have a surround-view parking camera. While the K5 offers a slightly better-stocked driver assistance package than the Toyota, it still doesn’t have a head-up display, while the others do.
RELATED: 2023 Kia K5: specs, features and reviews
Which mid-size sedan is worth buying?
American news rated the Accord, K5 and Camry as one, two and three as they are all the top three midsize cars on sale today. It’s hard to choose between the ever-popular Camry, the surprisingly sporty K5 and the most beautiful Honda Accord ever made. In terms of price, the Accord has both the highest starting price and the highest price of $26,120 and $38,050. The Toyota Camry starts at $25,945, but a more expensive trim level must be chosen for the standard interior trim that Accord offers. The premier Camry starts at $36,370, which is equivalent to the top spec Accord.
The K5 has the lowest starting price of $25,090 and the lowest top trim level price of $31,490. The top-level GT trim loses some features of the EX trim, such as ventilated front seats and some driver aids. However, the optional GT1 package includes these lost features and the range of content in the EX Premium package for an additional $4,200. Overall, the highest trim K5 GT is more than $3,000 below the segment average and therefore the one you should get.