2020 Toyota Camry vs 2020 Honda Accord

The 2020 Toyota Camry had a renewed focus on quality and appeal, aiming to reclaim its status as a top contender in the sedan market. Its styling was more expressive than ever, with a bold front fascia and taut lines that gave it a sporty edge. The design borrowed cues from luxury brands, offering 13 exterior colour options, including a fashionable black roof. Inside, the Camry featured high-quality materials and a driver-focused dashboard, making even the base trims feel upscale. While it wasn't a luxury car, the Camry's attention to detail and improved aesthetics marked a significant step forward for the model.

In contrast, the 2020 Honda Accord was celebrated as one of the most stylish Accords in history, with a sleek design that belied its status as a mainstream family sedan. The Accord offered a range of trim levels, with the Touring, Sport 2.0, and Touring 2.0 featuring 19-inch alloy wheels that enhanced its visual presence. Inside, the Accord boasted high-quality materials, with soft touchpoints and a matte-finish simulated wood that added to its upscale feel. The Accord's interior was spacious and comfortable, with a focus on quality and practicality that made it a standout choice for families.

The 2020 Toyota Camry offered a range of powertrains, including a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with 203 horsepower (206 in XSE trim) and a 3.5-litre V6 producing 301 horsepower. The V6, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, provided a smooth and powerful driving experience, particularly in the XLE trim. The four-cylinder engine, while less powerful, offered a lighter front end and better steering feel, especially in the sporty XSE trim. The Camry also introduced an all-wheel-drive option, enhancing traction in slippery conditions without significantly impacting fuel efficiency. The front-drive Camry achieved a combined fuel consumption rating of 7.6 L/100 km, while the AWD version rated at 8.4 L/100 km.

The 2020 Honda Accord featured a standard turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine with 192 horsepower, paired with a CVT for front-wheel drive. For those seeking more power, the Accord offered a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with 252 horsepower, mated to a ten-speed automatic transmission. The Accord's hybrid powertrain delivered 212 horsepower and impressive fuel efficiency, averaging 5.5 L/100 km. The 2.0T engine provided a thrilling driving experience, with Economy and Sport modes allowing drivers to tailor the powertrain response. The Accord's adaptive dampers and 19-inch tires contributed to its engaging handling, while maintaining a comfortable ride over various road surfaces.

The 2020 Toyota Camry was designed for ease of use, with intuitive controls and a well-organized centre console. Front legroom and hip room increased from the previous generation, but rear-seat legroom and overall passenger volume were slightly reduced. The Camry's trunk offered 428 litres of cargo space, which was smaller compared to some competitors. Despite the addition of AWD, the Camry's trunk and passenger space remained unchanged.

The 2020 Honda Accord, on the other hand, provided ample interior space, with significantly more rear-seat legroom and cargo capacity than the Camry. The Accord's trunk measured 473 litres, accommodating full-size suitcases with ease. The interior featured a comfortable 12-way power driver's seat, with heated and ventilated options available on higher trims. The back seat was exceptionally comfortable, with wide doors for easy access and plenty of thigh support. The Accord's cabin was well-designed, with clear instrumentation and ergonomic controls.

The 2020 Toyota Camry included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard features, along with Bluetooth and a three-month trial of SiriusXM satellite radio. The infotainment system, while functional, felt dated with low-resolution graphics. The Camry offered a standard 7-inch touchscreen, with an optional 8-inch upgrade. Higher trims featured a 7-inch multi-information display and an optional 10-inch head-up display. Remote Connect allowed smartphone access for locking, unlocking, and remote starting on select trims.

The 2020 Honda Accord boasted an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with volume and tuning knobs, main menu shortcut buttons, and lovely graphics. It included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and text-messaging support. A ten-speaker premium audio system was standard on Sport trim, with additional features like HondaLink, a Wi-Fi hotspot, navigation, and wireless charging available on Touring trim. The Accord's head-up display was standard on Touring trim, providing clear visibility even with polarized sunglasses.

The 2020 Toyota Camry came equipped with Toyota Safety Sense, including a pre-collision system, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and automatic high beams. Blind-spot monitoring was optional, and higher trims offered Bird's Eye View for enhanced parking safety. The Camry received a five-star rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS. However, a recall for leaking engine coolant affected some models.

The 2020 Honda Accord was named a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS and received five stars from the NHTSA. Honda Sensing was standard across all trims, featuring forward collision warning, collision mitigation braking, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring was reserved for the Touring trim, while lower trims featured Honda's LaneWatch system. Some refinement was needed for the adaptive cruise control and warning systems, but overall, the Accord offered a comprehensive suite of safety features.