When it comes to buying a full-size sedan or family vehicle there are many factors to consider including utility, performance, fuel economy, technology, safety, and cost. There are also a great number of cars in the category to choose from and two of the most recognized ones are the Honda Accord and the Toyota Camry. Urbana drivers often ask “Which car is better?” and today I’m here to tell you why the answer is the Toyota Camry!
Let’s start with the basics of both vehicles – each is a four-door sedan with seating and storage for five but the Camry has 15-cubic feet of space, a shade more than the Accord. With the way my wife and kids travel, I know I need all the space I can get so I always choose the vehicle with more cargo room.
Moving on to performance, the sedans are closely matched. The Camry runs on a 179 horsepower 2.5-liter inline four or a 268 horsepower 3.5-liter V6 with the choice of a six-speed manual or automatic transmission. These powertrains help the Camry sneak ahead of the Accord for fuel economy, earning 19-22 mpg in the city and 28-33 mpg on the highway. So whether you’re driving the city streets in between business meetings or traveling the country on your family’s next vacation, the Camry will save you money at the pump.
What’s equally as important as the equipment under the hood is the equipment inside the cabin and the Camry and Accord both have exciting technology to fill this role. For an entry level model, speed-proportionate power steering and a CD player come standard in both while higher-end models come equipped with a 6-CD changer, audio upgrades, dual-zone climate control, a sunroof, and navigation. One feature the Camry can boast about is the 440-watt 8-speaker JBL audio system, which provides better sound quality than the Accord’s model. This is something I know will come in handy when we’re on a road trip and I need to drown out my kid’s never-ending cries of “Are we there yet?”
When it comes to buying a car for my family, safety is a top-priority – as I’m sure it is for everyone reading this. Both vehicles are safe thanks to airbags, four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes with brake assist, and stability control. However, Five-Star ratings in all of the NHSTA tests put the Camry above the Accord and make it the safer choice.
As if all of that wasn’t enough, the Camry’s price tag and cost of ownership drive the point home. My family is on a tight budget and every dollar counts so with the Camry’s five-year cost of ownership at $33,194, a figure lower than the Accord’s, it would be hard not to choose the Camry.
So if you’re in the market for a family sedan, I strongly recommend the Toyota Camry! Urbana dealers have a great selection of Camry’s to choose from – visit them today and see for yourself. Whether you’d be interested in a new or used Camry, Champaign car dealer, O’Brien Urbana Toyota, has just the car for you!
