Honda Accord Bests the Camry in Inside Line's Battle of the Redesigns

Racine, 09/27/2012 / SubmitMyPR /

Over the years, the rivalry between the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry has been the main storyline in the midsize sedan market, meaning that when one of the models gets upgraded, the other is usually not far behind. With the Camry redesigned for the 2012 model year, and an all-new 2013 Accord now on sale, Edmunds' Inside Line felt it was time to compare the two side-by-side. When all was said and done, it was Honda's offering that came out on top.

Editors at Inside Line chose the EX trim of the Honda Accord for a comparison with a Toyota Camry LE, as the two models line up fairly closely in retail price and included equipment. Despite the Camry's recent improvements, the redesigned Accord won out because of its long list of standard features, its superior quickness and efficiency, and its thoughtfully designed cabin. The Accord's new center stack, which is available with a touchscreen for audio, was particularly appealing to the editors.

"The new generation of the Accord was designed for comfort regardless of trim level, but there's still a focus on handling and performance that make the sedan fun to drive," said Joe Jardina, Sales Manager of Gentile Honda, a Racine, WI Honda dealership. "The interior has a more upscale feeling and features a lot of standard technology that competitors only offer as upgrades, putting the Accord ahead of its class in a lot of respects."

Among the thousands of dollars' worth of new standard features in the 2013 Honda Accord are a rearview camera, Bluetooth connectivity and Pandora internet radio compatibility, as well as alloy wheels. New options are also available, including the debut of the cloud-based HondaLink infotainment system featuring Aha, in addition to a camera in the passenger-side mirror that provides a view of the vehicle's blind spot on the eight-inch display screen in the dash.

Providing buyers with even more ways to stand out on the road, the new Accord offers two new trim choices. The Sport trim adds 18-inch wheels, fog lights, a 10-way power driver's seat, dual-chrome exhaust finishers and a decklid spoiler to appeal to younger buyers. Meanwhile, the Touring trim level upgrades drivers to a more powerful V6 engine and features Honda's first use of LED headlights and Adaptive Cruise Control.

To improve performance and fuel efficiency, Honda also overhauled its drivetrains for the 2013 Accord, equipping both the Sedan and Coupe models with two new Earth Dreams engines. The base option, a direct-injection 2.4-liter four-cylinder, generates 185 horsepower and can return up to 36 mpg on the highway when paired with the optional continuously variable transmission. On the other hand, the available V6 engine churns out 278 horsepower while still netting up to 34 mpg on the highway, gains of seven horsepower and four miles per gallon compared to its predecessor.

"With the intense competition in the midsize segment, it's no secret that buyers have higher expectations than ever, but Honda has exceeded them with its latest Accord," added Jardina. "Previous Accord owners don't need an excuse to buy another model, but Honda is making sure this automotive icon continues to appeal to the next generation of car shoppers."

About Gentile Honda:
With more than three decades of serving Wisconsin motorists, Gentile Honda strives to deliver a high-quality car-buying experience that is second to none. Their knowledgeable Honda sales team adheres to a no-pressure mantra, so local car shoppers can make an informed decision and purchase the vehicle that is right for them. With a broad selection of Honda parts and a state-of-the-art service center, Gentile Honda’s expert technicians also get customers back on the road quickly and effectively. Visit their Racine, WI Honda dealership at 6801-C Washington Ave., view their inventory online at www.gentilehonda.com or call 866-944-9831 to schedule a test drive. Gentile Honda can also be found on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GentileHonda.