This Japanese hybrid sedan makes the Honda Accord look overpriced

Hybrid sedans have become increasingly expensive, with many automakers charging thousands more for better fuel economy. That’s what makes Toyota’s midsize sedan so impressive. Although it’s currently only offered as a hybrid, it remains competitive while delivering efficiency numbers that many rivals simply can’t match without a higher price tag.

Toyota that starts under $30,000 hybrid the sedan costs nearly as much as the base non-hybrid version of its biggest rival, but offers significantly better fuel economy and more standard power. With up to 51 MPG combined, available all-wheel drive and Toyota’s proven hybrid system, it delivers a level of value that’s becoming increasingly rare in the midsize sedan segment.

Beyond the numbers, this sedan continues to excel as a comfortable and practical daily driver. It may not have the flashiest interior in its class, but it offers a spacious cabin, simple technology and the long-term reliability that buyers expect from Toyota. This makes a very compelling case for buyers looking to maximize value, efficiency and low cost of ownership.

The Toyota Camry has gotten more expensive, but it’s a better deal

Its rivals are struggling to match Toyota’s frugal hybrid

When Toyota redesigned its hybrid for the 2025 model year, the brand made it a hybrid-only affair. This meant they had to raise the starting price to compensate for the extra components. However, while the new Camry is more expensive than the old non-hybrid model, it is actually slightly cheaper than the old hybrid. Its value is only apparent when compared to the non-hybrid versions of its rivals, such as the Honda Accord.

2026 Toyota Camry trims and prices

Starting at just under $30,000, the Camry is still extremely competitively priced in the midsize sedan segment, despite gradual price increases. By comparison, the non-hybrid version of the Honda Accord starts at $28,395, meaning the hybrid Camry costs less than $1,000. If you want to buy a hybrid Accord, you’ll have to pay $33,795 to start. That means if you choose the Camry, you’re getting an economical hybrid without the usual price premium.

We also don’t think you have to climb particularly far up the trim ladder to find the best value Camry model. The SE isn’t that much more expensive than the base model and comes with a sportier suspension that makes the sedan feel more balanced. You also get leatherette upholstery, as well as access to more desirable optional extras. We’ll go with the $735 Multimedia package, which gives you a larger infotainment screen.

For an extra $1,000, the Camry is more powerful and efficient than the Accord

They share the same engine options

Credit: Toyota

Despite being relatively close in price, the difference in performance and efficiency between the Camry and the Accord is quite large. If you compare the base models to each other, it feels like there is very little competition. To compete with the Camry, you have to upgrade to the Accord Hybrid, and even so, the Toyota sedan still wins when it comes to efficiency.

2026 Toyota Camry performance specs

Main Trim Engine

2.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid

Main Trim Transmission

CVTi-S CVT

Basic Trim transmission

Front wheel

Base Trim Horsepower

184bhp @6000rpm

Main trim torque

163 lb-ft @ 5200 rpm

to do

Toyota

Model

Camry

Segment

Mid-size Sedan

Standard on the Toyota Camry is a proven and durable four-cylinder engine. You can buy a Camry with front or all-wheel drive. Front-wheel drive models are equipped with two electric motors and have a power of 225 hp. All-wheel-drive models get a third engine that drives the rear wheels, boosting power to 232 horsepower instead. No matter which option you choose, you get an eCVT.

The standard Accord has a 192-horsepower four-cylinder under the hood, while the hybrid model has 204 horsepower. Honda does not offer all-wheel drive on any version of the Accord. The Camry is faster than both the hybrid and the non-hybrid, though the Honda sedan feels a little livelier in the corners.

Fuel economy

There’s only a $1,000 price difference between a hybrid Camry and a non-hybrid Accord. With the fuel savings you get by choosing Toyota, you will make up the difference in no time. It doesn’t get any better when comparing the hybrid Accord to the Camry, as the Toyota is still slightly more efficient in most cases.

It may not be as stylish, but the Camry is as practical as anything

A family sedan with comfortable features

The main purpose of both of these cars is to transport passengers from point A to point B comfortably. While the Accord definitely has a more interesting interior design and feels a bit more elegant than anything else, the Camry’s interior is still a nice place to be. There’s plenty of space on offer, and Toyota includes a ton of goodies as standard.

Interior dimensions and comfort

Both the Camry and the Accord are quite comfortable sedans with plenty of room for passengers inside. The difference in rear seat room between these two is pretty negligible. The Accord has a slightly more spacious trunk, but the Toyota sedan is still competitive.

Toyota definitely opted for a simple cabin in the Camry. While this means the Accord is a bit more visually interesting, everything about the Toyota feels neatly laid out and user-friendly. Both are very well equipped and you won’t be disappointed with the technology or comfort offerings in either. The Accord’s only standout is its slightly larger standard nine-inch infotainment screen, but both models can be equipped with an optional 12.3-inch screen instead.

The price difference is small, but the Camry feels like the better equipped sedan

We really like the Accordand consider that both hybrid and non-hybrid models are well-built, comfortable and impressively fun to drive. However, if you’re on a budget and looking to get the best bang for your buck, it’s really hard to argue against the Camry. It’s just as comfortable inside, has more power and is slightly more efficient, and doesn’t cost nearly as much. To the average shopper, this almost feels like a no-brainer.