The Honda Accord got a big update for 2023, and so far, things seem to be working. With staggering sales jumps so far in 2023, the new Honda Accord is coming for its closest competition: the Toyota Camry.

July was another big month for the Honda Accord

For decades, the Toyota Camry has been the top-selling sedan in America. Many a challenger has attempted to usurp the formidable four-door, but none has managed to displace the Camry from the top spot. However, the 2023 Honda Accord is catching the Toyota Camry, thanks to a fresh design.

In July alone, Accord sales more than doubled, amassing 17,833 sales in 2023 versus just 7,299 in 2022. That’s a percentage increase of 144.87% year over year, according to GoodCarBadCar. Critically, though, the Camry is, for all intents and purposes, flat compared to one year ago. Selling nine fewer models in July 2023 vs 2022, and managing just a 9.2% sales increase so far in 2023, despite a condensed pool of midsize sedans to choose from in 2023.

The Honda Accord is catching the Camry, but it’s not there yet

An important note is that while the Accord is posting much bigger sales gains over its Toyota competition, it’s still in third overall behind both the Camry and Corolla. However, the Honda is gaining ground at an impressive rate, sitting just 1,100 units behind the Corolla so far in 2023. 

That said, Honda has a bit more to go if it plans to overtake Toyota at the top of the sedan sales pyramid. The Accord is still 58,000 units behind the Camry so far in 2023, despite an overall 34% sales increase from last year.

Toyota hasn’t yet introduced its new Camry

Another important consideration is the 2023 Toyota Camry itself. By now, we know that a new Camry is coming in 2025, though we’re not quite sure what it looks like just yet. But this generation-eight Toyota sedan is still seeing big sales success even as buyers transition to crossovers and SUVs. In that sense, letting competitors like the Accord and Hyundai Sonata show their hand was a shrewd move.

An updated Camry is sure to reignite excitement, especially if it offers similar improvements to design, comfort, and driving experience as some of Toyota’s other recent facelifts. From the latest GR86 and Prius to the updated Highlander, Tundra, and Sequoia, Toyota’s latest updates have buyers excited to get behind the wheel.

Big improvements make the new Honda Accord a treat

From its massive trunk to a wealth of luxury-focused features, the 2023 Honda Accord is a compelling midsize sedan. The design itself is striking, evoking Mercedes-Benz E-Class or BMW 5 Series road presence at a fraction of the cost. A host of new tech and a refined cabin put the midsize Honda sedan on another level, and it has the competition playing catch-up.

2023 will be a big year for Honda

As we learn more about the upcoming Toyota Camry, midsize sedan buyers will have a choice to make. Push your chips in now on the updated Accord, or wait for the most popular model to show off what’s coming next. In the meantime, Honda needs to capitalize on its newfound luxury and desirability, before the longstanding leader comes back to reclaim the kanmuri.