The midsize sedan segment has been quite competitive over the past few decades, but the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord are the segment’s front runners. For 2023, both these sedans come in a variety of trim levels with a lot of tech-savvy features. They both also have the option of a hybrid powertrain. But which of these two sedans is more fuel-efficient?

The 2022 Honda Accord uses a turbocharger for power and fuel efficiency

Opting for one of the non-hybrid versions of the 2022 Honda Accord will give you the standard turbocharged 1.5-liter engine. This plucky little four-cylinder comes on all of the trim levels and puts out 192 hp through a CVT to the front wheels. Per the EPA, you can expect up to 30 mpg in the city and 38 mpg on the highway when the Accord is equipped with this engine.

However, if you want more power, the 2.0 turbo engine is the one to get. Opting for the larger engine ups the horsepower rating to 252 and changes the transmission to a conventional 10-speed automatic. That extra power comes with a fuel economy penalty as the EPA rates the more-powerful Accord at a maximum of 22 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway.

The Honda Accord Hybrid is a must if you want the most miles per gallon

If you want a 2022 Accord and all of the gas mileage it has to offer, the hybrid model is the one to get. This powertrain connects a 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine to an electric motor for a total power output of 212 and 232 lb-ft of torque. That’s almost as much power as the turbo 2.0-liter, but power isn’t the name of the game with this trim.

Instead, it excels in fuel efficiency. According to the EPA, the Accord Hybrid can get up to 48 mpg in the city and 47 mpg on the highway. That’s far better than both of the gas-only engines and the only one worth buying if you want the most miles per gallon from an Accord.

The 2023 Toyota Camry does not rely on turbochargers

The 2023 Toyota Camry takes a more conventional approach with its engines, as always. The base models are fitted with a 2.5-liter, four-cylinder engine that produces 176 hp and 163 lb-ft of torque. Unlike the Accord, the four-cylinder Camry comes with an 8-speed automatic transmission that routes power to the front wheels. According to the EPA, a Camry equipped with this engine can get up to 28 mpg in the city and 39 mpg on the highway.

If you want more power, the Camry’s SE, XSE, and XLE trims are available with the tried-and-true 3.5-liter V6 engine that Toyota has used for a long time. This engine produces a stout 301 hp and 267 lb-ft of torque and is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. In terms of fuel economy, you can expect to get up to 22 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway, which is marginally better than the Accord 2.0T.

For the most fuel economy, the Camry Hybrid takes the cake

Just like the Honda Accord, if you want the best fuel economy from a 2023 Toyota Camry, then the hybrid powertrain is a must. This configuration pairs a 2.5-liter, four-cylinder engine to an electric motor for a combined power rating of 208. That’s slightly less than the Accord Hybrid’s motor, but it’s more efficient. According to the EPA, Camry Hybrid owners can expect to get up to 51 mpg in the city and 53 mpg on the highway.

Which car should you pick?

If you’re looking for the best fuel economy, then the choice is clear; the 2023 Toyota Camry Hybrid. However, if you don’t care as much about squeezing every drop from the fuel tank, then we recommend the Honda Accord for its driving characteristics. The Accord feels more engaging to drive on the street, especially in its turbocharged 2.0-liter form. But if getting 50 mpg is everything to you, you can’t go wrong with the Camry.