Hybrid cars are the way of the future, and the Toyota Camry Hybrid and Honda Accord Hybrid are leading the charge. Both of these mid-size hybrid sedans are fuel-efficient, spacious, and affordably priced. When it comes to features, they’re similar, but which one is more fuel-efficient?

The 2023 Toyota Camry Hybrid has a larger engine than the Accord Hybrid

Let’s take a look at the 2023 Toyota Camry Hybrid first. Under its hood is a 2.5-liter, four-cylinder engine that’s connected to an electric motor and a lithium-ion battery. The internal combustion engine alone produces 176 hp and 163 lb-ft of torque on its own. On the electric side, the battery and hybrid motor generate 118 hp and 149 lb-ft of torque.

When working in conjunction, the Camry Hybrid’s powertrain delivers a combined output of 208 hp. Toyota is always mum on the torque details, but the Camry Hybrid should have enough thrust to get up hills quickly and efficiently.

Speaking of efficiency, the EPA says the Toyota Camry Hybrid should be able to get up to 51 mpg in the city and 53 mpg on the highway in its base LE form due to its lighter weight than the other trims. For the higher SE, XLE, and XSE trim levels; buyers can expect to get up to 44 mpg in the city and 47 mpg on the highway.

As for real-world testing, the folks at The Daily Motor were able to squeeze out an average of 45 mpg from a Camry Hybrid LE during their testing. That’s only two mpg short of the EPA’s combined average rating.

The 2022 Honda Accord Hybrid uses a smaller engine and has more power

On the other hand, the 2022 Honda Accord Hybrid has a smaller 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine under its hood. The engine is combined with an electric motor and accompanying lithium-ion battery. When combined, the hybrid powertrain makes 212 hp.

As for torque, the gasoline engine makes 129 lb-ft while the electric motor makes 232 lb-ft. Kelley Blue Book says, “They peak at different points, so let’s just say that it isn’t short of thrust. All of this output goes solely through the front wheel through a special automatic transmission.”

When the power is put to the ground, the EPA estimates that the Accord Hybrid can achieve up to 48 mpg in the city and 47 mpg on the highway in its base and EX-L forms. With their bigger wheels, the Sport and Touring trims can achieve up to 44 mpg in the city and 41 mpg on the highway.

Which hybrid sedan should you pick?

If you’re basing your shopping solely on gas mileage alone, then your best choice would be the 2023 Toyota Camry Hybrid LE. The entry-level model delivers better fuel economy than all of the Accord Hybrid trims. However, it only comes with basic amenities like a cloth interior, 16-inch steel wheels with covers, and a 7-inch infotainment screen. It also starts at around $28,000.

The 2022 Honda Accord Hybrid costs around $800 less and comes with more. Some of its standard features include 17-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, smart entry, dual-zone climate control, and a cloth interior.

That means you’ll get a little more for a little less money, despite the marginal difference in fuel economy. In that case, the Accord Hybrid could be the better choice.