Toyota and Honda have long dominated the passenger sedan segment, with the Toyota Corolla and Camry and the Honda Civic and Accord. In a previous article, we made a comparison between the midsize Camry and the compact Civic. Now, we compare the compact Corolla and midsize Accord in this 2022 Toyota Corolla vs. 2022 Honda Accord head-to-head battle.

2022 Toyota Corolla vs. 2022 Honda Accord

For this 2022 Toyota Corolla vs. 2022 Honda Accord comparison, we evaluate several factors. This includes performance, efficiency, safety, passenger and cargo space, interior features and technologies, reliability, warranty coverage, and price. The Accord is available in only a sedan model, while the Corolla offers sedan and hatchback versions. We note the differences when applicable.

Corolla vs. Accord: Performance and efficiency

Buyers of the 2022 Toyota Corolla have a choice of three powertrains: a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine (139 hp), a 2.0-liter cylinder engine (168 hp), and a hybrid (121 hp). Likewise, the 2022 Honda Accord also offers three powertrain options: a 1.5-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine (192 hp), a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (252 hp), and a hybrid (212 hp). Neither the Corolla nor Accord is available with an all-wheel system. Front-wheel drive is the only option for car buyers.

For efficiency, the Corolla has the advantage. The gas-powered Corolla has an estimated fuel economy of up to 31 city/40 highway mpg, and the Corolla Hybrid has an estimated gas mileage of up to 52 city/53 highway mpg. In comparison, the gas-powered Accord has a fuel economy of up to 30 city/38 highway mpg, and the Accord Hybrid has a gas mileage of up to 48 city/47 highway mpg.

Corolla vs. Accord: Safety

On the safety front, both the Corolla and Accord are strong choices. Both earned an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ score.

Corolla vs. Accord: Passenger and cargo space

With its larger overall size, the Honda Accord has a more spacious interior than the Toyota Corolla. The total passenger volume of the Accord is 105.6 cu-ft, compared to 88.6 cu-ft for the Corolla Sedan and 84.6 cu-ft for the Corolla Hatchback. 

For storage space, the Accord has a cargo capacity of 16.7 cu-ft, compared to 14.8 cu-ft for the Civic Sedan. However, the Corolla Hatchback has a maximum cargo capacity of 23.0 cu-ft.

Corolla vs. Accord: Interior features and technologies

The interior of the 2022 Accord has a higher quality than the 2022 Corolla, with a more upscale design and premium features like available woodgrain interior trim. Also, unlike the Corolla, the Accord offers HD Radio, a multi-zone climate control system, ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, and a head-up display. Both cars offer a sunroof/moonroof.

Corolla vs. Accord: Reliability and warranty coverage

Which passenger car is more reliable: the Toyota Corolla or Honda Accord? For J.D. Power reliability ratings, the Corolla achieves a score of 85 out of 100, compared to 82 out of 100 for the Accord.

For warranty coverage, both the Corolla and Accord have the backing of a 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. However, unlike the Accord, the Corolla has a no-cost maintenance plan, with 2-years/25,000-miles of coverage.

Corolla vs. Accord: Price

Which passenger car costs more: the 2022 Corolla or 2022 Accord? The starting prices for the 2022 Corolla range from $20,075 MSRP for the Corolla Sedan L trim up to $28,360 MSRP for the Corolla Sedan Apex XSE trim. In comparison, the starting prices for the 2022 Accord range from $25,470 MSRP for the LX 1.5T trim up to $37,400 MSRP for the Touring 2.0T trim.

2022 Toyota Corolla vs. 2022 Honda Accord: Which car is better?

As you can see in our 2022 Toyota Corolla vs. 2022 Honda Accord comparison, each passenger car has different advantages. For the 2022 Corolla, advantages include efficiency, hatchback cargo capacity, reliability, warranty coverage, and price. Advantages for the 2022 Accord include performance, passenger space, sedan cargo capacity, and interior features and technologies.