
The Toyota Trim Line: Starting Simply
As with many daily-driver vehicles, the 2021 Toyota Camry and Honda Accord place equal importance on the “fun” as they do the “functionality.” In previous years, the base model Camry was the L trim. This trim is no longer offered as of 2021, which means the LE now steps up as the base trim. The LE includes a six-speaker audio system with a 7-inch infotainment touch screen and compatibility with Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, Amazon Alexa, and Bluetooth streaming, along with power windows and keyless entry.
Moving Up to the SE
Stepping up, the SE trim gains a sportier appearance, courtesy of 18-inch black wheels, a black mesh insert grille, and sporty rocker panels. The theme continues with sport-tuned suspension and SofTex sport front seats. The Nightshade Edition of the SE is a 2021 offering that includes black mirror caps, door handles, window trim, and badging for a truly sleek road look.
The XLE and the XSE
The XLE and XSE come in both standard engine and V6 editions. The standard XLE includes an upgraded 9-inch touchscreen audio system, leather-trimmed heated front seats, smart key with push-button start, blind spot assistance and rear cross traffic alert, and wireless smartphone charging. The XLE V6 has a 9-inch touchscreen but adds a 9 speaker JBL sound system. The XLE V6 also includes a panoramic glass roof/moonroof combination, 10-inch color Head-Up Display, and 3 driving modes: Eco, Normal, and Sport.
The XSE with the standard inline-4 engine includes the sportier features of the SE, adding quad chrome exhaust tips, along with the comfort and convenience features of the XLE. The XSE V6 echoes the luxury features of the XLE V6, including the glass roof, premium sound system, and three driving modes. It also adds the sporty features and chrome for a truly cool appearance that belies the Camry’s reputation as a “family-mobile.”
The Top TRD
The TRD takes its name and personality from the Toyota racing vehicle. While it’s equipped with the 3.5L V6 engine, it also comes equipped with features that go beyond sporty and straight to cool. That includes 19-inch matte black wheels, a gloss-black front splitter, aero skirts, rear diffuser, pedestal rear spoiler, cat-back dual exhaust with stainless steel tips, track-tuned front and rear coil springs, stabilizer bars, track-style shock absorbers, 12.9-inch front brakes, and SofTex sport seats. Red accents are everywhere, from pinstriping to the brake calipers, to the logo and seatbelts.
The Honda Trim Line: Building from the Base
The base LX trim starts things out sedately, with an 8-inch touchscreen audio system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, along with Bluetooth audio and phone access and USB audio interface. The Sport trim lives up to its name, with larger 19-inch wheels, leather-wrapped steering wheel, leather shift knob, sports pedals, rear spoiler, and chrome exhaust finishers.
Moving Up to the Sport Special Edition and EX-L
The Sport Special Edition takes that notion up a notch, adding heat to the power adjustable seats, smart entry with Walk Away automatic locking system and remote engine start, heated mirrors, and an amped-up 8 speaker audio system. The EX-L adds a few key touches, such as blind spot and rear cross traffic monitoring, power moonroof, 10 speaker audio system, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. The EX-L trim will also gain you wireless Apple Carplay and Android Auto integration.
Top the Line with the Touring
The top trim of the 2021 Honda Accord is the Touring. The Touring adds a host of features, including low-speed braking control, satellite navigation, rain-sensing windshield wipers, front and rear parking sensors, and side mirrors that tilt downwards when the car is in reverse. You'll also find some inner upgrades like heated rear seats, ventilated front seats, a wireless phone charger, and a Wi-Fi hotspot.