Americans — for whom the Camry was primarily designed — want a big, wide cabin with big, cushy seats, easy-to-use controls, and power everything. And the Camry delivers. The interiors are smartly designed and the most solidly built and comfortable. The seats are supportive and high-set, and there's masses of space. The rear bench, so important in this class, is superb, with plenty of legroom, a perfect back-rest angle and excellent under-thigh support. The very generous seat cushioning is what sets the Camry apart, and overall comfort levels are easily the best.
The Camry is the only car here with power adjustments for both front seats, and the driver's seat has electric lumbar support, missed greatly in the others. The facelift has given the Camry rear air-con vents, more wood, a lighter, two-tone interior — and eight airbags!
Two small touches stand out: a sun-blind that shields the backs of rear passengers' necks, and the ‘Comfort Guide,’ a clip that prevents the rear seatbelts from chafing the necks of children or short adults (a similar one is present on the Sonata). The generous equipment list includes automatic wipers and lights, now joined by cruise control.
The Sonata's interior is plush, with lots of wood, chrome and ruched leather, but it's clearly the smallest, particularly in the back. This is because the Sonata, a humble family car in intent elsewhere, was never designed around the back seat. Head-, leg- and shoulder room are tightest, and getting in and out is hampered somewhat by high door-sills. The seats are less supportive than in the Camry, and firmer, with a more upright back-rest angle in the rear. The dashboard is pleasant but undistinguished; the dials are nice and clear though, and the ergonomics are pretty good. One gripe is the wood-rimmed steering wheel, which is hard to grip while driving fast; others are the awkwardly-placed power seat controls, and the lack of an auto-fold option for the door mirrors.
The Accord is the runaway style leader inside, the cabin a real work of art. It's sporty, with a superbly designed and perfectly integrated central console, and a nice, tactile feel to the surfaces. It's lower and cosier than the Toyota: you climb up into the Camry, but sink into the Accord, and there's a distinct driver-centric feel. The Camry has also gained electro-luminescent dials like the Accord, but the Honda's still look the best. Air-cons are a big issue, and all three have digital climate-control systems. The Camry, with its new vents at the rear, has the best cooling power, followed by the Accord.