2025 Hyundai Elantra vs 2026 Toyota Camry
Comparison Overview
Deciding between the dependable, budget-friendly 2025 Hyundai Elantra and the pricier, ultra-efficient 2026 Toyota Camry boils down to your priorities. If sticker shock worries you, the Elantra starts at just $22,125, saving you a significant $6,875 against the Camry’s $29,000 entry point. However, the Camry packs a serious punch with 225 hp compared to the Elantra's 147 hp, making spirited driving more likely. For sheer running costs, the Camry dominates the fuel economy battle, achieving a stellar 51 MPG combined, which dwarfs the Elantra’s 36 MPG combined figure. While the Elantra is more nimble at 185.4 inches long, the larger Camry offers slightly more passenger and cargo room at 15.1 cu ft versus 14.2 cu ft. This comparison pits upfront savings against long-term operational efficiency and superior performance.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Toyota Camry
The 2026 Camry's incredible 51 MPG combined rating dramatically lowers the daily cost of a commute compared to the Elantra's 36 MPG.
2026 Toyota Camry
The slightly larger dimensions and 15.1 cu ft of cargo space give the Camry a modest but useful edge for family hauling over the Elantra.
2026 Toyota Camry
With 225 hp available, the Camry offers substantially more power than the Elantra's 147 hp output, resulting in a much quicker drive.
2025 Hyundai Elantra
The 2025 Elantra wins on immediate value due to its $6,875 lower MSRP, making it the obvious choice for budget-conscious buyers.
Choose the Hyundai Elantra if...
- Your absolute priority is minimizing the initial purchase price, as the Elantra starts $6,875 cheaper.
- You prefer a slightly smaller and easier-to-maneuver vehicle, given its 185.4-inch length.
- You are comfortable with 147 hp and feel the Elantra's 32 MPG city fuel economy is adequate for your needs.
Choose the Toyota Camry if...
- You want to save money long-term through fuel savings, as the Camry delivers 51 MPG combined.
- You need better acceleration and highway passing power thanks to its 225 hp engine.
- You need the absolute maximum available efficiency, even if it means paying a higher premium upfront.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Hyundai Elantra | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 185.4" | 193.5" |
| Width | 71.9" | 72.4" |
| Height | 55.7" | 56.9" |
| Wheelbase | 107.1" | 111.2" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Hyundai | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | ✓ | — |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electronic Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Traction Control System | ✓ | ✓ |
| LATCH System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Child Safety Locks | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) | 4-Wheel | 4-Wheel |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 3 |
| Rear Fixed Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | — | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | — | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Hyundai | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 2.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | hybrid |
| Horsepower | 147 hp @ 6200 rpm | 225 hp |
| Torque | 132 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm | — |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 16 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | — | ✓ |
Drive Train
| Feature | Hyundai | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | continuously variable-speed automatic | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | front wheel drive |
Fuel
| Feature | Hyundai | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 32/41 MPG | 52/49 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 36 MPG | 51 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 396.8/508.4 mi. | 676.0/637.0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 12.4 gal. | 13.0 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Hyundai | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | ✓ | — |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Air Conditioning | ✓ | — |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Push Button Start | — | ✓ |
| Wireless Charging Pad | — | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | — | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | — | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | — | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | — | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | — | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Hyundai | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 8.0 in | 8.0 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | 6 |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | ✓ | — |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | ✓ | — |
| Satellite Radio | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | — | 3 months |
Power Feature
| Feature | Hyundai | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 1 | 4 |
| Remote Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Hyundai | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 40.6 in. | 38.3 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 42.3 in. | 42.1 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 56.5 in. | 57.7 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 53.4 in. | 55.4 in. |
| Seat Material: Cloth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | 6-way | 6-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 4-way | 6-way |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | — | ✓ |
Rearseats
| Feature | Hyundai | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 37.3 in. | 37.6 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 38.0 in. | 38.0 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 55.6 in. | 55.7 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 50.5 in. | 54.6 in. |
| Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | — |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | — | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Hyundai | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | Alloy |
| Wheel Size | 15 x 6.0 in | 16 x 6.5 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 195/65R15 | P205/65R16 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Inside Mounted |
Suspension
| Feature | Hyundai | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Front Suspension Type | Independent | — |
| Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | — | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Hyundai | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 10 yr./ 100000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 7 yr./ unlimited mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. | 2 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 2 yr./ 25000 mi. |
| Hybrid Component Warranty | — | 10 yr./ 150000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Hyundai Elantra and 2026 Toyota Camry.
What is the real-world difference in fuel costs between these two sedans?
The 2026 Camry is substantially more efficient, boasting a 51 MPG combined rating versus the 2025 Elantra's 36 MPG combined. This 15 MPG difference means the Camry will save hundreds of dollars annually in gasoline costs, especially for high-mileage drivers.
Is the price difference worth the extra power in the Camry?
The Camry demands $6,875 more upfront but delivers 78 more horsepower (225 hp vs. 147 hp). If you enjoy quicker acceleration, that power jump is noticeable, but budget buyers will find the Elantra perfectly capable for daily driving.
Do either of these vehicles use premium fuel?
No, happily both the 2025 Hyundai Elantra and the 2026 Toyota Camry are designed to run perfectly fine on regular unleaded gasoline, helping to keep running costs down for both models.
How much space difference is there for groceries and luggage?
The Camry offers slightly more room for your belongings, featuring 15.1 cubic feet of cargo capacity compared to the Elantra's 14.2 cubic feet. While both are standard for sedans, the Camry has a marginally bigger trunk opening and usable space.
Which car is generally considered the better commuter choice?
While both are FWD and use CVTs, the Camry typically wins for commuters because of its superior highway mileage (49 MPG vs. Elantra's 41 MPG) and higher power reserve for merging onto busy roads.
Since both use a CVT, how different are their driving dynamics?
The CVT setup in both ensures smooth, gearless acceleration, but the Camry's significantly higher torque (likely more than the Elantra's 132 lb-ft) means it feels less strained when trying to accelerate aggressively.
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