2026 Hyundai Sonata vs 2026 Toyota Camry

$27,300 · Sedan

$29,000 · Sedan

Comparison Overview

The 2026 Sonata explodes onto the scene with daring aesthetics, representing bold design for the mainstream driver, though it settles for a modest 191 hp. Conversely, the 2026 Camry leans into its revitalized hybrid powertrain, offering an astonishing 51 MPG combined efficiency that the Sonata’s 32 MPG simply cannot touch. While the Camry boasts a performance edge with 225 hp versus the Sonata's 191 hp, the Sonata undercuts the price tag significantly at $27,300 compared to $29,000. This comparison pits dynamic styling against exceptional frugality; the Sonata offers 15.6 cu ft of cargo space, slightly better than the Camry's 15.1 cu ft. Ultimately, buyers must weigh the Camry’s massive 19 MPG fuel efficiency advantage against the Sonata's lower entry cost for this battle of midsize might.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Toyota Camry

The 2026 Camry dominates the commuting segment with its superb 51 MPG combined fuel economy.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Hyundai Sonata

The 2026 Sonata offers a slightly larger 15.6 cu ft of cargo capacity, marginally better for family hauling.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Toyota Camry

With 225 hp compared to 191 hp, the 2026 Camry delivers noticeably superior straight-line performance.

💰 Best Value

2026 Hyundai Sonata

The 2026 Sonata presents superior financial value with an MSRP of $27,300, undercutting the Camry by $1,700.

Choose the Hyundai Sonata if...

You prioritize the lowest initial purchase price, starting at just $27,300.
You appreciate the slightly more generous 15.6 cu ft of cargo capacity.
You prefer the immediate response of a traditional 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission.

Choose the Toyota Camry if...

Fuel economy is paramount, given its incredible 51 MPG combined rating.
You desire more available power, as it produces 225 hp versus the Sonata's 191 hp.
You prefer a narrower body width of 72.4 inches for easier city maneuvering.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Hyundai Sonata	Toyota Camry
Length	193.3"	193.5"
Width	73.2"	72.4"
Height	56.9"	56.9"
Wheelbase	111.8"	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	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Dual Rear 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	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
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	✓	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Hyundai	Toyota
Base Engine Displacement	2.5 L	2.5 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	hybrid
Horsepower	191 hp @ 6100 rpm	225 hp
Torque	181 lb-ft @ 4000 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	8-speed shiftable 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)	28/38 MPG	52/49 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	32 MPG	51 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	445.2/604.2 mi.	676.0/637.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	15.9 gal.	13.0 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Hyundai	Toyota
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Air Conditioning	✓	—
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling	✓	—
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	—	✓
Rear Cupholders	—	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	—	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	—	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Hyundai	Toyota
Infotainment Display	12.3 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	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	—	3 months

Power Feature

Feature	Hyundai	Toyota
One-Touch Power Windows	1	4
Keyless Entry	✓	—
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Remote Keyless Entry	—	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Hyundai	Toyota
Front Head Room	40.0 in.	38.3 in.
Front Leg Room	46.1 in.	42.1 in.
Front Shoulder Room	57.9 in.	57.7 in.
Front Hip Room	54.6 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	6-way	6-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Hyundai	Toyota
Rear Head Room	37.8 in.	37.6 in.
Rear Leg Room	34.8 in.	38.0 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	56.1 in.	55.7 in.
Rear Hip Room	54.4 in.	54.6 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Hyundai	Toyota
Wheel Material	Alloy	Alloy
Wheel Size	16 x 6.5 in	16 x 6.5 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	205/65R16	P205/65R16
Spare Tire Type	—	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	—	Inside Mounted

Suspension

Feature	Hyundai	Toyota
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.
Hybrid Component Warranty	—	10 yr./ 150000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	—	2 yr./ 25000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2026 Hyundai Sonata and 2026 Toyota Camry.

How much better is the fuel economy between these two sedans?

The Toyota Camry (car2) is significantly thriftier, achieving 51 MPG combined, which is an immense 19 MPG better than the Hyundai Sonata's (car1) 32 MPG combined rating. This difference translates to substantial savings over a year of driving.

Does the Sonata's lower price offset the Camry's performance advantage?

The Sonata costs $1,700 less at MSRP ($27,300 vs $29,000), offering strong value. However, the Camry provides 34 more horsepower (225 hp vs 191 hp), making it the clear choice for spirited driving despite the higher initial cost.

Which car has more space for luggage?

The 2026 Hyundai Sonata provides marginally more luggage room with 15.6 cubic feet of cargo capacity. The 2026 Toyota Camry offers 15.1 cubic feet, a slight difference that might matter for larger families or frequent travelers.

What is the core difference in their transmissions?

The Sonata uses a standard 8-speed shiftable automatic, providing distinct gear changes. In contrast, the Camry utilizes a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission (CVT), designed to maximize efficiency at all times.

Are these vehicles physically very different in size?

Dimensionally, they are nearly identical; both share the same height of 56.9 inches and similar lengths around 193.4 inches. The Camry is slightly narrower at 72.4 inches compared to the Sonata’s 73.2 inches.

Which car is better for city driving versus highway cruising?

The Camry excels in both, showing 52 MPG in the city, significantly better than the Sonata's 28 MPG city rating. Highway cruising also favors the Camry at 49 MPG versus the Sonata's 38 MPG.