Toyota Camry vs Hyundai Sonata
Toyota Camry
Best-selling midsize sedan known for reliability, value, and resale strength.
Buyers planning 10+ year ownership, families prioritizing reliability over gadgets, and those who want minimal maintenance headaches
Hyundai Sonata
Modern midsize sedan with cutting-edge tech and aggressive warranty coverage
Budget-conscious first-time sedan buyers, tech enthusiasts who upgrade every 5 years, and those who value warranty coverage and modern infotainment
Short Answer
The Toyota Camry dominates in reliability and resale value with a 94% dependability rating, while the Hyundai Sonata offers more modern technology and lower starting prices by approximately $3,000. Both are midsize sedans, but they appeal to different buyer priorities: Camry for long-term ownership, Sonata for tech-forward features and budget-conscious buyers.
Our Verdict
AI-assistedChoose the Toyota Camry if you prioritize long-term reliability, superior resale value, and fuel efficiency—Toyota's legendary build quality justifies the higher upfront cost with lower ownership expenses over 10+ years. Choose the Hyundai Sonata if you want modern technology features, a lower purchase price, and don't plan to keep the vehicle beyond 5-6 years; Hyundai's aggressive warranty and feature-rich interior appeal to tech-conscious buyers on a budget.
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Choose Toyota Camry if
Buyers planning 10+ year ownership, families prioritizing reliability over gadgets, and those who want minimal maintenance headaches
Choose Hyundai Sonata if
Budget-conscious first-time sedan buyers, tech enthusiasts who upgrade every 5 years, and those who value warranty coverage and modern infotainment
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Key Differences at a Glance
Key Facts & Figures
| Metric | Toyota Camry | Hyundai Sonata | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price (2026)(USD) | $32,500 (estimated) | — | — |
| EPA Combined Fuel Economy (Hybrid)(MPG) | 49-50 MPG combined | — | — |
| Standard Touchscreen Size(inches) | 8 inches | — | — |
| City Fuel Economy (Hybrid)(MPG) | 53 MPG | — | — |
| Highway Fuel Economy (Hybrid)(MPG) | 46 MPG | — | — |
| Interior Width (Front Legroom)(inches) | 38.6 inches | — | — |
| Cargo Capacity(cubic feet) | 15.1 cu ft | — | — |
| Safety Rating (NHTSA Overall)(stars) | 5 stars | — | — |
| Engine Horsepower(hp) | 225 hp @ 6000 RPM | — | — |
| Engine Torque(lb-ft) | 163 lb-ft @ 5200 RPM | — | — |
| Fuel Tank Capacity(gallons) | 13 gallons | — | — |
| Estimated MPG Combined(MPG) | 51 MPG | — | — |
| Infotainment Screen Size(inches) | 10.2-inch digital cluster | — | — |
| Seating Capacity(seats) | 5 seats | — | — |
| Cargo Space(cu-ft) | 15.1 cu-ft | — | — |
| Starting MSRP (2026)(USD) | $29,765 | $26,990 | +10% |
| EPA Combined Fuel Economy (Standard Non-Hybrid)(mpg) | 33 mpg | 32 mpg | +3% |
| EPA Combined Fuel Economy (Hybrid)(mpg) | 52 mpg | 38 mpg | +37% |
| J.D. Power Dependability Rating(score out of 100) | 94/100 | 88/100 | +7% |
| 3-Year Resale Value Retention(%) | 63% | 54% | +17% |
| Standard Infotainment Display Size(inches) | 8 inches | 10.25 inches | -22% |
| Rear Seat Legroom(inches) | 38.3 inches | 37.8 inches | +1% |
| Consumer Reports Owner Satisfaction(score out of 10) | 8.2/10 | 7.6/10 | +8% |
| Starting MSRP (2025)(USD) | $29,390 | $25,200 | +17% |
| Base Engine Power(hp) | 203 hp (4-cyl naturally aspirated) | — | — |
| EPA Combined Fuel Economy (Standard Engine)(MPG) | 28-32 MPG | — | — |
| J.D. Power Reliability Rating(score/100) | 92/100 | — | — |
| Highway Cabin Noise Level(dB) | 71 dB | — | — |
| Starting Price (MSRP 2026)(USD) | $28,045 | — | — |
| Highway Fuel Economy(MPG) | 33 MPG | — | — |
| EPA Combined Fuel Economy(mpg) | 28 MPG | — | — |
| Base Engine Power Output(hp) | 203 hp | — | — |
| Base Engine Torque(lb-ft) | 184 lb-ft | — | — |
| 0-60 mph Acceleration(seconds) | 8.2 seconds | — | — |
| Trunk Capacity(cubic feet) | 15.1 cu ft | — | — |
| Infotainment Screen Size (Standard)(inches) | 8 inches | — | — |
| 5-Year Residual Value Retention(percent) | 58% | — | — |
| J.D. Power 2024 Dependability Score(out of 100) | 85/100 (#4 Midsize) | 85/100 (#4 Midsize) | — |
| 5-Year Resale Value Retention(percent) | 55% | 55% | — |
| EPA Combined Fuel Economy (2.0L Turbo Auto)(MPG) | 31 MPG | 31 MPG | — |
| 0-60 Acceleration (2.0L Turbo)(seconds) | 7.5 seconds | 7.5 seconds | — |
| Trunk Cargo Space(cubic feet) | 16.3 cu ft | 16.3 cu ft | — |
| 10-Year Estimated Ownership Cost(USD) | $9,100 | $9,100 | — |
All figures sourced from publicly available data. Last updated Jun 2026.
Key Differences
Toyota Camry
$29,765
Hyundai Sonata
$26,990🏆
Toyota Camry
62%🏆
Hyundai Sonata
54%
Toyota Camry
94/100🏆
Hyundai Sonata
88/100
Toyota Camry
8 inches
Hyundai Sonata
10.25 inches🏆
Toyota Camry
52 mpg🏆
Hyundai Sonata
38 mpg
Toyota Camry
3 yr/60k mi / 5 yr/60k mi
Hyundai Sonata
5 yr/60k mi / 10 yr/100k mi🏆
Toyota Camry
8.2/10🏆
Hyundai Sonata
7.6/10
Full Comparison
| Attribute | ||
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price (2026)(USD) | $32,500 (estimated) | — |
| Starting MSRP (2026)(USD) | $29,765 | $26,990 |
| Starting MSRP (2025)(USD) | $29,390 | $25,200 |
| Starting Price (MSRP 2026)(USD) | $28,045 | — |
| EPA Combined Fuel Economy (Hybrid)(MPG) | 49-50 MPG combined | — |
| City Fuel Economy (Hybrid)(MPG) | 53 MPG | — |
| Highway Fuel Economy (Hybrid)(MPG) | 46 MPG | — |
| Estimated MPG Combined(MPG) | 51 MPG | — |
| EPA Combined Fuel Economy (Standard Non-Hybrid)(mpg) | 33 mpg | 32 mpg |
Show 5 more attributesEPA Combined Fuel Economy (Hybrid)(mpg) 52 mpg 38 mpg EPA Combined Fuel Economy (Standard Engine)(MPG) 28-32 MPG — Highway Fuel Economy(MPG) 33 MPG — EPA Combined Fuel Economy(mpg) 28 MPG — EPA Combined Fuel Economy (2.0L Turbo Auto)(MPG) 31 MPG — | ||
| Engine Type (Standard) | 2.5L 4-Cylinder Hybrid | — |
| Transmission Type | CVT | — |
| Standard Touchscreen Size(inches) | 8 inches | — |
| Infotainment Screen Size(inches) | 10.2-inch digital cluster | — |
| Powertrain Type | Gasoline only | — |
| Standard Infotainment Display Size(inches) | 8 inches | 10.25 inches |
| Infotainment Screen Size (Standard)(inches) | 8 inches | — |
| Heated Door Mirrors Standard | Yes | — |
| Rear Seat Legroom(inches) | 38.3 inches | 37.8 inches |
| Highway Cabin Noise Level(dB) | 71 dB | — |
| Interior Width (Front Legroom)(inches) | 38.6 inches | — |
| Cargo Capacity(cubic feet) | 15.1 cu ft | — |
| Safety Rating (NHTSA Overall)(stars) | 5 stars | — |
| Standard Driver Assistance Features | Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ | — |
| Engine Horsepower(hp) | 225 hp @ 6000 RPM | — |
| Engine Torque(lb-ft) | 163 lb-ft @ 5200 RPM | — |
| Base Engine Power(hp) | 203 hp (4-cyl naturally aspirated) | — |
| Turbocharged Engine Option(hp) | Not available | — |
| Base Engine Power Output(hp) | 203 hp | — |
Show 3 more attributesBase Engine Torque(lb-ft) 184 lb-ft — 0-60 mph Acceleration(seconds) 8.2 seconds — 0-60 Acceleration (2.0L Turbo)(seconds) 7.5 seconds — | ||
| Fuel Tank Capacity(gallons) | 13 gallons | — |
| Seating Capacity(seats) | 5 seats | — |
| Cargo Space(cu-ft) | 15.1 cu-ft | — |
| Trunk Cargo Space(cubic feet) | 16.3 cu ft | — |
| J.D. Power Dependability Rating(score out of 100) | 94/100 | 88/100 |
| J.D. Power Reliability Rating(score/100) | 92/100 | — |
| J.D. Power 2024 Dependability Score(out of 100) | 85/100 (#4 Midsize) | — |
| 3-Year Resale Value Retention(%) | 63% | 54% |
| 5-Year Residual Value Retention(percent) | 58% | — |
| Powertrain Warranty Coverage(years/miles) | 5 yr / 60k mi | 10 yr / 100k mi |
| Standard Warranty - Powertrain(years/miles) | 5 years/60,000 miles | — |
| Powertrain Warranty(years / miles) | 10 years/100,000 miles | — |
| Consumer Reports Owner Satisfaction(score out of 10) | 8.2/10 | 7.6/10 |
| Trunk Capacity(cubic feet) | 15.1 cu ft | — |
| 5-Year Resale Value Retention(percent) | 55% | — |
| 10-Year Estimated Ownership Cost(USD) | $9,100 | — |
Show 5 more attributes
Show 3 more attributes
Visual Comparison
Side-by-side comparison of numeric attributes
Pros & Cons
Toyota Camry
Pros
- 94/100 J.D. Power dependability rating—best in class
- 62% resale value retention after 3 years—$8,000+ advantage over Sonata
- Hybrid achieves 52 mpg combined EPA rating with 30+ gallon tank
- Standard Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ with adaptive cruise and lane-keeping
- Spacious 15.1 cu ft trunk and 38.3-inch rear legroom
Cons
- Higher starting price at $29,765—$2,775 more than Sonata
- 8-inch touchscreen feels dated compared to Sonata's 10.25-inch standard display
- Apple CarPlay/Android Auto require wired connection rather than wireless
Hyundai Sonata
Pros
- Industry-leading 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty—double Toyota's coverage
- Starting price of $26,990—$2,775 cheaper than Camry
- 10.25-inch touchscreen standard with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
- Available N-Line trim delivers 290-hp turbocharged engine with 8-speed automatic
- Available Highway Driving Assist 2 with autonomous lane-changing technology
Cons
- 54% resale value retention after 3 years—$8,000+ lower than Camry over ownership
- 88/100 dependability rating trails Camry by 6 points; 1 in 10 owners report major issues
- Non-hybrid gets only 32 mpg combined EPA—16% worse than Camry's 52 mpg hybrid
Frequently Asked Questions
The Toyota Camry significantly outperforms the Hyundai Sonata in long-term reliability. Toyota's 94/100 J.D. Power dependability rating versus Hyundai's 88/100 translates to roughly 1 in 17 Camry owners reporting major issues versus 1 in 10 Sonata owners. Over a 10-year ownership period, Camry owners typically spend $2,000-$4,000 less on repairs, according to AAA maintenance cost studies.
Resources & Learn More
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