Toyota Camry vs Hyundai Sonata 2026
The Toyota Camry leads in reliability ratings (Toyota ranks #2 in brand reliability vs Hyundai at #14) and resale value (58% average retained after 5 years vs Sonata's 52%), while the Hyundai Sonata offers more aggressive styling, higher output in base models, and a longer warranty (10yr/100k vs Toyota's 3yr/36k).
Toyota Camry
Best-selling midsize sedan with legendary reliability and strong resale value.
Practical buyers prioritizing reliability, low running costs, and strong resale value over flashy styling
Hyundai Sonata
Stylish midsize sedan offering aggressive design, strong warranty, and competitive value.
Style-conscious buyers wanting modern design, better warranty coverage, and lower sticker prices without top-tier reliability priorities
Quick Answer
AI SummaryThe Toyota Camry leads in reliability ratings (Toyota ranks #2 in brand reliability vs Hyundai at #14) and resale value (58% average retained after 5 years vs Sonata's 52%), while the Hyundai Sonata offers more aggressive styling, higher output in base models, and a longer warranty (10yr/100k vs Toyota's 3yr/36k).
Our Verdict
AI-assistedChoose the Toyota Camry if reliability, resale value, and long-term ownership costs matter most—Toyota's superior reliability rating and 6% better value retention justify the premium. Choose the Hyundai Sonata if you prioritize warranty coverage, modern styling, or lower upfront pricing with more aggressive performance options.
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Choose Toyota Camry if
Best pickPractical buyers prioritizing reliability, low running costs, and strong resale value over flashy styling
Choose Hyundai Sonata if
Style-conscious buyers wanting modern design, better warranty coverage, and lower sticker prices without top-tier reliability priorities
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Key Differences at a Glance
- Brand Reliability Ranking (2026):✓ Toyota Camry wins(#2 overall vs #14 overall)
- 5-Year Resale Value Retention:✓ Toyota Camry wins(58% vs 52%)
- Base Model Horsepower:✓ Hyundai Sonata wins(180 hp (2.5L turbo) vs 203 hp (2.5L))
Key Facts & Figures
63 numeric metrics compared
| Metric | Toyota Camry | Hyundai Sonata | Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | |
| EPA Combined Fuel Economy (Standard Non-Hybrid)(mpg) | 33 mpg | 32 mpg | |
| EPA Combined Fuel Economy (Hybrid)(mpg) | 52 mpg | 38 mpg | |
| J.D. Power Dependability Rating(ranking) | 94/100 | 88/100 | |
| 3-Year Resale Value Retention(%) | 63% | 54% | |
| Standard Infotainment Display Size(inches) | 8 inches | 8.0 inches | |
| Rear Seat Legroom(inches) | 38.3 inches | 37.8 inches | |
| Consumer Reports Owner Satisfaction(score out of 10) | 8.2/10 | 7.6/10 | |
| Starting MSRP (2025)(USD) | $29,390 | $25,200 | |
| Base Engine Power(hp) | 203 hp (4-cyl naturally aspirated) | — | — |
| EPA Combined Fuel Economy (Standard Engine)(mpg) | 28-32 MPG | 32 mpg | |
| J.D. Power Reliability Rating(score out of 100) | 92/100 | 78 | |
| Highway Cabin Noise Level(dB) | 71 dB | — | — |
| Starting Price (MSRP 2026)(USD) | $28,045 | — | — |
| Highway Fuel Economy(MPG) | 33 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 | 16.3 cu ft | |
| Infotainment Screen Size (Standard)(inches) | 8 inches | — | — |
| 5-Year Residual Value Retention(percent) | 58% | — | — |
| Starting Price (2026 LE/S Trim)(USD) | $29,745 | — | — |
| EPA Combined Fuel Economy(MPG) | 32 MPG (LE gasoline) | — | — |
| 5-Year Reliability Rating(percent) | 86% | — | — |
| 5-Year Resale Value Retention(%) | 58% retained | 52% retained | |
| Trunk/Cargo Volume(cubic feet) | 15.1 cu ft | — | — |
| Owner Satisfaction (J.D. Power 2025)(score/100) | 84/100 | — | — |
| Fuel Tank Capacity(liters) | 14.5 L | — | — |
| Starting Price(USD) | $28,650 | — | — |
| EPA Combined Fuel Economy (Gas)(MPG) | 32 MPG | — | — |
| Hybrid EPA Combined Fuel Economy(MPG) | 52 MPG | — | — |
| Annual Maintenance Cost(USD) | $289 | — | — |
| J.D. Power 2025 Dependability Rating(Score/100) | 87/100 | — | — |
| Infotainment Screen Diagonal(inches) | 8 inches | — | — |
| Standard Horsepower (Gas)(HP) | 203 HP | — | — |
| Base Model MSRP(USD) | $28,050 | $25,550 | |
| Base Engine Horsepower(hp) | 203 hp (2.5L naturally aspirated) | 180 hp (2.5L turbo) | |
| EPA Combined Fuel Economy (base)(MPG) | 33 MPG combined | 31 MPG combined | |
| Hybrid Model Efficiency(MPG) | 51 MPG combined | 53 MPG combined | |
| J.D. Power Reliability Ranking(rank) | Rank #2 | Rank #14 | |
| Average Annual Maintenance Cost (Years 1-5)(USD) | $386 | $412 | |
| J.D. Power 2024 Dependability Score(out of 100) | 85/100 (#4 Midsize) | 85/100 (#4 Midsize) | |
| 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(cu ft) | 16.3 cu ft | 16.3 cu ft | |
| 10-Year Estimated Ownership Cost(USD) | $9,100 | $9,100 | |
| Starting MSRP(USD) | $24,350 | $24,350 | |
| Rear Legroom(inches) | 38.1 inches | 38.1 inches |
Sourced from publicly available data ·
Key Differences
7 attributes compared head-to-head
- #2 overall(winner)Brand Reliability Ranking (2026)#14 overall
- 58%(winner)5-Year Resale Value Retention52%
- 203 hp (2.5L)Base Model Horsepower180 hp (2.5L turbo)(winner)
- 3yr/36k milesStandard Warranty Coverage10yr/100k miles(winner)
- 28/39 city/highway(winner)EPA Fuel Economy (2.5L non-turbo)27/37 city/highway
- 8.2/10(winner)Average Owner Satisfaction Rating7.8/10
- $386(winner)Annual Maintenance Cost (Year 1-5)$412
- Brand Reliability Ranking (2026)
Toyota Camry
#2 overall(winner)
Hyundai Sonata
#14 overall
- 5-Year Resale Value Retention
Toyota Camry
58%(winner)
Hyundai Sonata
52%
- Base Model Horsepower
Toyota Camry
203 hp (2.5L)
Hyundai Sonata
180 hp (2.5L turbo)(winner)
- Standard Warranty Coverage
Toyota Camry
3yr/36k miles
Hyundai Sonata
10yr/100k miles(winner)
- EPA Fuel Economy (2.5L non-turbo)
Toyota Camry
28/39 city/highway(winner)
Hyundai Sonata
27/37 city/highway
- Average Owner Satisfaction Rating
Toyota Camry
8.2/10(winner)
Hyundai Sonata
7.8/10
- Annual Maintenance Cost (Year 1-5)
Toyota Camry
$386(winner)
Hyundai Sonata
$412
Full Comparison
| Attribute | Toyota Camry | Hyundai Sonata |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price (2026)(USD) | $32,500 (estimated) | — |
| Starting MSRP (2026)(USD) | $29,765 | $26,990(winner) |
| Starting MSRP (2025)(USD) | $29,390 | $25,200(winner) |
| Starting Price (MSRP 2026)(USD) | $28,045 | — |
| Starting Price (2026 LE/S Trim)(USD) | $29,745 | — |
Show 3 more attributesStarting Price(USD) $28,650 — Base Model MSRP(USD) $28,050 $25,550 Starting MSRP(USD) $24,350 — | ||
| 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(winner) | 32 mpg |
Show 10 more attributesEPA Combined Fuel Economy (Hybrid)(mpg) 52 mpg 38 mpg EPA Combined Fuel Economy (Standard Engine)(mpg) 28-32 MPG 32 mpg Highway Fuel Economy(MPG) 33 MPG — EPA Combined Fuel Economy(MPG) 32 MPG (LE gasoline) — EPA Combined Fuel Economy (Gas)(MPG) 32 MPG — Hybrid EPA Combined Fuel Economy(MPG) 52 MPG — EPA Combined Fuel Economy (base)(MPG) 33 MPG combined 31 MPG combined Hybrid Model Efficiency(MPG) 51 MPG combined 53 MPG combined EPA Combined Fuel Economy (2.0L Turbo Auto)(MPG) 31 MPG — Hybrid Option Combined Fuel Economy(mpg) N/A — | ||
| 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 | 8.0 inches |
| Infotainment Screen Size (Standard)(inches) | 8 inches | — |
Show 2 more attributesStandard Apple CarPlay/Android Auto Requires $1,500 upgrade — Infotainment Screen Diagonal(inches) 8 inches — | ||
| Heated Door Mirrors Standard | Yes | — |
| 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 5 more attributesBase Engine Torque(lb-ft) 184 lb-ft — 0-60 MPH Acceleration(seconds) 8.2 seconds — Standard Horsepower (Gas)(HP) 203 HP — Base Engine Horsepower(hp) 203 hp (2.5L naturally aspirated) 180 hp (2.5L turbo) 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(cu ft) | 16.3 cu ft | — |
| J.D. Power Dependability Rating(ranking) | 94/100(winner) | 88/100 |
| J.D. Power Reliability Rating(score out of 100) | 92/100(winner) | 78 |
| 5-Year Reliability Rating(percent) | 86% | — |
| J.D. Power 2025 Dependability Rating(Score/100) | 87/100 | — |
| J.D. Power Reliability Ranking(rank) | Rank #2(winner) | Rank #14 |
Show 1 more attributeJ.D. Power 2024 Dependability Score(out of 100) 85/100 (#4 Midsize) — | ||
| 3-Year Resale Value Retention(%) | 63%(winner) | 54% |
| 5-Year Residual Value Retention(percent) | 58% | — |
| 5-Year Resale Value Retention(%) | 58% retained(winner) | 52% retained |
| Powertrain Warranty Coverage(years / miles) | 5 yr / 60k mi | 10 years / 100,000 miles |
| Standard Warranty - Powertrain(years/miles) | 5 years/60,000 miles | — |
| Basic Warranty Coverage(years/miles) | 3 years / 36,000 miles | 10 years / 100,000 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty(years/miles) | 10 years/100,000 miles | — |
| Rear Seat Legroom(inches) | 38.3 inches(winner) | 37.8 inches |
| Trunk Capacity(cubic feet) | 15.1 cu ft | 16.3 cu ft(winner) |
| Rear Legroom(inches) | 38.1 inches | — |
| Consumer Reports Owner Satisfaction(score out of 10) | 8.2/10(winner) | 7.6/10 |
| Owner Satisfaction (J.D. Power 2025)(score/100) | 84/100 | — |
| Trunk/Cargo Volume(cubic feet) | 15.1 cu ft | — |
| Fuel Tank Capacity(liters) | 14.5 L | — |
| Annual Maintenance Cost(USD) | $289 | — |
| 10-Year Estimated Ownership Cost(USD) | $9,100 | — |
| Average Annual Maintenance Cost (Years 1-5)(USD) | $386(winner) | $412 |
Toyota CamryHyundai SonataShow 3 more attributes
Show 10 more attributes
Show 2 more attributes
Show 5 more attributes
Show 1 more attribute
Pros & Cons
10 pros·4 cons across both
Toyota Camry
Pros
- Ranked #2 in brand reliability (J.D. Power 2026)
- 58% 5-year resale value retention—highest in segment
- 28/39 MPG city/highway (2.5L)—above-average efficiency
- Available all-wheel drive on all trim levels
- 8.2/10 average owner satisfaction score from 12,000+ reviews
Cons
- Conservative, understated exterior design criticized for blandness
- Only 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty (industry minimum)
Hyundai Sonata
Pros
- Industry-leading 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty
- Sharp, modern exterior design with available N-Line performance trim
- 180 hp turbo base engine option for better performance/efficiency balance
- Lower MSRP: ~$2,500 cheaper base price than Camry LE
- Available hybrid delivers 53 MPG combined (exceeds Camry Hybrid's 51 MPG)
Cons
- Ranked #14 in brand reliability (J.D. Power 2026)—well below Toyota
- 52% average 5-year resale retention—6 points lower than Camry
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questions
Toyota Camry ranks #2 overall for brand reliability (J.D. Power 2026) versus Hyundai's #14 ranking. Camry owners report fewer repairs: average $386/year vs Sonata's $412/year. Toyota's reliability advantage typically translates to lower repair costs and higher resale value.
Resources & Learn More
Curated sources to dive deeper
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