Toyota Camry vs Mazda 6 2026 | Reliability & Cost
The Toyota Camry prioritizes reliability and resale value with hybrid efficiency options, while the Mazda 6 emphasizes driving dynamics and premium interior design at a lower starting price. The Camry outsells the 6 by approximately 3:1 globally due to superior brand trust and lower maintenance costs.
Toyota Camry
Mid-size sedan known for legendary reliability, hybrid efficiency, and strong resale value.
Cost-conscious buyers, families planning long-term ownership, those in cold climates, and users who prioritize reliability over driving thrills.
Mazda 6
Sporty mid-size sedan emphasizing handling precision, premium cabin design, and driver engagement.
Driving enthusiasts, budget-conscious shoppers wanting premium features, those planning 5-7 year ownership cycles, and buyers prioritizing in-cabin comfort and tech.
Quick Answer
AI SummaryThe Toyota Camry prioritizes reliability and resale value with hybrid efficiency options, while the Mazda 6 emphasizes driving dynamics and premium interior design at a lower starting price. The Camry outsells the 6 by approximately 3:1 globally due to superior brand trust and lower maintenance costs.
Our Verdict
AI-assistedChoose the Toyota Camry if you prioritize long-term reliability, fuel efficiency (especially with hybrid), lower ownership costs, and maximum resale value—ideal for buyers planning to keep their car 8+ years. Choose the Mazda 6 if you value engaging driving dynamics, a more upscale interior, better infotainment technology, and lower initial purchase price—better for enthusiasts who appreciate responsive handling and want to upgrade sooner.
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Choose Toyota Camry if
Best pickCost-conscious buyers, families planning long-term ownership, those in cold climates, and users who prioritize reliability over driving thrills.
Choose Mazda 6 if
Driving enthusiasts, budget-conscious shoppers wanting premium features, those planning 5-7 year ownership cycles, and buyers prioritizing in-cabin comfort and tech.
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Key Differences at a Glance
- Starting Price (2026):✓ Mazda 6 wins($26,520 vs $28,650)
- EPA Combined Fuel Economy (Standard):✓ Toyota Camry wins(32 MPG vs 28 MPG)
- Hybrid Option Available:✓ Toyota Camry wins(Yes (52 MPG combined) vs No)
Key Facts & Figures
63 numeric metrics compared
| Metric | Toyota Camry | Mazda 6 | 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 | — | — |
| EPA Combined Fuel Economy (Standard Non-Hybrid)(mpg) | 33 mpg | — | — |
| EPA Combined Fuel Economy (Hybrid)(mpg) | 52 mpg | — | — |
| J.D. Power Dependability Rating(ranking) | 94/100 | — | — |
| 3-Year Resale Value Retention(%) | 63% | — | — |
| Standard Infotainment Display Size(inches) | 8 inches | — | — |
| Rear Seat Legroom(inches) | 38.3 inches | — | — |
| Consumer Reports Owner Satisfaction(score out of 10) | 8.2/10 | — | — |
| Starting MSRP (2025)(USD) | $29,390 | — | — |
| 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 out of 100) | 92/100 | — | — |
| Highway Cabin Noise Level(dB) | 71 dB | — | — |
| Starting Price (MSRP 2026)(USD) | $28,045 | $29,450 | |
| Highway Fuel Economy(MPG) | 33 MPG | 31 MPG | |
| Base Engine Power Output(hp) | 203 hp | 187 hp | |
| Base Engine Torque(lb-ft) | 184 lb-ft | 186 lb-ft | |
| 0-60 mph Acceleration(seconds) | 8.2 seconds | 7.9 seconds | |
| Trunk Capacity(cubic feet) | 15.1 cu ft | 14.2 cu ft | |
| Infotainment Screen Size (Standard)(inches) | 8 inches | 8.8 inches | |
| 5-Year Residual Value Retention(percent) | 58% | 51% | |
| Starting Price (2026 LE/S Trim)(USD) | $29,745 | — | — |
| EPA Combined Fuel Economy(MPG) | 32 MPG (LE gasoline) | 26 MPG | |
| 5-Year Reliability Rating(percent) | 86% | — | — |
| 5-Year Resale Value Retention(%) | 58.2% | 54.1% | |
| 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 | $26,520 | |
| EPA Combined Fuel Economy (Gas)(MPG) | 32 MPG | 28 MPG | |
| Hybrid EPA Combined Fuel Economy(MPG) | 52 MPG | Not available | — |
| Annual Maintenance Cost(USD) | $289 | $367 | |
| J.D. Power 2025 Dependability Rating(Score/100) | 87/100 | 82/100 | |
| Infotainment Screen Diagonal(inches) | 8 inches | 8.8 inches | |
| Standard Horsepower (Gas)(HP) | 203 HP | 187 HP | |
| Engine Displacement & Power(hp) | 2.5L turbocharged, 250 hp | 2.5L turbocharged, 250 hp | |
| 0-60 Acceleration(seconds) | 7.4 seconds | 7.4 seconds | |
| Cargo Space(cubic feet) | 88.8 cu ft | 88.8 cu ft | |
| Infotainment Display(inches) | 8.8 inches | 8.8 inches | |
| Wheelbase(inches) | 111.4 inches | 111.4 inches | |
| Starting MSRP(USD) | $28,590 | $28,590 | |
| Highway Fuel Economy (Base Model)(MPG) | 36 MPG | 36 MPG | |
| Cargo Capacity(cubic feet) | 14.8 | 14.8 | |
| Turbo Engine Horsepower(hp) | 227 hp | 227 hp | |
| Turbo Engine Torque(lb-ft) | 310 lb-ft | 310 lb-ft | |
| Turning Radius(feet) | 35.4 feet | 35.4 feet | |
| Standard Infotainment Screen(inches) | 8.8 inches | 8.8 inches | |
| 0-60 Time (Turbo)(seconds) | 7.2 seconds | 7.2 seconds |
Sourced from publicly available data ·
Key Differences
7 attributes compared head-to-head
- $28,650Starting Price (2026)$26,520(winner)
- 32 MPG(winner)EPA Combined Fuel Economy (Standard)28 MPG
- Yes (52 MPG combined)(winner)Hybrid Option AvailableNo
- $289(winner)Annual Maintenance Cost$367
- 58.2%(winner)5-Year Resale Value Retention54.1%
- 8 inchesInfotainment Screen Size8.8 inches(winner)
- 87/100(winner)J.D. Power Dependability Rating (2025)82/100
- Starting Price (2026)
Toyota Camry
$28,650
Mazda 6
$26,520(winner)
- EPA Combined Fuel Economy (Standard)
Toyota Camry
32 MPG(winner)
Mazda 6
28 MPG
- Hybrid Option Available
Toyota Camry
Yes (52 MPG combined)(winner)
Mazda 6
No
- Annual Maintenance Cost
Toyota Camry
$289(winner)
Mazda 6
$367
- 5-Year Resale Value Retention
Toyota Camry
58.2%(winner)
Mazda 6
54.1%
- Infotainment Screen Size
Toyota Camry
8 inches
Mazda 6
8.8 inches(winner)
- J.D. Power Dependability Rating (2025)
Toyota Camry
87/100(winner)
Mazda 6
82/100
Full Comparison
| Attribute | Toyota Camry | Mazda 6 |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price (2026)(USD) | $32,500 (estimated) | — |
| Starting MSRP (2026)(USD) | $29,765 | — |
| Starting MSRP (2025)(USD) | $29,390 | — |
| Starting Price (MSRP 2026)(USD) | $28,045(winner) | $29,450 |
| Starting Price (2026 LE/S Trim)(USD) | $29,745 | — |
Show 1 more attributeStarting MSRP(USD) $28,590 — | ||
| 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 | — |
Show 7 more attributesEPA Combined Fuel Economy (Hybrid)(mpg) 52 mpg — EPA Combined Fuel Economy (Standard Engine)(mpg) 28-32 MPG — Highway Fuel Economy(MPG) 33 MPG 31 MPG EPA Combined Fuel Economy(MPG) 32 MPG (LE gasoline) 26 MPG EPA Combined Fuel Economy (Gas)(MPG) 32 MPG 28 MPG Hybrid EPA Combined Fuel Economy(MPG) 52 MPG Not available Highway Fuel Economy (Base Model)(MPG) 36 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 | — |
| Infotainment Screen Size (Standard)(inches) | 8 inches | 8.8 inches(winner) |
Show 4 more attributesStandard Apple CarPlay/Android Auto Requires $1,500 upgrade — Infotainment Screen Diagonal(inches) 8 inches 8.8 inches Infotainment Display(inches) 8.8 inches — Standard Infotainment Screen(inches) 8.8 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 | — |
| Cargo Capacity(cubic feet) | 14.8 | — |
| 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(winner) | 187 hp |
Show 8 more attributesBase Engine Torque(lb-ft) 184 lb-ft 186 lb-ft 0-60 mph Acceleration(seconds) 8.2 seconds 7.9 seconds Standard Horsepower (Gas)(HP) 203 HP 187 HP Engine Displacement & Power(hp) 2.5L turbocharged, 250 hp — 0-60 Acceleration(seconds) 7.4 seconds — Turbo Engine Horsepower(hp) 227 hp — Turbo Engine Torque(lb-ft) 310 lb-ft — 0-60 Time (Turbo)(seconds) 7.2 seconds — | ||
| Fuel Tank Capacity(gallons) | 13 gallons | — |
| Seating Capacity(seats) | 5 seats | — |
| Cargo Space(cu-ft) | 15.1 cu-ft | — |
| J.D. Power Dependability Rating(ranking) | 94/100 | — |
| J.D. Power Reliability Rating(score out of 100) | 92/100 | — |
| 5-Year Reliability Rating(percent) | 86% | — |
| J.D. Power 2025 Dependability Rating(Score/100) | 87/100(winner) | 82/100 |
| 3-Year Resale Value Retention(%) | 63% | — |
| 5-Year Residual Value Retention(percent) | 58%(winner) | 51% |
| Powertrain Warranty Coverage(years / miles) | 5 yr / 60k mi | — |
| Standard Warranty - Powertrain(years/miles) | 5 years/60,000 miles | — |
| Rear Seat Legroom(inches) | 38.3 inches | — |
| Trunk Capacity(cubic feet) | 15.1 cu ft(winner) | 14.2 cu ft |
| Consumer Reports Owner Satisfaction(score out of 10) | 8.2/10 | — |
| Owner Satisfaction (J.D. Power 2025)(score/100) | 84/100 | — |
| 5-Year Resale Value Retention(%) | 58.2%(winner) | 54.1% |
| Trunk/Cargo Volume(cubic feet) | 15.1 cu ft | — |
| Fuel Tank Capacity(liters) | 14.5 L | — |
| Starting Price(USD) | $28,650 | $26,520(winner) |
| Annual Maintenance Cost(USD) | $289(winner) | $367 |
| Cargo Space(cubic feet) | 88.8 cu ft | — |
| Transmission Type | 6-speed automatic | — |
| Wheelbase(inches) | 111.4 inches | — |
| Turning Radius(feet) | 35.4 feet | — |
Toyota CamryMazda 6Show 1 more attribute
Show 7 more attributes
Show 4 more attributes
Show 8 more attributes
Pros & Cons
10 pros·6 cons across both
Toyota Camry
Pros
- Hybrid powertrain option delivers 52 MPG combined for 30% better efficiency
- Lowest annual maintenance costs at $289—saves $3,880 over 10 years vs Mazda 6
- 58.2% 5-year resale value retention, highest in mid-size sedan segment
- 87/100 J.D. Power dependability rating with proven Toyota reliability track record
- Available all-wheel drive with proven winter/weather performance
Cons
- Starts $2,130 higher than Mazda 6 ($28,650 vs $26,520)
- Interior design feels more conservative and less premium than Mazda 6
- Less engaging driving dynamics with softer suspension tuning
Mazda 6
Pros
- Lowest starting price at $26,520—$2,130 cheaper than Camry for same segment
- Larger 8.8-inch infotainment screen vs Camry's 8 inches with superior graphics
- Responsive steering and athletic suspension provide engaging driving dynamics
- Premium interior materials and Bose audio system standard on higher trims
- Excellent visibility with smaller blind spots and intuitive control layout
Cons
- No hybrid option available—achieves only 28 MPG combined vs Camry's 32 MPG
- Annual maintenance costs $367, approximately 27% higher than Camry
- 54.1% 5-year resale value retention trails Camry by 4.1 percentage points
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questions
The Toyota Camry has a significant reliability advantage. Its J.D. Power dependability rating is 87/100 vs Mazda 6's 82/100, and Camry owners report substantially fewer problems after 5+ years. Toyota's hybrid system has proven especially durable with minimal transmission issues, whereas Mazda 6 owners face higher repair costs averaging $367 annually versus Camry's $289.
Resources & Learn More
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