Toyota Camry vs. Hyundai Sonata

One of the few midsize sedans on the market that can now be fitted with all-wheel drive is the Toyota Camry. Beyond being able to send power to all four wheels, the Camry impresses with an available V6 engine, a great list of standard safety features, and a sporty but comfortable ride.

Going up against the Camry is the recently redesigned Hyundai Sonata. The Sonata is a stylish, tech-forward, and value-packed offering. It does what sedans have been known for just as good as nearly every other option, and has the added benefit of being backed by one of the lengthiest warranties on the market.

If you’re looking for a midsize sedan, should you go with the Camry or the Sonata? You’ll find the answer to that question below.

See a side-by-side comparison of the Camry & Sonata »

What the Camry Gets Right

Both the Camry and the Sonata come with many of the latest safety features as standard, but when it comes to crash test scores, the Toyota comes out as the better choice. The Camry is an IIHS Top Safety Pick Plus, while the Sonata is just a Top Safety Pick. It missed out on the "Plus" designation because of its inferior headlights.

If you’re after performance, the Camry is the better choice. It has two available engines, both of which are more powerful than the Sonata’s motors. The base engine in the Camry is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder that produces 203 horsepower. A 301-hp V6 engine is also available. The Sonata’s base 2.5-liter four-cylinder is rated at 191 hp, and its available 1.6-liter turbocharged engine is good for 180 hp. The Camry also has all-wheel drive as an option, which isn’t available on the Camry.

The Camry also has better EPA fuel economy figures than the Sonata. The best the Camry can get is up to 34 miles per gallon combined, while the Sonata is slightly behind with 32 mpg combined.

What the Sonata Gets Right

Hyundai excels when it comes to value, so it shouldn’t come as a surprise to see that the Sonata has a lower price tag than the Camry. The Sonata starts at $24,330 including destination, while the Camry costs $25,250. That's a $920 difference.

Despite costing less, the Sonata comes with an impressive list of tech features, including the standard 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Sonata also has a bunch of available tech features that blow the Camry’s optional features out of the water.

The top two Sonata trims can be fitted with a 10.25-inch touchscreen, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and the new Hyundai Digital Key. This system allows Android users to unlock, lock, and start the car through an app. Hyundai also offers a smart park assist system with the Sonata, which you won’t find on the Camry.

While looks are subjective, the Sonata is one of the best-looking sedans on the market, while the Camry has a polarizing look that won’t appeal to everyone. The same can be said about their interiors. While the Camry’s is busy, the Sonata’s flowing lines result in an upscale feel. It’s not just against the Camry, but the Sonata wins in the looks department against nearly every other midsize sedan, at least in our opinion.

Need All-Wheel Drive?

If you live in an area where inclement weather becomes a factor, the Camry is the only option of the two that fits the bill. There's a catch with the Camry’s available all-wheel-drive system, though – it’s only available with the four-cylinder engine and not the fantastic V6. It’s a shame, but, hey, at least it’s offered.

Our Verdict: Toyota Camry

There’s a lot that the Hyundai Sonata gets right. It’s the more stylish option, has more available tech features, and is more affordable. But compared to the Toyota Camry, it loses the comparison because of its lackluster engines, lower fuel economy figures, and lack of AWD.

Take a closer look at the Hyundai Sonata »

Take a closer look at the Toyota Camry »

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