Sonata vs Camry
The Sonata and the Camry land in the same midsize sedan category, so the comparison is fair, and the differences are telling. The Camry wins more of the areas that we compared (2 of 4), and its most convincing lead is in fuel economy & range.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Camry wins
- Fuel Economy & Range Camry wins
- Space & Practicality Sonata wins
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Fuel Economy & Range1.7
- Fuel Economy & Range10.0
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Key Differences
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The Camry has better fuel economy
For fuel economy (combined), the Camry leads by a wide margin: 51 mpg versus 32 mpg. Better combined fuel economy lowers your running costs every week, and the savings add up over years of ownership.
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The Camry has 34 hp more power
This is a headline difference. With 225 hp to the Sonata’s 191 hp, the Camry has a lead that’s easy to see on paper and in practice. More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board.
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The Sonata has 6% more cargo space
On paper, the Sonata is a touch ahead here, listing 16 cu ft against 15.1 cu ft. The Sonata’s larger cargo area makes family trips and big shopping runs easier.
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The Camry has better city fuel economy
Put simply, the Camry is far ahead here: 53 mpg compared with 28 mpg. City fuel economy matters most if your driving is mostly short trips, traffic and stop-and-go commutes.
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The Camry has better highway fuel economy
The Camry’s 50 mpg leaves the Sonata’s 38 mpg well behind, so if this spec matters to you, the choice is easy. The Camry uses less fuel on the highway, a real saving on road trips and long commutes.
Design & Size
Dimensions
| Spec | Sonata | Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 192.9 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Width (no mirrors) | 73.2 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Height | 56.9 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Wheelbase | 111.8 in | N/A (not specified) |
Engine & Performance
Camry leads
In the engine & performance category, the Camry isn’t just ahead; it’s clearly ahead. The Camry delivers 34 hp more power. Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels. The takeaway: on engine & performance, the Camry is the stronger car.
Total system output
Sonata: 191 hp Camry: 225 hp The Camry’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed.
Fuel Economy & Range
Camry leads
The Camry clearly takes the fuel economy & range round. The Camry wins here with better fuel economy. The Camry uses less fuel on the standard combined cycle, which matters most if you drive a lot. For anyone who cares most about fuel economy & range, the Camry is the safer choice.
Fuel economy (combined)
Sonata: 32 mpg Camry: 51 mpg Official figures rarely match real-world driving exactly, but the ranking between two cars tends to hold.
Fuel economy (city)
Sonata: 28 mpg Camry: 53 mpg Hybrids often shine in the city, and the Camry has the better rating here.
Space & Practicality
Sonata leads
The space & practicality comparison is tighter than it first looks, with the Sonata marginally ahead. On its side, the Sonata has 6% more cargo space. Cargo figures are measured in different ways by different makers, so small gaps may not show in practice. Bottom line for space & practicality: the Sonata has the edge.
Cargo (behind rear seats)
Sonata: 16 cu ft Camry: 15.1 cu ft Cargo space behind the rear seats is what you use every day for groceries, strollers and luggage.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
You can skip ahead if off-road & towing was your deciding factor: the two are evenly matched here. Both cover off-road & towing well enough that other priorities should break the tie.
Safety & Tech
There isn’t a number to compare on safety & tech, just names. Look at the rows below to see how the Sonata and the Camry differ.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Sonata | Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Hybrid |
| Engine | 2.5L I4 | 2.5L I4 hybrid |
| Total system output | 191 hp | 225 hp (winner) |
| Torque | 181 lb-ft | N/A (not specified) |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | eCVT |
| Drivetrain | FWD (AWD available) | FWD (AWD available) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Sonata | Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 32 mpg | 51 mpg (winner) Most efficient in class |
| Fuel economy (city) | 28 mpg | 53 mpg (winner) Best city economy |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 38 mpg | 50 mpg (winner) Best highway economy |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Sonata | Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | 16 cu ft (winner) | 15.1 cu ft |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Sonata | Camry |
|---|---|---|
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Sonata | Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Largest touchscreen | 12.3 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Driver-assist suite | Hyundai SmartSense | N/A (not specified) |
| Basic warranty | 5 yr / 60,000 mi | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | Sonata | Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 192.9 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Width (no mirrors) | 73.2 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Height | 56.9 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Wheelbase | 111.8 in | N/A (not specified) |
Price
| Spec | Sonata | Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | N/A (not specified) | $28,400 |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the Sonata if…
- you want more cargo space behind the rear seats (16 cu ft vs 15.1 cu ft)
- you already know your way around Hyundai’s products
Choose the Camry if…
- you drive a lot and want lower running costs (51 mpg vs 32 mpg combined)
- you merge, overtake or climb hills with a full load (225 hp vs 191 hp)
- you mostly drive in town (53 mpg vs 28 mpg in the city)
- you cover long highway distances (50 mpg vs 38 mpg on the highway)
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the Sonata or the Camry?
We’d point most buyers to the Camry. The main exception is if you’d trade the rest for 6% more cargo space.
Executive Summary
Hyundai or Toyota? For a lot of people, the question really comes down to the Sonata versus the Camry. The Camry earns my vote first and foremost with better fuel economy. Less flashy, but still real: the Camry brings 34 hp more power. Where the Sonata fights back is 6% more cargo space.
For space & practicality, the Sonata fits better. For engine & performance, the Camry is the better match.
My pick: the Camry, unless you value 6% more cargo space above everything else.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.