Compare the2025 Hyundai SonataVS 2025 Toyota Camry

To help make backing out of a parking space safer, the Sonata has standard Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Warning with Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist, systems which detect vehicles approaching from the sides and can automatically apply the brakes to prevent a collision. Rear Cross-Traffic Braking costs extra on the Camry XLE/XSE, and isn't offered on other Camry models.

Both the Sonata and the Camry have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front and rear seatbelt pretensioners, front wheel drive, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning, driver alert monitors and available all wheel drive.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does 35 MPH front crash tests on new vehicles. In this test, results indicate that the Hyundai Sonata is safer than the Toyota Camry:

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does side impact tests on new vehicles. In this test, which crashes the vehicle into a flat barrier at 38.5 MPH and into a post at 20 MPH, results indicate that the Hyundai Sonata is safer than the Toyota Camry:

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

The Sonata comes with a full 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty, which covers the entire car and includes 24-hour roadside assistance. The Camry’s 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty expires 2 years or 24,000 miles sooner.

Hyundai’s powertrain warranty covers the Sonata 5 years and 40,000 miles longer than Toyota covers the Camry. Any repair needed on the engine, transmission, axles, joints or driveshafts is fully covered for 10 years or 100,000 miles. Coverage on the Camry ends after only 5 years or 60,000 miles.

The Sonata’s corrosion warranty is 2 years longer than the Camry’s (7 vs. 5 years).

Hyundai pays for scheduled maintenance on the Sonata for 1 year and 11000 miles longer than Toyota pays for maintenance for the Camry (3/36,000 vs. 2/25000).

A reliable vehicle saves its owner time, money and trouble. Nobody wants to be stranded or have to be without a vehicle while it’s being repaired. Consumer Reports rates the Sonata’s reliability 11 points higher than the Camry.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2024 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Hyundai vehicles are better in initial quality than Toyota vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Hyundai third in initial quality, above the industry average. With 30 more problems per 100 vehicles, Toyota is ranked 17th.

The Sonata N Line’s standard 2.5 turbo 4-cylinder produces 58 more horsepower (290 vs. 232) than the Camry’s optional 2.5 DOHC 4-cylinder hybrid.

As tested in Consumer Reports the Hyundai Sonata 4 cyl. is faster than the Toyota Camry (base engine):

As tested in Car and Driver the Sonata N Line 2.5 turbo 4-cylinder is faster than the Toyota Camry (232 HP engine):

The Sonata has 2.9 gallons more fuel capacity than the Camry (15.9 vs. 13 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.

The Sonata N Line’s launch control uses engine electronics to hold engine RPM’s precisely in order to provide the most stable and rapid acceleration possible, using all of the available traction. The Camry doesn’t offer launch control.

For better stopping power the Sonata N Line’s brake rotors are larger than those on the Camry:

The Sonata stops shorter than the Camry:

For better traction, the Sonata N Line’s tires are larger than the largest tires available on the Camry (245/40R19 vs. 235/45R18).

For better handling and stability, the average track (width between the wheels) on the Sonata is 1.2 inches wider in the front and .9 inches wider in the rear than the average track on the Camry.

The Sonata N Line handles at .87 G’s, while the Camry XSE AWD pulls only .84 G’s of cornering force in a Car and Driver skidpad test.

For better maneuverability, the Sonata’s turning circle is 1.5 feet tighter than the Camry’s (35.9 feet vs. 37.4 feet).

Because it has more passenger and cargo room, the EPA rates the Sonata a Large car, while the Camry is rated a Mid-size.

The Sonata has 4.5 cubic feet more passenger volume than the Camry (104.4 vs. 99.9).

The Sonata has 1.7 inches more front headroom, 4 inches more front legroom, .2 inches more front shoulder room, .2 inches more rear headroom and .4 inches more rear shoulder room than the Camry.

The Sonata has a larger trunk than the Camry (15.6 vs. 15.1 cubic feet).

To allow full utilization of available cargo room, the Sonata’s trunk lid uses concealed beam hinges that don’t intrude into the trunk. Its intrusive beam hinge reduces the Camry’s useful trunk space.

To make loading groceries and cargo easier when your hands are full, the Sonata’s trunk can be opened just by waiting momentarily behind the back bumper, leaving your hands completely free. The Camry doesn’t offer a hands-free gesture to open its trunk, forcing you to put cargo down if your hands are full.

The Sonata uses gas struts to support the hood for easier service access. The Camry uses a prop rod to support its heavy hood. It takes two hands to open the hood and set the prop rod, the prop rod gets in the way during maintenance and service, and the prop rod could be knocked out, causing the heavy hood to fall on the person maintaining or servicing the car.

The Sonata’s standard Proximity Key allows you to unlock the doors from either front door handle, open the trunk, and start the engine, all without removing the key from the pocket or purse. Push Button Start standard on the Camry only offers hands-free access for the ignition, none to unlock the car.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) conducts detailed tests on headlights for their range both straight ahead and in curves and to be certain they don’t exceed acceptable amounts of glare to oncoming drivers. The Sonata’s headlights were rated “Good” by the IIHS, while the Camry’s headlights are rated “Acceptable.”

J.D. Power and Associates rated the Sonata second among midsize cars in owner reported satisfaction. This includes how well the vehicle performs and satisfies its owner’s expectations. The Camry isn’t in the top three.