Despite the rise of the SUV as America’s preferred way to get around, the midsize sedan class is still one of the most important in the automotive world. The class is largely divided into two camps: the stalwart veterans that dominate the segment’s market share, like the Toyota Camry, and a couple of smaller fish in the big pond, like the Hyundai Sonata, that deserve consideration alongside the big guys.
Let’s take a closer look at these midsize sedans and see which is better for you.
2025 Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is one of the automotive nameplates most closely associated with practicality. It’s always been a safe choice for a conveyance that will get you from Point A to Point B with minimal fuss. That reputation continues into its ninth generation.
Toyota Camry Highlights
Hybrid-only: The biggest news about the redesigned 2025 Toyota Camry is that it now comes exclusively with a hybrid powertrain. Toyota hybrids are famous for their reliability and efficiency, and this Camry returns up to 51 mpg combined.
More backseat space: Compared to the Sonata, the Camry has an extra 3.2 inches of rear legroom. That might not sound like a lot, but it makes a considerable difference in backseat comfort, especially for adults.
Better resale value: The Hyundai Sonata’s resale value is about average, but the Toyota Camry’s is toward the top of the class. Recouping more money when selling a vehicle can mean a bigger down payment and lower monthly payments on your next one.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Camry models for sale near you.
2025 Hyundai Sonata
The Hyundai Sonata may not have the sales numbers of its chief rivals, but it’s worth serious consideration for anyone looking for a good value in a new midsize sedan. Its unique styling and nice interior make it look and feel pricier than it is, and its value is enhanced by its modern tech, good powertrain options, and class-leading warranty coverage.
Hyundai Sonata Highlights
Class-leading warranty: The Hyundai Sonata boasts the best warranty coverage in its class, rivaled only by the Kia K5, which has the same coverage. Hyundai backs the Sonata with a 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty.
Powertrain options: Every Camry has the same hybrid powertrain, but the Sonata has three options under the hood. There’s the budget-friendly base 4-cylinder, the 290-horsepower turbo engine in the N-Line trim, and a hybrid that gets up to 47 mpg combined. The hybrid system in the Camry is good, but variety is good, too.
Standard 12.3-inch touchscreen: A screen of this size is optional in the Toyota but standard in the Hyundai. This high-tech, user-friendly system comes standard with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay (also standard in the Camry, but with a smaller standard screen).
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Sonata models for sale near you.
Similarities
Both cars fit squarely in the midsize sedan class. Each offers available all-wheel drive (AWD), comes standard with wireless smartphone connectivity, and boasts excellent safety ratings.
Pricing
New 2025 Hyundai Sonata Prices
|
Retail Price
|
Fair Purchase Price (44101)
|
|||
|---|---|---|---|---|
$28,145 |
$26,642 |
|||
$29,245 |
$27,697 |
|||
$32,295 |
$30,764 |
|||
$36,745 |
$34,856 |
The Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price for any individual used vehicle can vary greatly according to mileage, condition, location, and other factors. The prices here reflect what buyers are currently paying for New 2025 Toyota Camry vehicles and New 2025 Hyundai Sonata vehicles in typical condition when purchasing from a dealership. These prices are updated weekly. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) quoted includes the destination fee, but does not include tax, license, document fees, and options.
Specifications
| 2025 Toyota Camry | 2025 Hyundai Sonata | |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Engine | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder |
| Drive Wheels | FWD | FWD |
| All-Electric Range | N/A | N/A |
| Total Range | N/A | N/A |
| Towing Capacity | N/A | N/A |
| Payload Capacity | N/A | N/A |
| Ground Clearance | 5.4 inches | 5.3 inches |
| Horsepower | 225 hp @ 6,000 rpm | 191 hp @ 6,100 rpm |
| Torque | 163 lb-ft @ 5,200 rpm | 181 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm |
| Transmission | Automatic, ECVT | automatic, 8-speed w/shiftronic |
| Specs | ||
| Basic Warranty | 3 years/36,000 miles | 5 years/60,000 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 5 years/60,000 miles | 5 years/60,000 miles |
| Battery Warranty | N/A | N/A |
| NHTSA Overall Safety | Not rated | 5 stars |
| Max Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Wheelbase | 111.2 inches | 111.8 inches |
| Overall Length | 193.5 inches | 193.3 inches |
| Width With Mirrors | 72.4 inches | N/A |
| Width Without Mirrors | N/A | 73.2 inches |
| Height | 56.9 inches | 56.9 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 37.4 feet | 35.9 feet |
| Headroom, Front | 38.3 inches | 40.0 inches |
| Headroom, 2nd Row | 37.6 inches | N/A |
| Headroom, 3rd Row | N/A | N/A |
| Legroom, Front | 42.1 inches | 46.1 inches |
| Legroom, 2nd Row | 38.0 inches | 34.8 inches |
| Legroom, 3rd Row | N/A | N/A |
| Shoulder Room, Front | 57.7 inches | 57.9 inches |
| Shoulder Room, 2nd Row | 55.7 inches | 56.1 inches |
| Shoulder Room, 3rd Row | N/A | N/A |
| Cargo Behind Last Seat | N/A | N/A |
| Cargo Behind Second Seat | N/A | N/A |
| Cargo With All Seats Down | N/A | N/A |
Specification table reflects the typical configuration of vehicles shown.
Conclusion
There’s a lot to like about the Hyundai Sonata, like its warranty coverage, mechanical variety, and sharp styling. However, the Toyota Camry earns our KBB Best Buy Award in its class for delivering an almost flawless midsize sedan. Its roomy interior, strong resale value, top-notch safety scores, and fuel economy in excess of 50 mpg make it an all-star.
