Hyundai Sonata 84·Toyota Camry 89on the MotiveGrid Score·Toyota Camry about $4,984 less over 5 years
The verdict
The 2026 Toyota Camry is the cheaper one to own — roughly $4,984 less over five years, helped by better fuel economy.
The Toyota Camry is the stronger all-round pick here — cheaper to own with little given up in return.
Last updated May 2026 · National-average estimates
Hyundai Sonata vs. Toyota Camry
MotiveGrid scores, key specs, and five-year cost comparison: 2026 Hyundai Sonata versus 2026 Toyota Camry.
Metric
Hyundai Sonata
Toyota Camry
MotiveGrid Score
84
89
Cost of Ownership
83
89
Powertrain
67
74
Driver Assistance
32
43
Livability
60
57
Safety
99
99
5-Year Cost to Own
$43,167
$38,182
Depreciation (5-yr)
$12,952
$11,017
Fuel / Energy (5-yr)
$10,526
$7,697
Insurance (5-yr)
$11,210
$11,290
Maintenance (5-yr)
$1,915
$1,340
Tires (5-yr)
$1,550
$1,550
Financing (5-yr)
$4,164
$4,408
Registration (5-yr)
$850
$880
Starting Price
$27,675
$29,300
Horsepower
191 hp
225 hp
MPG (combined)
32 mpg
51 mpg
Cargo volume
15.6 cu ft
15.1 cu ft
Seating
5
5
Drivetrain
FWD
FWD
Gas
2026$27,675
MSRP
$27,675
Mo · 5yr
$719
$43,167 / 5 years
Best for lower upfront price
Hybrid
2026$29,300
MSRP
$29,300
Mo · 5yr
$636
$38,182 / 5 years
Best for long-term savings
VS
01 · The MotiveGrid Score
Five measured pillars, weighted into one score.
Cost, Powertrain, Driver Assistance, Livability, and Safety — each scored against its class, then combined into a single MotiveGrid Score. Built by our engineering team and benchmarked against independent sources like NHTSA, IIHS, and CarEdge. How it’s calculated →
Toyota Camry scores higher overall.
Hyundai Sonata
0
/ 100
Toyota Camry
0
/ 100
CostFive-year all-in cost to own, benchmarked against the class median.
Sonata
83
Camry
89
Winner: Camry
$4,984 cheaper / 5 yrs
Strong projected resale value▲
Low maintenance cost▲
PowertrainEnergy efficiency paired with long-term ownership confidence.
Sonata
67
Camry
74
Winner: Camry
+7 pts
Driver AssistHighway driving support, parking convenience, and hands-free automation.
Sonata
32
Camry
43
Winner: Camry
+11 pts
Strong highway driving support▲
LivabilityPassenger space, cargo room, and everyday maneuverability.
Sonata
60
Camry
57
Winner: Sonata
+3 pts
Roomy cabin and cargo▲
SafetyCrash-test protection plus standard crash-avoidance features.
Toyota Camry is the better pick for long-term ownership — about $4,984 cheaper over 5 years with stronger fundamentals on running cost.
Hyundai Sonata still wins if your priority is best for lower upfront price.
Daily commuter
Toyota Camry
Lowest energy cost per mile
Budget-focused
Toyota Camry
Cheapest to own across 5 years
Family hauler
Hyundai Sonata
Marginally more cargo space
Highway driver
Toyota Camry
Better adaptive cruise + lane keep
City driver
Hyundai Sonata
Easiest to park and maneuver in tight spots
03
Cost of Ownership
Monthly running costs — national baseline.
Adjust for your situation
State
Miles/yr15,000
Loan rate7%
Down payment20%
Hyundai Sonata
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$719
$43,167 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$719/mo
Toyota Camry
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$636
$38,182 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$636/mo
💡
On fuel + maintenance alone, the pricier Toyota Camry recoups its $1,625 price premium in 2.4 years ($681/yr in savings). Depreciation and insurance aren’t included in this payback view.
04
Frequently asked questions
Toyota Camry comes out about $4,984 cheaper over 5 years on running costs (depreciation, fuel/energy, insurance, maintenance, financing). The gap shifts with your state, annual miles, and loan rate — use the "Adjust for your situation" panel above.
