2025 Hyundai Sonata vs. Toyota Camry: Which Sedan Offers More Value for Columbia Drivers?

A midsize sedan offers a great combination of performance, style, and technology, and the 2025 Hyundai SONATA and Toyota Camry are two of the most popular choices for drivers in Columbia. Both models seat five and offer strong safety, great fuel efficiency, and the latest technology, but which one truly delivers more value? This guide from our team at Stivers Hyundai covers everything from exterior design and interior comfort to performance, fuel economy, safety features, and car comparison specs, so you can make an informed decision about your next vehicle.

2025 Hyundai Sonata vs. Toyota Camry Exterior and Interior Design Compared

The 2025 Hyundai SONATA features sleek and modern styling inspired by a fastback coupe silhouette. It has a bold front fascia with wide LED headlights and distinctive daytime running lights that flow into the grille. The interior is just as modern. It boasts a streamlined dashboard and a large 12.3-inch digital touch screen integrated with the driver's display.

The 2025 Toyota Camry has a timeless and sporty exterior design with sharp lines and a large open-mouth grille flanked by stylish LED headlights. The cabin is spacious and comfortable, featuring a large trim that stretches across the dashboard. While less flashy than the SONATA, the Camry's design is more focused on practicality.

Interior Comfort and Feature Differences Between The 2025 Hyundai Sonata vs. Toyota Camry

The SONATA provides more front headroom (40 inches vs. 38.3 inches) and front legroom (46.1 inches vs. 42.1 inches) than the Camry. This makes it feel decidedly more spacious inside. The Camry, however, offers slightly better rear legroom (38 inches vs. 34.8 inches), which can be a consideration if you have a growing family or regularly carry multiple passengers.

Both vehicles come with advanced infotainment systems. There are two 12.3-inch displays in the SONATA and an 8-inch standard display in the Camry, with an optional 12.3-inch screen in higher trims. The Camry focuses on user-friendly controls and proven reliability, but the SONATA's larger standard touch screen and integration with Hyundai's SmartSense safety suite may give it an edge. Both models offer standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but the SONATA also adds standard wireless smartphone charging and an optional 12-speaker Bose stereo system. The Camry has an optional nine-speaker JBL system only on the two highest trims.

Best Performance and Driving Experience For Drivers in South Carolina

The 2025 Hyundai SONATA offers multiple powertrain options to suit different driving preferences. The base 2.5-liter inline-four engine produces 192 horsepower, while the SONATA N Line turbocharged 2.5-liter engine delivers an impressive 290 horsepower for a sportier driving experience. It can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.4 seconds. The SONATA Hybrid pairs a 2.0-liter engine with an electric motor for a combined 192 horsepower. Most models are front-wheel drive, but all-wheel drive (AWD) is available with the four-cylinder.

The Toyota Camry has transitioned to an exclusively hybrid lineup for 2025, offering two options. The first is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with Toyota's fifth-generation hybrid system. This setup produces 225 horsepower in front-wheel-drive models, while AWD variants make 232 horsepower. The Camry's 0-to-60 mph time is a meager 6.8 seconds, but it depends on what you're looking for. While the Camry's hybrid powertrain offers excellent fuel economy, it lacks a high-performance variant comparable to the SONATA N Line.

Fuel Efficiency and Economy

The Camry generally edges out the SONATA in fuel economy, with EPA ratings of up to 53 mpg in the city and 50 mpg on the highway with front-wheel drive or 51 mpg in the city and 49 mpg on the highway with AWD.

The SONATA's fuel economy is still strong at 44 mpg in the city and 51 mpg on the highway for the hybrid model. Front-wheel-drive gas-powered SONATAs are rated at up to 25 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway (34 mpg on the highway for AWD). The turbocharged 2.5-liter SONATA N-Line achieves 23 mpg city and 32 mpg highway.

Comparing Safety and Technology Features For Drivers in South Carolina

Both the SONATA and Camry come standard with comprehensive safety suites: Hyundai SmartSense and Toyota Safety Sense, respectively. The SONATA received an Insurance Institute for Highway Safety Top Safety Pick+ rating, while the Camry received the same rating. Standard safety features on both include forward-collision warning with automated emergency braking, lane departure warning, and lane-keeping assistance. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert are available.

Warranties and Reliability

The Hyundai SONATA has been rated 81/100 for reliability J.D. Power, while the Toyota Camry's reliability has been rated 86/100. However, the SONATA offers a longer warranty. The SONATA comes with a limited warranty for five years or 60,000 miles, while the Camry gets three years or 36,000 miles. The SONATA's powertrain warranty is also double the length, at 10 years or 100,000 miles, compared to the Camry's five years or 60,000 miles.

Hyundai includes complimentary maintenance for three years or 36,000 miles, whereas Toyota covers it for two years or 25,000 miles. Both vehicles have comparable maintenance expenses, but the SONATA's warranty coverage may provide better peace of mind.

Finding The Best Pricing and Value Between The 2025 Hyundai Sonata vs. Toyota Camry

The 2025 Hyundai SONATA starts at $26,900 for the base model, with the Limited Hybrid reaching $37,700. The Toyota Camry starts at $28,700 but climbs to over $34,900 for the top-of-the-line XSE trim. Considering the SONATA's more extensive standard features, advanced tech, and longer warranty, it often represents better overall value if you prioritize modern amenities and a sportier drive.

Take a Test Drive Today To Find Out Which Model Fits Your Needs

Choosing between the 2025 Toyota Camry vs. Hyundai SONATA depends on your priorities. The Hyundai SONATA offers a sportier design, more powertrain options, and a longer warranty. The Toyota Camry excels in fuel economy, reliability, and resale value. Both vehicles provide excellent safety features and comfortable interiors, but the SONATA often delivers better tech and value if you're looking for a modern midsize sedan. The best way to decide which is right for you is to experience both firsthand. Schedule a test drive at Stivers Hyundai in Columbia, South Carolina, and explore financing options tailored to your budget.

Images By OEM