2019 Hyundai Sonata vs Toyota Camry

No other sedan in America outsells the Toyota Camry. Drivers like the Camry’s trouble-free performance and overall practicality. Furthermore, the latest model is more stylish than ever. When shopping for a new family vehicle, don’t forget about the 2019 Hyundai Sonata. Many people consider it to be an amazing value. In this face-off, we’ll see which one of these midsize sedans comes out ahead.

The Powertrain

Most Camry buyers choose the sedan’s base four-cylinder engine, which pushes out a total of 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. Drivers who yearn for a more powerful sedan can opt for the available V6 engine. It develops more than 300 ponies and 267 pound-feet of torque.

The 2019 Hyundai Sonata has a powertrain to satisfy a wide range of different drivers. Most people pick the base four-cylinder engine, which kicks out 185 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque. Designed to save drivers more fuel, the Hyundai Eco comes equipped with a small turbocharged engine. Total output stands at 178 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque. A turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 245 horsepower sits atop the Sonata lineup.

Both of the Camry’s engines are energetic. However, the V6-powered Camry is especially quick. It can hustle to 60 mph in a swift 5.8 seconds. This sedan feels like a muscle car when accelerating from traffic stops. Don’t expect the Hyundai Sonata’s punch to be as strong. Testers clocked the more powerful Sonata 2.0T with a 0-60 mph time of 7.1 seconds.

Every new Toyota Camry is put in motion by an eight-speed automatic transmission. It actually makes the sedan feel more responsive. Three different automatic transmissions are available for the Hyundai Sonata. While all of the transmissions work well, the Sonata Eco’s gearbox shifts especially quickly. This helps squeeze out more performance from the car’s small engine.

In terms of fuel economy, the Toyota Camry is the runaway winner. It can return an outstanding 41 mpg on the open stretches of highway. Even the V6 Camry is good on gas for such a powerful car. By comparison, Hyundai rates the Sonata Eco to return up to 37 mpg. Sonata models equipped with the base four-cylinder engine top out at 35 mpg.

These cars come standard with a front-wheel-drive setup. All-wheel drive is not offered on any model. This could concern drivers who must face snowfall during the winter. When it comes to stopping power, neither sedan has a clear advantage over the other. Both deliver average braking performances.

The Camry has always been a reliable car. This fact remains true for the 2019 model. Expect it to be more dependable than most sedans in the class, including the 2019 Hyundai Sonata. While the Sonata isn’t a problematic car, it’s simply not as bulletproof as the new Camry.

Hyundai does protect the new Sonata with a better warranty package, which consists of a 100,000-mile powertrain warranty and a 60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty. Toyota’s powertrain warranty is 40,000 miles shorter. You also only get a 36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty with the Camry.

Drivability

The 2019 Toyota Camry is a breeze to drive. Simply step on the accelerator and its smooth sailing ahead. Expect the 2019 Hyundai Sonata to also offer a stress-free driving experience. A tighter turning radius makes the Sonata even easier to maneuver in the big city.

Most drivers will have no complaints about the Toyota Camry’s smooth handling. It takes curves well without requiring a lot of effort. Toyota equips the SE and XSE trims with a sports-tuned suspension, which helps to further reduce body lean around corners. Of these two sedans, the Hyundai Sonata is the most athletic. While behind the wheel of the Sonata, you can attack curves with the utmost confidence. This car feels very stable at fast highway speeds. Standard Drive Mode Select enables drivers to easily adjust the Sonata’s steering feel.

Aside from enhancing handling, the Sonata’s newly updated suspension also improves ride quality. Passengers will barely feel a thing when traveling on relatively rough roads. Long trips in the Sonata are relaxing to the say the least. Families will also appreciate the Toyota Camry’s smooth ride. However, its overall comfort is just a notch below that of the Sonata.

These cars have a high-quality cabin. However, a quieter interior makes the Sonata feel more luxurious. When riding in the Camry, you’ll hear more noise. However, this should not be a big issue for more buyers.

Whether you go for the Camry or the Sonata, you will have a good driving position. These cars are built to accommodate short and tall drivers without any difficulty. All of the interior controls are also well within reach of the driver. While outward visibility in the Sonata is fairly good, the Camry provides an even better view. When traveling on the highway, drivers will greatly appreciate the Camry’s lack of big blind spots.

Seat comfort is excellent in the Hyundai Sonata. Because its front seats are so well cushioned, even high-mileage road trips don’t cause any stiffness. The optional ventilated seats work especially well on hot summer days. Cooled seats are not available for the Camry. Expect the Toyota Camry’s seats to feel almost as good.

In terms of overall passenger space, the roomy Sonata comes out on top. A total of 45.5 inches of front-seat legroom makes the Sonata a superior choice for tall drivers. On the other hand, there’s more backseat legroom in the Camry. Some families will appreciate the Sonata’s much larger trunk. A wide opening enables you to easily toss in grocery bags and luggage.

Both of these cars have a good infotainment system. However, it’s easier to connect your smartphone with Hyundai’s Blue Link infotainment system. Remember, only the Camry offers a head-up display. This feature will prove its worth on an everyday basis. Meanwhile, Hyundai offers the Sonata with a hands-free smart trunk. It does not require any hand or foot waving. Drivers can simply approach the car and the trunk automatically opens without pressing any buttons.

Safety

Because these cars are geared towards families, one would expect them to provide a safe ride. Fortunately, both provide solid crash protection. Like the 2019 Hyundai Sonata, the 2019 Toyota Camry grabbed the NHTSA’s highest overall safety score. However, the Sonata received a slighter lower roller rating. They both received Top Safety Pick+ credentials from the IIHS.

A TSS-P safety package comes standard on the new Camry. It enables drivers to lean upon several accident-avoidance technologies. Toyota provides lane departure warning with steering assist, pre-collision braking, pedestrian detection, and dynamic radar cruise control. These features are not standard on the Sonata. However, Hyundai does equip every trim with blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. Studies have found this feature to dramatically reduce the likelihood of an accident of the highway.

As expected, both cars have a standard backup camera. However, buyers can also get the new Camry with an optional top-down parking camera. It will help drivers to obtain a better view of obstacles. Rear automatic emergency braking is another feature available on the new Camry. When spotting obstructions from the rear, the system can instantly bring the Camry to a halt.

Because neither car offers an AWD system, drivers have to use extra caution in the snow. Folks who need the security of all-wheel drive should take a look at the 2019 Nissan Altima and the 2019 Subaru Legacy.

Which Has the Best Value?

The 2019 Hyundai Sonata ranks among America’s best values. It has a starting price of $22,500. This means the new Sonata is not much more expensive than many of today’s compact sedans. While the 2019 Toyota Camry is also a good deal, it has a higher starting MSRP of $23,945. Sonata buyers stand to keep an extra $1,500 in their pocket.

Let’s find out how the base Sonata SE stacks up against the base Camry L. Both have their own advantages. Unlike the Sonata SE, the Camry L comes standard with LED headlights. Families can also take advantage of the Camry L’s standard Wi-Fi hot spot, which allows multiple people to access the internet at the same time. A standard TSS-P safety package also helps make the base Camry a strong value. Meanwhile, blind-spot monitoring and Android Auto smartphone support are exclusively available on the base Sonata.

Buyers seeking greater performance and more luxury will be cross-shopping the Camry XSE and the Sonata Limited. While Toyota lists the Camry XSE with a starting price of $29,725, the Sonata Limited 2.0T has a starting price of $27,850. Both of these trims offer a more powerful engine as an option. Some of the Camry XSE’s highlights include a head-up display, leather upholstery, and a larger 8.0-inch touchscreen. Although the Camry XSE offers a powerful JBL sound system and built-in navigation, these options are extra.

The Sonata Limited also has a plush interior. In contrast to the Camry XSE, it provides front-seat ventilation. Aside from an Infinity premium audio system and navigation, all of Hyundai’s available safety technologies come standard on this range-topping trim.

There are a few perks to buying a 2019 Toyota Camry. Its low-cost of maintenance is a major plus. The Camry also has a higher resale value. After owning a Hyundai Sonata for a period of five years, owners can expect to spend a little more money on servicing. On the bright side, Hyundai does provide a super warranty.

Which Is Better?

Let’s look back at the key highlights for each sedan. In terms of value, the 2019 Hyundai Sonata and the 2019 Toyota Camry are dead even. Although the Sonata may have a lower MSRP and a better warranty, the Camry counters with its superior long-term reliability and an extensive list of standard equipment.

From a performance standout, the Toyota Camry slightly edges out the Hyundai Sonata. Even the Camry’s base engine feels strong during normal driving situations. Both cars offer a comfy ride and handle the road with confidence. However, drivers can expect the new Camry to save more money on fuel.

In the past, the Camry took a backseat in the styling department. However, expect the latest model to really turn heads. This is especially true for the Camry XSE, which features quad exhaust outlets and a cool set of 18-inch alloy wheels. Car shoppers also love the Sonata’s sleek body lines. Even when sitting beside European luxury sedans, the Sonata still manages to hold its own.

Passenger comfort is great in both cars. While the Camry provides more leg space for folks sitting in the back, the Sonata has more legroom in the front.

Which car ultimately wins this comparison? The 2019 Toyota Camry defeats 2019 Hyundai Sonata. However, it’s only a slight margin of victory. Because these midsize sedans are so closely matched, they both deserve a test drive.