The midsize sedan market has always been fiercely competitive, with the Toyota Camry and Hyundai Sonata consistently ranking among the top contenders. The 2023 model year brings fresh updates to both vehicles, making the decision between the two even more challenging for potential buyers.
In this comparison, we’ll take a closer look at how the 2023 Toyota Camry and 2023 Hyundai Sonata stack up against each other in terms of performance, design, features, and beyond.
Performance:
The 2023 Toyota Camry comes with two engine options: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, and an optional 3.5-liter V6 engine that generates 301 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque. Both engines are paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, delivering smooth and responsive acceleration.
The 2023 Hyundai Sonata, on the other hand, offers three powertrain choices: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque, a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that produces 180 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque, and a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that generates 290 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque.
The base engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, while the turbocharged options are matched with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. This variety allows for a tailored driving experience to suit different preferences.
Fuel efficiency is also an essential aspect of performance. The 2023 Toyota Camry’s base engine boasts an EPA-estimated rating of 28 mpg city and 39 mpg highway, while the V6 engine delivers 22 mpg city and 33 mpg highway.
The Hyundai Sonata’s base engine offers an EPA-estimated 28 mpg city and 38 mpg highway, while the 1.6-liter turbocharged engine delivers 27 mpg city and 37 mpg highway. The performance-oriented 2.5-liter turbocharged engine achieves 23 mpg city and 33 mpg highway.
Design:
The 2023 Toyota Camry retains its bold and aggressive exterior styling, with a wide grille, sleek headlights, and an overall sporty appearance. Inside, the cabin is roomy, comfortable, and well-appointed with high-quality materials. The user-friendly infotainment system features a standard 7-inch touchscreen or an optional 9-inch touchscreen.
In comparison, the 2023 Hyundai Sonata presents a sophisticated and modern design, with a sleek coupe-like profile, sharp lines, and a distinctive front grille. The interior is equally impressive, offering ample space, comfortable seats, and a well-designed dashboard. The standard infotainment system features a 10.25-inch touchscreen display with crisp graphics and seamless connectivity.
Features:
Both the Toyota Camry and Hyundai Sonata are well-equipped with a wide array of standard and available features. The 2023 Camry offers standard features such as Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and a six-speaker audio system. Available features include a panoramic sunroof, wireless device charging, a head-up display, and a premium JBL audio system.
The 2023 Hyundai Sonata comes standard with features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, and an 8-speaker audio system. Additional options include a panoramic sunroof, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, wireless device charging, and a premium Bose audio system.
Seating:
The 2023 Toyota Camry and Hyundai Sonata both provide seating for up to five passengers. In the Camry, occupants will enjoy comfortable and supportive seats, with available leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, heated and ventilated front seats, and heated rear seats.
The Sonata also offers a comfortable seating experience with available leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, heated and ventilated front seats, and heated rear seats.
Both vehicles provide ample headroom and legroom for passengers, making them ideal choices for long trips or daily commutes.
Storage:
Storage space is essential for many buyers, and both the Camry and Sonata excel in this category. The 2023 Toyota Camry offers 15.1 cubic feet of trunk space, providing ample room for luggage, groceries, or other cargo.
The 2023 Hyundai Sonata, on the other hand, offers slightly more trunk space at 16.0 cubic feet. Both vehicles feature 60/40-split folding rear seats, allowing for even more cargo capacity when needed.
Safety:
Both the 2023 Toyota Camry and Hyundai Sonata prioritize safety with a suite of advanced driver-assistance technologies. The Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ system comes standard on the Camry, featuring adaptive cruise control, pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane departure alert with steering assist, and automatic high beams.
Additional available safety features include blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a surround-view parking camera system.
The Hyundai Sonata features the Hyundai SmartSense suite, which includes standard features like forward collision-avoidance assist, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and driver attention warning. Available options include blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic collision-avoidance assist, and a surround-view parking camera system.
Trim Levels:
The 2023 Toyota Camry is available in several trim levels, each with its own unique set of features and options. These trims include the L, LE, SE, SE Nightshade, XLE, XSE, TRD, and the XLE V6 and XSE V6, which come equipped with the optional V6 engine.
The 2023 Hyundai Sonata is also available in various trim levels, including the SE, SEL, SEL Plus, N Line, and Limited. Each trim offers a different combination of features, performance, and styling options, allowing buyers to choose the model that best suits their needs and preferences. The N Line trim is the performance-oriented option, featuring the powerful 2.5-liter turbocharged engine and sportier exterior and interior styling elements.
Pricing:
Pricing for the 2023 Toyota Camry starts at around $25,000 for the base L model and goes up to approximately $36,000 for the range-topping XSE V6 trim. Additional packages and options can increase the price further, depending on the desired features and customization.
The 2023 Hyundai Sonata has a starting price of around $24,500 for the base SE trim, with the top-of-the-line Limited trim priced at about $34,500. The performance-focused N Line trim starts at around $33,500. As with the Camry, additional packages and options can increase the price based on the desired features and customization.
Features Breakdown
2023 Toyota Camry Features Breakdown:
Base L Trim:
- 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine (203 hp, 184 lb-ft of torque)
- Eight-speed automatic transmission
- 17-inch steel wheels
- Bi-LED headlights
- Cloth upholstery
- 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Wi-Fi hotspot
- Six-speaker audio system
- Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ suite
LE Trim:
- 17-inch alloy wheels
- Power-adjustable driver’s seat
- 60/40-split folding rear seats
- Additional USB charging ports
SE Trim:
- Sport-tuned suspension
- 18-inch alloy wheels
- Sporty exterior styling elements
- Automatic climate control
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel
XLE Trim:
- 18-inch alloy wheels
- Dual-zone automatic climate control
- Leather upholstery
- Heated front seats
- Power-adjustable passenger seat
- 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert
- Wireless device charging
XSE Trim:
- 19-inch alloy wheels
- Sport-tuned suspension
- Quad exhaust tips
- Panoramic sunroof
- Head-up display
TRD Trim:
- 19-inch TRD alloy wheels
- TRD-tuned suspension
- TRD aerodynamic body kit
- TRD exhaust system
- Red interior accents and stitching
XLE V6 and XSE V6 Trims:
- 3.5-liter V6 engine (301 hp, 267 lb-ft of torque)
2023 Hyundai Sonata Features Breakdown:
Base SE Trim:
- 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine (191 hp, 181 lb-ft of torque)
- Eight-speed automatic transmission
- 16-inch alloy wheels
- LED headlights
- Cloth upholstery
- 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Eight-speaker audio system
- Hyundai SmartSense suite
SEL Trim:
- 17-inch alloy wheels
- Heated side mirrors
- Power-adjustable driver’s seat
- Heated front seats
- Dual-zone automatic climate control
- Proximity key with push-button start
- Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert
SEL Plus Trim:
- 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine (180 hp, 195 lb-ft of torque)
- 18-inch alloy wheels
- Leatherette and suede upholstery
- Wireless device charging
- 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
N Line Trim:
- 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine (290 hp, 311 lb-ft of torque)
- Eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission
- 19-inch alloy wheels
- Sport-tuned suspension
- N Line-specific exterior and interior styling elements
- Sport seats with N Line embroidery
Limited Trim:
- 18-inch alloy wheels
- LED taillights
- Panoramic sunroof
- Leather upholstery
- Ventilated front seats
- Heated rear seats
- 12-speaker Bose premium audio system
- Surround-view parking camera system
- Remote Smart Parking Assist
Additional Packages and Options:
2023 Toyota Camry:
- Navigation Package: Integrated navigation system and additional USB charging ports (available for LE, SE, XLE, and XSE trims)
- Cold Weather Package: Heated steering wheel, heated rear seats, and heated side mirrors (available for XLE and XSE trims)
- Premium Audio and Navigation Package: JBL premium audio system, integrated navigation system, and additional USB charging ports (available for XLE and XSE trims)
- Advanced Safety Package: Bird’s eye view camera, rear cross-traffic braking, and front and rear parking assist with automated braking (available for XLE and XSE trims)
2023 Hyundai Sonata:
- Convenience Package: Hands-free smart trunk release, rear parking sensors, and wireless device charging (available for SEL trim)
- Premium Package: Panoramic sunroof, leather seating surfaces, and ventilated front seats (available for SEL Plus trim)
- Tech Package: 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, Highway Drive Assist, and ambient interior lighting (available for SEL Plus trim)
- N Line Option Group: Panoramic sunroof, rear parking sensors, and Hyundai Digital Key (available for N Line trim)
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, the 2023 Toyota Camry and Hyundai Sonata are both strong contenders in the midsize sedan segment, offering impressive performance, attractive design, a comprehensive list of features, and advanced safety technologies. Both vehicles cater to a wide range of preferences and budgets, with multiple trim levels and options to choose from.
While the Toyota Camry has a slightly higher starting price and offers more powertrain options, including the V6 engine, the Hyundai Sonata provides slightly more trunk space, a larger standard infotainment screen, and a performance-oriented N Line trim.
Ultimately, the decision between these two midsize sedans comes down to individual priorities and requirements. Prospective buyers are encouraged to test drive both vehicles and weigh the pros and cons of each, considering factors such as performance, design, features, seating, storage, trim levels, and pricing. By doing so, they can make an informed decision and choose the vehicle that best suits their needs and preferences.
