2025 Toyota Camry XSE vs. Hyundai Sonata: A Comprehensive Comparison
The mid-size sedan segment has been fiercely competitive for years, and the 2025 Toyota Camry XSE and Hyundai Sonata are two of the leading contenders. Both vehicles offer a blend of style, performance, technology, and value, deciding between them a challenging one for consumers. In this detailed blog, we’ll delve into every aspect of these two sedans, comparing them head-to-head to help you determine which is the better choice for your needs.
The 2025 Toyota Camry XSE and Hyundai Sonata represent the pinnacle of what modern sedans can offer. The Camry, long known for its reliability and resale value, takes a sportier turn with the XSE trim, appealing to those who want a bit more excitement in their daily drive. On the other hand, the Hyundai Sonata, especially in its upper trims, has evolved into a stylish and feature-rich sedan that challenges the status quo.
In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll cover:
- Exterior Design and Dimensions
- Interior Comfort and Quality
- Performance and Handling
- Technology and Infotainment
- Safety Features
- Fuel Efficiency
- Pricing and Value
- Conclusion: Which One Should You Choose?
Exterior Design and Dimensions
Toyota Camry XSE
The 2025 Toyota Camry XSE continues to build on its reputation as a sleek and sporty sedan. The XSE trim, in particular, adds a dose of aggression to the Camry’s design, with a more pronounced front grille, sharp LED headlights, and a sculpted hood. The 19-inch black machined-finish alloy wheels further enhance its sporty appeal, giving it a commanding presence on the road.
The Camry XSE also features a dual exhaust with quad chrome tips, adding to its performance-oriented look. The sleek roofline, paired with a rear spoiler, gives the car a dynamic profile that hints at its capabilities. Toyota offers the Camry XSE in a range of eye-catching colors, including the new “Supersonic Red” and “Wind Chill Pearl,” which complement its bold design.
Hyundai Sonata
The 2025 Hyundai Sonata, with its distinctive “Sensuous Sportiness” design language, continues to stand out in the crowded sedan market. The front end is dominated by a large cascading grille, flanked by sleek LED headlights that blend seamlessly into the hood. The Sonata’s daytime running lights, which integrate into the hood’s chrome accents, create a unique visual signature that sets it apart from its competitors.
The Sonata’s fastback-style roofline gives it a coupe-like silhouette, adding to its sporty appeal. The rear of the vehicle is equally striking, with a full-width LED light bar that emphasizes its width and presence on the road. The Sonata is available in a variety of sophisticated colors, such as “Calypso Red” and “Phantom Black,” which enhance its premium look.
Dimensions Comparison
| Dimension | Toyota Camry XSE | Hyundai Sonata |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Length | 192.1 inches | 192.9 inches |
| Overall Width | 72.4 inches | 73.2 inches |
| Overall Height | 56.9 inches | 56.9 inches |
| Wheelbase | 111.2 inches | 111.8 inches |
| Curb Weight | 3,575 lbs | 3,325 lbs |
Both vehicles are nearly identical in dimensions, with the Sonata being slightly longer and wider. This marginal difference contributes to the Sonata’s slightly more spacious interior, but both cars offer a comfortable and roomy experience for passengers.
Interior Comfort and Quality
Toyota Camry XSE
Stepping inside the 2025 Toyota Camry XSE, you’re greeted by a well-appointed cabin that balances sportiness with luxury. The XSE trim features leather-trimmed seats with contrast stitching, providing a premium feel. The front seats are not only heated but also ventilated, ensuring comfort in all weather conditions. The driver’s seat offers 8-way power adjustment with lumbar support, making it easy to find the perfect driving position.
The dashboard is dominated by a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which is seamlessly integrated into the center console. The soft-touch materials and metal accents throughout the cabin add to the upscale feel. The ambient interior lighting, customizable in various colors, enhances the driving experience, especially during night drives.
In terms of space, the Camry XSE offers ample legroom and headroom for both front and rear passengers. The rear seats can comfortably accommodate three adults, making it a practical choice for families. The trunk space is also generous, providing 15.1 cubic feet of cargo capacity, which is more than enough for everyday use and road trips.
Hyundai Sonata
The 2025 Hyundai Sonata’s interior is a blend of modern design and high-quality materials. The dashboard features a minimalist layout with a 10.25-inch touchscreen display taking center stage. The Sonata’s digital instrument cluster is another highlight, providing clear and customizable information to the driver.
The seats in the Sonata are plush and supportive, upholstered in either premium cloth or leather, depending on the trim level. Like the Camry, the Sonata offers heated and ventilated front seats, ensuring comfort in all seasons. The driver’s seat also features power adjustments with lumbar support, and the top trims add memory settings for added convenience.
One of the standout features of the Sonata’s interior is the available panoramic sunroof, which creates an airy and open feel in the cabin. The rear seats offer good legroom and headroom, though the sloping roofline might slightly reduce headroom for taller passengers. The Sonata’s trunk is slightly larger than the Camry’s, offering 16.0 cubic feet of space, making it one of the most practical sedans in its class.
Interior Features Comparison
| Feature | Toyota Camry XSE | Hyundai Sonata |
|---|---|---|
| Touchscreen Size | 9 inches | 10.25 inches |
| Heated/Ventilated Seats | Yes/Yes | Yes/Yes |
| Leather Upholstery | Standard | Available |
| Digital Instrument Cluster | No | Yes |
| Panoramic Sunroof | No | Available |
| Trunk Capacity | 15.1 cubic feet | 16.0 cubic feet |
The Hyundai Sonata edges out the Camry XSE in terms of interior features, thanks to its larger touchscreen, digital instrument cluster, and available panoramic sunroof. However, the Camry’s interior is still impressive, offering a blend of sportiness and luxury that will appeal to many buyers.
Performance and Handling
Toyota Camry XSE
Under the hood, the 2025 Toyota Camry XSE is powered by a 2.5-liter inline-four engine that produces 206 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque. For those seeking more power, Toyota offers an optional 3.5-liter V6 engine that delivers 301 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque. Both engines are paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission that provides smooth and responsive shifts.
The Camry XSE’s suspension is tuned for a sportier ride, with stiffer springs and dampers that reduce body roll and enhance handling. The steering is precise, offering good feedback to the driver, making the Camry XSE an engaging car to drive on twisty roads. The XSE also comes with a sport mode that sharpens throttle response and adjusts the transmission’s shift points for a more dynamic driving experience.
In terms of acceleration, the V6-equipped Camry XSE can sprint from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.6 seconds, making it one of the quicker sedans in its class. The 4-cylinder variant is slower but still respectable, with a 0 to 60 mph time of 7.6 seconds.
Hyundai Sonata
The 2025 Hyundai Sonata offers a range of powertrains, starting with a 2.5-liter inline-four engine that produces 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque. For those looking for more performance, the Sonata N Line features a turbocharged 2.5-liter engine that cranks out 290 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque. Both engines are mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission, with the N Line featuring a dual-clutch transmission for quicker shifts.
The Sonata’s suspension is tuned for comfort, providing a smooth and compliant ride that absorbs bumps and rough surfaces with ease. However, the N Line trim offers a sport-tuned suspension that improves handling and reduces body roll, making it a more engaging car to drive on winding roads. The steering is light and accurate, though it doesn’t offer the same level of feedback as the Camry XSE.
In terms of acceleration, the Sonata N Line is the standout, with a 0 to 60 mph time of just 5.2 seconds, making it quicker than the Camry XSE. The base engine, however, is more sedate, with a 0 to 60 mph time of 8.2 seconds, which is adequate for most daily driving scenarios.
Performance Comparison
| Performance Metric | Toyota Camry XSE (V6) | Hyundai Sonata N Line |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 3.5L V6 | 2.5L Turbo I4 |
| Horsepower | 301 hp | 290 hp |
| Torque | 267 lb-ft | 311 lb-ft |
| 0-60 mph Time | 5.6 seconds | 5.2 seconds |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 8-speed DCT |
| Sport-Tuned Suspension | Yes | Yes |
The Hyundai Sonata N Line outperforms the Toyota Camry XSE in terms of raw acceleration, thanks to its turbocharged engine. However, the Camry XSE’s V6 engine offers a more linear and predictable power delivery, making it a solid choice for those who value a smooth and refined driving experience.
Technology and Infotainment
Toyota Camry XSE
The 2025 Toyota Camry XSE comes equipped with a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system that runs Toyota’s latest Entune software. The system is user-friendly, with large icons and quick response times. It also supports Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa, ensuring seamless smartphone integration. The available JBL premium audio system delivers crisp and clear sound, making it perfect for audiophiles.
The Camry XSE also features a head-up display that projects key information, such as speed and navigation directions, onto the windshield, allowing the driver to stay focused on the road. The available 360-degree camera system provides a bird’s-eye view of the vehicle, making parking and maneuvering in tight spaces easier.
Other tech features include wireless smartphone charging, multiple USB ports, and an available Wi-Fi hotspot. The Camry XSE also offers an array of driver assistance technologies, such as adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking, all part of Toyota’s Safety Sense 2.5+ suite.
Hyundai Sonata
The 2025 Hyundai Sonata is no slouch in the technology department. It comes standard with a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system that is both intuitive and responsive. Like the Camry, it supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as Hyundai’s Blue Link connected services, which offer features like remote start and vehicle diagnostics.
The Sonata’s available Bose premium audio system provides excellent sound quality, and the digital instrument cluster adds a modern touch to the interior. One of the standout features of the Sonata is the available Smart Park Assist, which allows the car to park itself with minimal input from the driver—a feature that is not available on the Camry.
In addition to the standard driver assistance features, the Sonata also offers Highway Driving Assist, which combines adaptive cruise control and lane-centering technology to make highway driving less stressful. The Sonata’s tech package is rounded out by wireless charging, a 360-degree camera system, and a head-up display.
Technology Comparison
| Technology Feature | Toyota Camry XSE | Hyundai Sonata |
|---|---|---|
| Touchscreen Size | 9 inches | 10.25 inches |
| Apple CarPlay/Android Auto | Yes | Yes |
| Premium Audio System | JBL | Bose |
| Head-Up Display | Yes | Yes |
| 360-Degree Camera | Yes | Yes |
| Smart Park Assist | No | Yes |
The Hyundai Sonata takes the lead in technology, offering a larger touchscreen, Smart Park Assist, and a comprehensive suite of driver assistance features. However, the Camry XSE still holds its own with its high-quality JBL audio system and user-friendly infotainment interface.
Safety Features
Both the 2025 Toyota Camry XSE and Hyundai Sonata prioritize safety, with each model offering a comprehensive suite of driver assistance technologies.
Toyota Camry XSE
The Camry XSE comes standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, which includes features like:
- Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection: Helps detect and avoid potential collisions with vehicles and pedestrians.
- Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist: Warns you if you unintentionally drift out of your lane and can provide steering assistance to help you stay in your lane.
- Dynamic Radar Cruise Control: Maintains a preset distance from the vehicle ahead and can bring the car to a complete stop if necessary.
- Automatic High Beams: Automatically toggles the high beams on and off depending on the traffic conditions.
The Camry XSE also features a blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert, making it easier to change lanes and navigate parking lots safely.
Hyundai Sonata
The Hyundai Sonata also offers a robust set of safety features through its Hyundai SmartSense suite, which includes:
- Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist: Detects potential collisions with vehicles or pedestrians and can automatically apply the brakes to prevent or mitigate an impact.
- Lane Keeping Assist: Helps keep the vehicle centered in its lane by providing steering input if it detects unintentional lane departure.
- Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist: Not only warns of vehicles in the blind spot but can also apply the brakes to prevent a collision during lane changes.
- Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go: Maintains a safe following distance and can bring the vehicle to a complete stop, then resume cruising when traffic clears.
The Sonata also includes Safe Exit Warning, which alerts passengers if it detects a vehicle approaching from behind when they open the door, and Rear Occupant Alert, which reminds the driver to check the back seats before exiting the vehicle.
Safety Features Comparison
| Safety Feature | Toyota Camry XSE | Hyundai Sonata |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-Collision System | Yes | Yes |
| Lane Departure Warning | Yes | Yes |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | Yes | Yes |
| Blind-Spot Monitoring | Yes | Yes |
| Rear Cross-Traffic Alert | Yes | Yes |
| Safe Exit Warning | No | Yes |
| Rear Occupant Alert | No | Yes |
The Hyundai Sonata offers a few additional safety features, such as Safe Exit Warning and Rear Occupant Alert, giving it a slight edge over the Toyota Camry XSE in this category.
Fuel Efficiency
Toyota Camry XSE
The 2025 Toyota Camry XSE offers competitive fuel efficiency for a mid-size sedan, with the 4-cylinder engine achieving an EPA-estimated 28 mpg in the city and 39 mpg on the highway. The V6 engine is less efficient but still respectable, with an EPA rating of 22 mpg city and 33 mpg highway.
Hyundai Sonata
The Hyundai Sonata’s base engine is slightly more efficient, with an EPA-estimated 27 mpg city and 37 mpg highway. However, the Sonata Hybrid is the real star, offering up to 50 mpg in the city and 54 mpg on the highway, making it one of the most fuel-efficient sedans in its class. The Sonata N Line, with its turbocharged engine, is less efficient, rated at 23 mpg city and 33 mpg highway.
Fuel Efficiency Comparison
| Fuel Efficiency | Toyota Camry XSE (I4) | Hyundai Sonata (Base) | Hyundai Sonata Hybrid |
|---|---|---|---|
| City MPG | 28 mpg | 27 mpg | 50 mpg |
| Highway MPG | 39 mpg | 37 mpg | 54 mpg |
The Hyundai Sonata Hybrid is the clear winner in terms of fuel efficiency, making it an excellent choice for those who prioritize fuel economy. The Toyota Camry XSE, however, offers competitive efficiency, especially with its 4-cylinder engine.
Pricing and Value
Toyota Camry XSE
The 2025 Toyota Camry XSE is priced starting at around $32,000 for the 4-cylinder model, with the V6 variant starting at approximately $36,000. Given Toyota’s reputation for reliability and strong resale value, the Camry XSE represents a solid investment for those looking for a sporty and well-equipped sedan.
Hyundai Sonata
The 2025 Hyundai Sonata starts at around $25,000 for the base model, with the higher trims, such as the Limited and N Line, pushing the price closer to $35,000. The Sonata Hybrid is priced starting at around $28,000. Hyundai’s strong warranty, including a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, adds to the Sonata’s value proposition.
Pricing Comparison
| Model | Starting Price | Top Trim Price |
|---|---|---|
| Toyota Camry XSE (4-cylinder) | $32,000 | $36,000 |
| Hyundai Sonata (Base) | $25,000 | $35,000 |
| Hyundai Sonata Hybrid | $28,000 | $35,000 |
The Hyundai Sonata offers more affordable entry points, especially in its base and hybrid trims. However, the Toyota Camry XSE justifies its higher price with its sporty performance, premium features, and strong resale value.
Conclusion: Which One Should You Choose?
Choosing between the 2025 Toyota Camry XSE and Hyundai Sonata depends largely on your priorities.
- If you value sporty performance, a refined driving experience, and a reputation for reliability, the Toyota Camry XSE is the better choice. Its V6 engine offers strong acceleration, and its sporty design and handling make it an engaging sedan to drive.
- If you’re looking for advanced technology, a stylish design, and outstanding fuel efficiency, the Hyundai Sonata, particularly the Sonata Hybrid, is the way to go. The Sonata’s tech features, including Smart Park Assist and a larger touchscreen, give it an edge in modern conveniences.
Both models offer excellent safety features and a comfortable ride, so you can’t go wrong with either choice. However, the Camry XSE leans more towards those who want a sporty, engaging sedan, while the Sonata is better suited for those who prioritize tech and efficiency.
In the end, your decision should reflect what you value most in a mid-size sedan. Whether you choose the Toyota Camry XSE or the Hyundai Sonata, you’re getting a well-rounded vehicle that’s ready to impress in 2025.