The classic family car is a staple of the American driveway. Many of us remember how our parents and grandparents would bring home a 4-door sedan whenever it was time for a new car; people today carry on that tradition when they choose a segment favorite like the 2026 Hyundai Sonata. This thoroughly modern machine is packed with tech and emanates style, yet there's a comforting sense of familiarity in its classic silhouette and separate trunk. Commutes, road trips and errands are made easy in a Sonata, and for that reason it remains a favorite of buyers of all ages.
The same can't be said of its competitors, including the Toyota Camry and Kia K5. These rivals lack the same polish you'll enjoy with a Sonata, a car that feels carefully engineered so that every moment behind the wheel is a beautiful one. After you read our 2026 Hyundai Sonata vs. Toyota Camry and Kia K5 comparison, we think you'll agree that the king of affordable sedans remains the beloved Sonata. Buy yours at our St. Paul Hyundai dealer today.
2026 Hyundai Sonata Engine Specs Comparison
Unlike some of its competitors, the 2026 Hyundai Sonata has some spunk thanks to what's under the hood. For starters, it comes available with a turbocharged engine, which packs 290 horsepower that you'll feel every time you step on the gas. The Camry, for context, offers no such option. Its paltry 232 max horsepower is down nearly 60 horsepower compared to the hottest engine option in the Hyundai, and that disparity means Sonata owners willbe regularly leaving St. Paul Toyota drivers far behind in their rearview mirror.
Wrangling all that Sonata horsepower is an 8-speed automatic transmission, which shifts with a satisfying firmness and crispness you can only get with the fixed gears of a traditional transmission. The ECVT you'll find in the Camry, meanwhile, is saddled with all the usual drawbacks that come up in any automatic vs. CVT comparison. If you want a new car that drives as good as it looks, make the smart play -- buy a Sonata in Minnesota.
2026 Hyundai Sonata
- Turbo Engine: Available
- Max Horsepower: 290
- Transmission: 8-Speed Automatic
- Paddle Shifters: Available
2026 Toyota Camry
- Turbo Engine: N/A
- Max Horsepower: 232
- Transmission: ECVT
- Paddle Shifters: N/A
2026 Kia K5
- Turbo Engine: Available
- Max Horsepower: 290
- Transmission: 8-Speed Automatic
- Paddle Shifters: Available
Compare 2026 Hyundai Sonata Interior Features
The cabin of the Sonata is a delight for the senses. You'll find quality materials everywhere, and the design is both modern and tasteful; it's easy to tell that designers penned it to remain timelessly stylish even years into the future. The hallmark of the cabin is, of course, the 12.3-inch touchscreen, which isover 50% larger than the 8-inch Camry touchscreen. Try both back to back and you'll be shocked that Toyota still uses this outdated system in 2026. We think you'll also love the Hyundai interface relative to the Kia K5 touchscreen software.
The Sonata also delivers an exceptional suite of safety features through the Hyundai SmartSense tech bundle. You can credit it for the latest and greatest driver-assistance innovations that the Sonata offers, so you can spend more time enjoying the ride and less time worrying about occupancy protection. And speaking of relaxing, you'll love the Bose® Premium Audio System that's available on select trims. So equipped, a new Sonata in St. Paul becomes a mobile concert hall, ready to liven up your time on the road with a few of your favorite tunes. See why people everywhere prefer the Sonata vs. K5 and Camry?
2026 Hyundai Sonata
- Standard Touchscreen Size (in.): 12.3
- High-End Audio System: Bose® Premium Audio
- Safety Suite: Hyundai SmartSense
2026 Toyota Camry
- Standard Touchscreen Size (in.): 8.0
- High-End Audio System: JBL® Premium Audio
- Safety Suite: Toyota Safety Sense 3.0
2026 Kia K5
- Standard Touchscreen Size (in.): 12.3
- High-End Audio System: Bose® Premium Audio
- Safety Suite: Kia Drive Wise
Buy a New Hyundai Near Me
The 2026 Hyundai Sonata establishes itself as a preferred option for buyers who refuse to compromise on performance, technology or comfort as they shop for a new family sedan. If you love getting more car per dollar while indulging in the latest technology and features, a new Sonata in Minnesota is a better choice than a comparable Camry or K5.
If you're ready to make your purchase, contact us to schedule your personalized test-drive and shop our specials. We can't wait to showcase how this new sedan will transform your driving experience.
Learn More: Compare the Hyundai Santa Fe | Compare Hyundai Palisade SUVs | Why Buy from Buerkle Hyundai?
