2010 Camry Versus 2011 Sonata

The Toyota Camry has been the best selling car in America for 8 straight years. The benchmark for the family sedan is the Camry. This year, there is a new challenger. The 2011 Hyundai Sonata.

How does the 2011 Toyota Camry stack up against a completely redesigned 2011 Hyundai Sonata? The new Hyundai has beautiful and sleek styling that many would confuse with a BMW or Mercedes. The Sonata is the same size as Camry and offers many of the same features.The 2011 Camry, Toyota claims, “retains distinct advantages.”

The Camry has a “great driving environment,” the LE model has a many comfort and convenience features that help make driving more pleasurable. Features like 8 way driver power seat compared to a manually operated seat in the Sonata. The Camry also makes passengers more comfortable in a spacious rear seat that has more leg room and shoulder room than compared to the Sonata.

The LE model has a list of standard features that surpass what is standard in the GLS Sonata. The LE offers plentiful available features that you can’t get in the Sonata GLS. Features like automatic headlights are standard on Camry, available on the Sonata. Outside temperature display again standard on Camry, not even available on the Sonata. Amenities such as power moon roof and rear spoilers, option on the Camry are not even available on the Sonata. The Camry also makes passengers more comfortable in a spacious rear seat that has more leg room and shoulder room than compared to the Sonata.

The safety features in the Camry include LED brake lights, allowing the bulbs to illuminate faster than the light bulbs used in the Hyundai. LED bulbs light at full strength almost instantly, while light bulbs take a very small but measurable amount of time to light up. Driver’s knee airbag provides an extra measure of standard safety that is not provided in the Sonata.

From a performance point of view, the engine choices are numerous with the Camry – four cylinder (2.5L), six cylinder (3.5L) or Hybrid (2.4L). While the Sonata is only available with a four cylinder engine (2.4L 16-valve DOHC). The Sonata is available in three trim levels – GLS with an MSRP of $19915, SE with an MSRP of $23315, Limited with an MSRP of $26015. While the Camry offers the base model at $20345, LE model for $21800, SE model for $23115, XLE for $26875 and a Hybrid model for $26400. The prices for the models are very comparable. However, based on IntelliChoice Ownership cost, the Camry may save owners nearly $3,000 over five years.

Toyota has just offered 0% for 60 months on the 2011 Camry, plus a lease of $199 per month with $2900 down. Toyota is also offering no payment for 90 days.

While Hyundai is offering 2.9% for 60 months on the 2011 Sonata, plus a lease of $199 per month with $2399 due at lease signing. Hyundai is also offering a $500 Owner Loyalty Coupon, to qualify all you have to do is currently own a Hyundai.

Both of these vehicles are excellent values while a consumer would get some nice amenities and upgrades from the Camry, the new, redesigned Sonata is sleek and sexy. I don’t think either vehicle would disappoint.