Best Cars · head-to-head

Toyota Camry (2026) vs Kia Sportage (2026)

A sourced, side-by-side comparison. Kia Sportage (2026) is cheaper at $28790. Every spec and price links to its source.

Which is better: the Toyota Camry (2026) or Kia Sportage (2026)?

On the specs we track, they're closely matched. The Kia Sportage (2026) is the cheaper at $28790.

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Full spec sheet

marks the stronger figure where "more" — or "less", for price and weight — is unambiguously better.

Spec Toyota Camry (2026) Kia Sportage (2026)
US price $29100 $28790
BrandToyotaKia
Released20262026
Body style midsize sedan compact SUV
Mpg combined 51 28
Horsepower 225 187
Drivetrain FWD FWD
Seats 5 5
Cargo cuft 15.1
Powertrain 2.5L inline-4 hybrid (HEV), automatic AV-S6 2.5L inline-4 naturally aspirated, 8-speed automatic
Release 2026 2026

Sources — Toyota Camry (2026): fueleconomy.gov (verified 2026-06-15). Kia Sportage (2026): fueleconomy.gov (verified 2026-06-15).

What's the difference between the Toyota Camry (2026) and Kia Sportage (2026)?

Where the two actually differ on the specs we track (4 of 7). Matching specs are omitted.

  • Body style: Toyota Camry (2026) midsize sedan vs Kia Sportage (2026) compact SUV
  • Mpg combined: Toyota Camry (2026) 51 vs Kia Sportage (2026) 28
  • Horsepower: Toyota Camry (2026) 225 vs Kia Sportage (2026) 187
  • Powertrain: Toyota Camry (2026) 2.5L inline-4 hybrid (HEV), automatic AV-S6 vs Kia Sportage (2026) 2.5L inline-4 naturally aspirated, 8-speed automatic

What reviewers say

Sourced tester consensus for each — the "what people who used it think" layer, not just specs.

Toyota Camry (2026)

Two whitelisted testers, Car and Driver and MotorTrend, rate the 2026 Camry among the best midsize sedans for its efficient standard-hybrid powertrain, roomy cabin, and easy-to-use tech. Only Car and Driver instrumented-tested it (7.0-sec 0-60 for the Nightshade FWD, 34 mpg observed, 171-ft braking, 0.87 g skidpad). MotorTrend did not publish its own numbers but flags interior build quality with squeaks and rattles. The two split most clearly on steering. (2 sourced reviews, 1 lab-tested.)

Praised: Efficient standard-hybrid powertrain with strong real-world fuel economy; Roomy, comfortable interior with modern, easy-to-use tech; Quick, responsive hybrid acceleration for a midsize sedan.

Flagged: Vague steering that lacks feel; limited driving athleticism; Interior build quality: squeaks and rattles noted in testing; Priced above its staunchest rivals.

Kia Sportage (2026)

Both whitelisted hands-on reviews survived verification. Car and Driver (instrumented) and MotorTrend (hybrid first drive) rate the refreshed 2026 Sportage a comfortable, well-equipped value whose weak 2.5-liter non-hybrid gas engine is its main flaw; the hybrid supplies the missing pep. Car and Driver measured 9.1-sec 0-60 for the gas engine versus 7.4 for the hybrid, plus 31 mpg observed highway. Non-whitelisted outlets were excluded. (2 sourced reviews, 2 lab-tested.)

Praised: Comfortable, quiet, well-controlled ride; Strong value — low entry price and generous standard equipment; Hybrid powertrain adds welcome pep and refinement over the gas engine.

Flagged: Sluggish, underpowered 2.5-liter non-hybrid gas engine; Unengaging, dull driving dynamics (non-hybrid); Hybrid fuel economy regresses on larger-wheel SX/X-Line trims.

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