Which is the best buy?

These sedan hybrid cousins ​​have more in common than you think

In the pursuit of excellent Japanese family sedan and reliability, the Camry and Crown are two of the best. Both sedans of the Toyota family are quiet and efficient. They share Toyota’s latest hybrid know-how and a reputation for long-term reliability. While they may be targeting different buyers, they have more in common than you might think. The Camry Hybrid is the value-rich flagship choice, now going hybrid-only for 2025, while the Crown plays the role of premium flagship sedan with a higher stance, richer materials and the option for serious power.

Just for the sake of numbers, the current Camry ($29,000 base) outsells the Crown ($41,440 base) by a factor of more than 10. Granted, they’re vastly different prices, but both are roomy, five-seaters and efficient hybrids with excellent EPA numbers. You’ll be surprised that the more expensive Crown doesn’t beat the Camry in every category, so it’s smart to take a deeper look. The top trim Camry and base Crown are very closely priced and similarly equipped. Here’s how they stack up, so you can choose with confidence.

Powertrains and Performance

The new generation Camry is now hybrid in all areas. It pairs a 2.5-liter four-cylinder with Toyota’s latest hybrid system and an e-CVT. Expect smooth, quiet acceleration in everyday driving and plenty of passing power for motorway junctions. Front-wheel drive is standard, and available all-wheel drive adds an electric motor to the rear axle for better traction in bad weather without the weight and complexity of a mechanical driveshaft. Camry’s tuning prioritizes efficiency and calmness; it leans more toward “smart commuter” than “sports sedan,” though its stiffer platform and improved steering give it a more planted feel than previous models. FWD models offer 225 horsepower; AWD gets 232. The 0-60 sprint takes 6.8 seconds for the XSE AWD.

The Crown comes standard with a beefier AWD hybrid setup that uses a 2.5-liter engine and multiple electric motors for confident all-weather performance. It’s quiet and unflappable, ideal for long highway jolts. Step up to the top trim and you can get Toyota’s Hybrid MAX powertrain, which pairs a turbocharged 2.4-liter engine with electric motors for significantly stronger acceleration. In terms of performance, the Crown will hit 60 mph in 7.1 seconds, but the Hybrid MAX engine will launch it to 60 mph in 5.7 seconds.

Ride, handling and quiet

The 2025 Camry’s updated chassis tuning reduces road noise and body roll compared to previous generations. It’s composed, predictable and easy to place on a twisty road without ever becoming harsh. While it might not feel very exciting to drive, it’s better than the last generation and remarkably easy to drive for hours on end. Higher trims offer better soundproofing and slightly sportier tuning, but even base models feel mature.

The Crown goes one step further than the Camry in terms of ride comfort and cabin insulation. The longer wheelbase, extra sound deadening and adaptive suspension available on higher trims translate to a ride akin to sliding over broken pavement. The Crown is also taller, with a raised stance that feels more like a crossover than a sedan. Improves outward visibility and facilitates entry and exit. Around town, it soaks up bumps like a premium car, and on the highway, it’s quieter than the Camry.

Fuel economy

The Camry Hybrid is the mileage champ. EPA estimates for the top XSE AWD trim (the closest trim to the Crown) are 44 city and 43 highway mpg. The lower trims net up to 51 mpg, a number that’s on par with the Prius, a very impressive feat for a 5-passenger family sedan. With its lighter body and efficiency-boosting powertrain, it’s the Toyota sedan most buyers will choose to minimize fuel stops and maximize economy while still providing practical space for five people.

The Crown’s standard AWD and larger mass make it a little less efficient, though still solid. XLE, Limited and Nightshade models get about 42 city and 41 highway. The Platinum model has a lower estimate of 29 city and 32 highway. Opting for the Hybrid MAX brings real performance gains, but drops mpg even more. If the commute is long or fuel economy is a top priority, the Camry wins, but if you value comfort and speed enough to trade off a few mpg, the Crown makes sense.

Interior design, space and comfort

There’s a lot to love about the Camry’s interior. The combination of excellent technology and physical controls blends beautifully with stylish elements that give it an air of sophistication. The new interior emphasizes excellent equipment for climate, sound and shift tasks, as well as a clear digital instrument cluster and a central screen that is fast and intuitive. The front seats offer support for longer journeys, the rear space is suitable for adults and the trunk remains practical for family tasks. It’s a smart, well-organized cabin with enough style to keep up. Legroom is generous at 42.1 inches in the front and 38 inches in the back. The SofTex fabric is available in black or gray and the leather on the upper trim comes in black or red.

Step up to the Crown and you’ll notice thicker door panels, softer-touch surfaces, richer seat upholstery and a quiet cabin at speed. Inside, it looks more like a Lexus than a Toyota, and the controls and infotainment system bear premium hallmarks. The slightly higher floor and roofline create a commanding stance not present on the Camry. Rear legroom is generous and the seats feel more like a lounge. If you frequently carry adult passengers, the quietness and comfort of the Crown seats is a step up. The downside is that no matter what trim level you choose, only black leather is available. In terms of space, the Toyota Crown has 42.1 inches of front legroom and 38.9 inches of rear legroom.

Technology and safety

Toyota’s latest infotainment software features in both, with responsive voice commands (“Hey Toyota”), over-the-air update capability and the expected suite of connected services. Wireless phone mirroring and wireless charging are widely available, and higher-end models bring bigger screens and better sound.

In terms of safety, both include Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 with adaptive cruise control, lane centering, automatic emergency braking and traffic sign recognition. The Crown typically adds more by default, such as the availability of a 360-degree camera and additional comfort features, while the Camry lets you add many of the same items by upgrading to trims or packages. Active safety coverage is strong, though, and both cars get high marks with the IIHS for crash safety; you simply can’t go wrong here.

Prices, value and features

The Camry Hybrid is built to maximize value with its lower base price, excellent efficiency and a wide scale so you can customize features without breaking the bank. Not just in terms of sales figures, but overall, it’s the right choice for most buyers. If you choose the loaded top-trim Camry XSE with premium paint, all-wheel drive and the Premium Plus package, the price is close to the Crown’s base price. In terms of endowments, it is now close to equal. In terms of styling, the Camry has more universal appeal, but it’s ubiquitous.

The crown starts higher and leans into premium territory. Standard AWD, upscale materials, and a quieter ride justify the step up, especially if you spend a lot of time on the highway or simply prefer a near-luxury experience without stepping up to a luxury brand. The Hybrid MAX version turns it into a performance cruiser in disguise, but you’ll pay accordingly both at the purchase and at the pump. When it comes to styling, the Crown looks more unique than the Camry, but its looks are also polarizing in certain colors.

Final thoughts

Both the 2026 Toyota Camry Hybrid and the 2026 Toyota Crown offer Toyota’s key virtues of efficiency, comfort and long-term peace of mind. The Camry Hybrid is the smartest buy for most buyers because it hits the mark on value, fuel economy and everyday utility. The Crown earns its keep if you spend a lot of time on the road and want a calmer, more premium experience. It also offers the Hybrid MAX’s effortless powertrain, which the Camry lacks. Both are great values ​​in their own right, and it’s hard to go wrong with either choice.

This story was originally published by Autoblog on January 22, 2026, where it first appeared in the Features section. Add Autoblog as a favorite source by clicking here.