Hyundai Elantra vs Toyota Camry
Choosing between the Hyundai Elantra and the Toyota Camry is really a question of total cost, not sticker price. Below we compare both over five years — depreciation, fuel, insurance and maintenance — then let you run your own mileage.
Key assumptions for this page
Sources: Kelley Blue Book — figures are estimates last reviewed 2026; verify before purchase.
Hyundai Elantra vs Toyota Camry: run the numbers
Cheaper to own over 5 years
Hyundai Elantra
by $2,114 — Hyundai Elantra: $34,423 · Toyota Camry: $36,538
Lower 5-year total cost
🏆 Hyundai Elantra
Lower fuel cost
🏆 Toyota Camry
Lower depreciation
🏆 Hyundai Elantra
Lower insurance estimate
🏆 Hyundai Elantra
Lower cost per mile
🏆 Hyundai Elantra
Baseline 5-year cost breakdown
MSRP + EPA efficiency · USD| Cost | Hyundai Elantra | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Depreciation | $13,410 | $16,697 |
| Fuel | $5,514 | $4,340 |
| Insurance | $10,500 | $10,500 |
| Maintenance | $5,000 | $5,000 |
| 5-year total | $34,423 | $36,538 |
| Cost per mile | $0.57 | $0.61 |
Customize your scenario
The baseline uses each car's MSRP, EPA-rated efficiency and segment-typical depreciation. Change the assumptions below to match how you actually drive — your result may differ from the baseline.
5-year cost by annual mileage
| Miles / year | Hyundai Elantra | Toyota Camry | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8,000 mi | $32,586 | $35,091 | Elantra |
| 12,000 mi· now | $34,423 | $36,538 | Elantra |
| 15,000 mi | $35,802 | $37,623 | Elantra |
| 20,000 mi | $38,099 | $39,431 | Elantra |
| 30,000 mi | $42,694 | $43,048 | Elantra |
Estimates only, not quotes. Depreciation, insurance and maintenance use segment-typical assumptions; insurance is modeled from each model's risk factor against a national average, not a quote. Verify with dealers and insurers before deciding.
Good to know
Specific, useful answers for this page.
Is the Hyundai Elantra or the Toyota Camry cheaper to own?＋
Over five years, total ownership cost comes down to depreciation, fuel, insurance and maintenance. The breakdown above totals both side by side so you can see the real gap, not just the sticker difference.
What's the biggest cost difference between them?＋
Usually depreciation and insurance dominate. The Elantra depreciates faster, while insurance tracks each car's risk factor (Elantra: 1.00×, Camry: 1.00×).
Does the price gap between the Elantra and Camry matter long term?＋
The Camry costs about $7k more upfront, and since depreciation is a percentage of price, the costlier car usually loses more dollars too. With similar drivetrains, fuel and maintenance land close, leaving depreciation and insurance as the deciders.