2026 Toyota Camry vs 2026 Lexus ES

The 2026 Toyota Camry, available in LE, SE, Nightshade Edition, XLE, and XSE trims, had a price range from $30,595 to $36,995, including the destination charge. The Nightshade Edition, which we tested, featured Supersonic Red paint and several packages, bringing its MSRP to $36,478. Despite updates in 2025, the Camry's design lineage traced back to 2018, giving it a slightly dated appearance. The Nightshade Edition stood out with satin black 19-inch wheels and gloss-black detailing, available in limited colors. Inside, it mirrored the SE trim but exclusively offered a black interior with SofTex upholstery and stylish accents, making it a more pleasant environment despite some visible inexpensive plastics.

The 2026 Lexus ES underwent a significant transformation, growing in size and adopting a more angular design. Its edgier look included a reduced spindle grille and a fastback-like roofline, with a single horizontal taillight bar at the rear. Inside, the ES featured a modern, simplified layout with a broad horizontal dashboard and a large infotainment touchscreen. The NuLuxe synthetic leather upholstery was convincing, though it lacked the premium materials of the all-electric variant. The rear seats offered ample space, but the LS-inspired Executive seat package was exclusive to the electric model.

The 2026 Toyota Camry transitioned to a hybrid-only powertrain, combining a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with electric motors to produce 225 horsepower in FWD models and 232 hp in AWD versions. Fuel economy ranged from 43 to 51 mpg, with our FWD Nightshade test car achieving 44.5 mpg on a mixed driving loop. The Camry's TNGA platform provided a balanced ride and handling, though it lacked the communication of the Honda Accord Hybrid. The hybrid system's eCVT was less satisfying than a traditional automatic, but the Camry's performance was adequate for most drivers.

The 2026 Lexus ES 350h featured a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder hybrid engine producing 244 horsepower, with a CVT sending power to the front wheels and an optional AWD system. The ES prioritized comfort over performance, with leisurely acceleration and a smooth ride. The brake pedal offered a seamless transition between regenerative and physical braking. Handling was graceful but not sporty, and the soft suspension absorbed bumps effectively. The ES excelled in providing a quiet and comfortable driving experience, reminiscent of the flagship LS sedan.

The 2026 Toyota Camry offered comfortable front seats with power height adjustment and SofTex upholstery, providing ample space for taller drivers. The back seat, while not as roomy as the Accord's, was adequate for adults, with rear air-conditioning vents and USB ports. Storage space was limited in the back, but the front offered large storage areas. The trunk measured 15.1 cubic feet, smaller than competitors, with trunk lid hinges posing a packing hazard.

The 2026 Lexus ES provided generous rear legroom and headroom, though the sloping roofline could be challenging for taller passengers. The front seats offered ample space, with average storage options. The trunk held 17.4 cubic feet of cargo, with a power trunk lid for easy loading. However, the rear seatbacks did not fold, limiting hauling capabilities.

The 2026 Toyota Camry came with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Our test car's Multimedia Upgrade Package included a 12.3-inch touchscreen and Drive Connect subscription, offering cloud-based navigation and voice recognition. Safety Connect was a standout feature, providing emergency assistance and vehicle tracking. The lack of a tuning knob was a minor inconvenience.

The 2026 Lexus ES featured a 14-inch touchscreen with sharp graphics and quick responses. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with a wireless charging pad. The Premium+ trim offered a Mark Levinson 17-speaker audio system and a digital key feature. The integrated Drive Recorder provided a multi-camera dash cam, though its alerts could be distracting.

The 2026 Toyota Camry included Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, with adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and more. Predictive Driving Assist was intermittently helpful, and a stopping assist system engaged during testing. The Camry received a five-star overall rating from NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS.

The 2026 Lexus ES came with Lexus Safety System+ 4.0, offering advanced safety features like frontal collision warning and adaptive cruise control. The Premium+ trim added a surround-view camera system and other features. The lane departure warning was overly sensitive, and Proactive Driving Assist was intrusive.