2026 Toyota Camry vs. 2026 Lexus ES Hybrid Comparison
The 2026 Toyota Camry is the better choice for most midsize hybrid sedan shoppers. It starts at a far lower price than the 2026 Lexus ES 350h and earns higher EPA-estimated fuel economy in most configurations. It also offers more trunk space, with all-wheel drive available on every grade. The ES Hybrid answers with more horsepower, a larger standard touchscreen, and longer basic and powertrain warranty coverage.
Which Is the Better Choice for Tustin-Area Drivers?
Weighing a mainstream hybrid against a luxury one? For drivers in Tustin, Irvine, Orange, and Corona, the 2026 Camry delivers the stronger overall value. Both sedans pair a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with a hybrid system. Both seat five, and both offer all-wheel drive (AWD).
The difference is what each costs to get there. The Camry offers AWD on all five grades, starting with the LE AWD. On the ES 350h, AWD starts with the Premium AWD configuration, which is priced above any Camry. Inside, the Camry gives up some rear legroom to the ES but provides the larger trunk. Our 2026 Toyota Camry Hybrid overview covers the full lineup in more detail.
2026 Camry vs. ES Hybrid at a Glance
| Category | 2026 Toyota Camry | 2026 Lexus ES 350h |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | $30,595 TSRP (LE FWD) | $51,095 MSRP (Premium FWD) |
| Grades | 5: LE, SE, Nightshade, XLE, XSE | 2: Premium, Premium+ |
| Drivetrain | FWD or AWD on every grade | FWD or AWD on both grades |
| Total system horsepower | 225 hp (FWD) / 232 hp (AWD) | 244 hp (FWD and AWD) |
| Best EPA-estimated combined MPG | 51 mpg (LE FWD) | 46 mpg (FWD) |
| Trunk volume | 15.1 cu ft | 13.3 cu ft |
Total Suggested Retail Price (TSRP) for new vehicles includes manufacturer and distributor options and delivery, processing, and handling fees, which are subject to change at any time. TSRP excludes taxes, title, license, dealer-installed options, accessories, fees and charges. TSRP is not the dealer advertised price. Dealer prices will vary. The dealer sets the final price.
Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for new vehicles includes manufacturer and distributor options and delivery, process and handling fees, which may be subject to change at any time. MSRP excludes taxes, title, license and dealer installed options, accessories, fees and charges. MSRP is not the dealer advertised price. Dealer price will vary. The dealer sets the final price.
EPA-estimated fuel economy figures are for comparison purposes only. Your actual mileage will vary depending on driving conditions, how you drive and maintain your vehicle, battery age/condition, and other factors.
2026 Camry vs. ES Hybrid Pricing and Trims
The 2026 Camry comes in five grades: LE, SE, Nightshade, XLE, and XSE. Each is available with front-wheel drive (FWD) or AWD. The Nightshade adds 19-inch satin-black wheels and black exterior accents. The 2026 ES 350h comes in two grades, Premium and Premium+, each with FWD or AWD. Every Camry configuration, including the top XSE AWD, starts below the entry ES 350h Premium.
2026 Toyota Camry Pricing
| Grade | FWD TSRP | AWD TSRP |
|---|---|---|
| LE | $30,595 TSRP | $32,120 TSRP |
| SE | $33,095 TSRP | $34,620 TSRP |
| Nightshade | $34,095 TSRP | $35,620 TSRP |
| XLE | $35,795 TSRP | $37,320 TSRP |
| XSE | $36,995 TSRP | $38,520 TSRP |
Total Suggested Retail Price (TSRP) for new vehicles includes manufacturer and distributor options and delivery, processing, and handling fees, which are subject to change at any time. TSRP excludes taxes, title, license, dealer-installed options, accessories, fees and charges. TSRP is not the dealer advertised price. Dealer prices will vary. The dealer sets the final price.
2026 Lexus ES 350h Pricing
| Grade | FWD MSRP | AWD MSRP |
|---|---|---|
| Premium | $51,095 MSRP | $52,495 MSRP |
| Premium+ | $55,895 MSRP | $57,295 MSRP |
Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for new vehicles includes manufacturer and distributor options and delivery, process and handling fees, which may be subject to change at any time. MSRP excludes taxes, title, license and dealer installed options, accessories, fees and charges. MSRP is not the dealer advertised price. Dealer price will vary. The dealer sets the final price.
For a grade-by-grade look at features, see our 2026 Camry trims and pricing guide.
Interior Space and Cargo
Both sedans seat five, and their front-seat dimensions are nearly identical. The ES Hybrid offers more rear legroom. The Camry provides the larger trunk, with 15.1 cubic feet versus 13.3 cubic feet in the ES. That extra space helps when loading luggage, strollers, or recreational gear.
| Specification | 2026 Toyota Camry | 2026 Lexus ES 350h |
|---|---|---|
| Seating capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Trunk volume | 15.1 cu ft | 13.3 cu ft |
| Front headroom | 38 in | 38 in |
| Rear headroom | 38 in | 38 in |
| Front legroom | 42 in | 42 in |
| Rear legroom | 38 in | 41 in |
| Front shoulder room | 58 in | 58 in |
| Rear shoulder room | 56 in | 54 in |
| Curb weight | 3,450–3,682 lbs | 4,001–4,134 lbs (Premium+) |
Interior dimensions rounded to the nearest inch.
See the 2026 Camry interior specs for more cabin detail.
Performance and Powertrains
Both sedans use a 2.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid powertrain with an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (eCVT). The Camry produces 225 total system horsepower with FWD and 232 with AWD. The ES 350h produces 244 horsepower with either drivetrain, giving it a modest power advantage. The Camry is the lighter sedan.
| Specification | 2026 Toyota Camry | 2026 Lexus ES 350h |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 2.5L four-cylinder hybrid | 2.5L four-cylinder hybrid |
| Total system horsepower | 225 hp (FWD) / 232 hp (AWD) | 244 hp (FWD and AWD) |
| Transmission | eCVT | eCVT |
| Drivetrain | FWD or AWD on every grade | FWD or AWD on both grades |
Fuel Economy
The Camry LE with FWD earns the highest EPA-estimated rating in either lineup. Every Camry configuration except the XSE AWD matches or beats the ES Hybrid’s EPA-estimated combined ratings. That helps keep fuel costs down on daily commutes.
| EPA-Estimated MPG | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| Camry LE FWD | 52 | 49 | 51 |
| Camry LE AWD | 50 | 49 | 50 |
| Camry SE, XLE, XSE FWD | 47 | 45 | 46 |
| Camry SE, Nightshade, XLE AWD | 46 | 46 | 46 |
| Camry XSE AWD | 43 | 43 | 43 |
| ES 350h FWD | 48 | 44 | 46 |
| ES 350h AWD | 47 | 42 | 44 |
EPA-estimated fuel economy figures are for comparison purposes only. Your actual mileage will vary depending on driving conditions, how you drive and maintain your vehicle, battery age/condition, and other factors.
Our 2026 Camry Hybrid MPG guide breaks down the ratings further.
Technology and Connectivity
2026 Toyota Camry
Every 2026 Camry includes the Toyota Audio Multimedia system with an 8-inch touchscreen. A 12.3-inch touchscreen is available on select grades. The LE comes with a 7-inch digital instrument cluster and five USB ports. Wireless Apple CarPlay®, Android Auto™, and wireless charging are available.
2026 Lexus ES 350h
The ES 350h Premium comes standard with a 14-inch touchscreen, a 12.3-inch digital display, and a 10-speaker Lexus Premium Sound System. The Premium+ upgrades to a 17-speaker Mark Levinson® audio system. The Lexus offers more screen and audio as standard, while the Camry covers the essentials for far less.
| Display | 2026 Toyota Camry | 2026 Lexus ES 350h |
|---|---|---|
| Standard touchscreen | 8 in (12.3 in available on select grades) | 14 in |
| Digital driver display | 7 in (LE) | 12.3 in |
Safety and Driver Assistance
Toyota Safety Sense™ 3.0 is standard on every 2026 Camry. It includes Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, and Automatic High Beams. Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert is also standard. The 2025–26 Camry earned a TOP SAFETY PICK+ award from the IIHS.
Every 2026 ES comes standard with Lexus Safety System+ 4.0. It includes the Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, All-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, and Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist.
| Feature | 2026 Toyota Camry | 2026 Lexus ES 350h |
|---|---|---|
| Safety suite | Toyota Safety Sense™ 3.0 | Lexus Safety System+ 4.0 |
| Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection | Standard | Standard |
| Adaptive cruise control | Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control | All-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control |
| Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist | Standard | Standard |
Driver-assistance and advanced safety systems are supplemental aids and are not substitutes for safe and attentive driving. Availability, operation, and effectiveness vary by trim and equipment and depend on factors including road, weather, traffic, and vehicle condition. Always keep your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road. See your owner’s manual for system limitations and details.
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
The ES Hybrid carries longer basic and powertrain coverage, while both sedans cover hybrid components for 8 years or 100,000 miles. The Camry’s hybrid battery is covered for 10 years or 150,000 miles. Both brands include complimentary scheduled maintenance for the first year or 10,000 miles. On the Camry, that coverage is ToyotaCare.
| Coverage | 2026 Toyota Camry | 2026 Lexus ES 350h |
|---|---|---|
| Basic | 3 years / 36,000 miles | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
| Powertrain | 5 years / 60,000 miles | 6 years / 70,000 miles |
| Hybrid components | 8 years / 100,000 miles | 8 years / 100,000 miles |
| Corrosion perforation | 5 years / unlimited miles | 6 years / unlimited miles |
| Complimentary maintenance | 1 year / 10,000 miles | 1 year / 10,000 miles |
This information is provided for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Warranty coverage depends on the specific terms of your vehicle’s warranty agreement. Consult your owner’s manual or a qualified legal professional for guidance on your individual situation.
Test Drive the 2026 Camry at Tustin Toyota
The 2026 Camry shows that you don’t need to pay luxury prices for a comfortable, efficient hybrid sedan. It comes with standard Toyota Safety Sense™ 3.0 and available AWD. Visit our showroom at 36 Auto Center Dr, Tustin, CA 92782, to compare grades and test drive the all-hybrid Camry lineup. You can also call our sales team at 714-909-2159. Cross-shopping Lexus SUVs too? See our 2026 Toyota RAV4 vs. Lexus NX comparison.
Frequently Asked Questions: 2026 Camry vs. ES Hybrid
Is the 2026 Lexus ES Hybrid worth the price premium over the 2026 Toyota Camry?
For most buyers, the 2026 Camry offers better overall value. The Camry LE starts at a TSRP of $30,595, while the ES 350h Premium starts at an MSRP of $51,095. That makes the Camry $20,500 less when comparing starting TSRP to starting MSRP. The Camry delivers up to an EPA-estimated 51 mpg combined, a larger trunk, and available AWD. The ES adds more horsepower, a larger standard touchscreen, and longer basic and powertrain warranty coverage.
Total Suggested Retail Price (TSRP) for new vehicles includes manufacturer and distributor options and delivery, processing, and handling fees, which are subject to change at any time. TSRP excludes taxes, title, license, dealer-installed options, accessories, fees and charges. TSRP is not the dealer advertised price. Dealer prices will vary. The dealer sets the final price.
Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for new vehicles includes manufacturer and distributor options and delivery, process and handling fees, which may be subject to change at any time. MSRP excludes taxes, title, license and dealer installed options, accessories, fees and charges. MSRP is not the dealer advertised price. Dealer price will vary. The dealer sets the final price.
EPA-estimated fuel economy figures are for comparison purposes only. Your actual mileage will vary depending on driving conditions, how you drive and maintain your vehicle, battery age/condition, and other factors.
Which sedan gets better fuel economy?
The 2026 Camry LE with FWD earns an EPA-estimated 52 city / 49 highway / 51 combined mpg. The 2026 ES 350h with FWD earns an EPA-estimated 48 city / 44 highway / 46 combined mpg.
EPA-estimated fuel economy figures are for comparison purposes only. Your actual mileage will vary depending on driving conditions, how you drive and maintain your vehicle, battery age/condition, and other factors.
Can you get all-wheel drive on both the 2026 Camry and ES Hybrid?
Yes. AWD is available on all five Camry grades, starting with the LE AWD at a TSRP of $32,120. On the ES 350h, AWD starts with the Premium AWD at an MSRP of $52,495.
Total Suggested Retail Price (TSRP) for new vehicles includes manufacturer and distributor options and delivery, processing, and handling fees, which are subject to change at any time. TSRP excludes taxes, title, license, dealer-installed options, accessories, fees and charges. TSRP is not the dealer advertised price. Dealer prices will vary. The dealer sets the final price.
Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for new vehicles includes manufacturer and distributor options and delivery, process and handling fees, which may be subject to change at any time. MSRP excludes taxes, title, license and dealer installed options, accessories, fees and charges. MSRP is not the dealer advertised price. Dealer price will vary. The dealer sets the final price.
Which sedan has more trunk space?
The 2026 Camry has 15.1 cubic feet of trunk space, compared with 13.3 cubic feet in the 2026 ES 350h.
Disclaimers
Total Suggested Retail Price (TSRP) for new vehicles includes manufacturer and distributor options and delivery, processing, and handling fees, which are subject to change at any time. TSRP excludes taxes, title, license, dealer-installed options, accessories, fees and charges. TSRP is not the dealer advertised price. Dealer prices will vary. The dealer sets the final price.
Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for new vehicles includes manufacturer and distributor options and delivery, process and handling fees, which may be subject to change at any time. MSRP excludes taxes, title, license and dealer installed options, accessories, fees and charges. MSRP is not the dealer advertised price. Dealer price will vary. The dealer sets the final price.
EPA-estimated fuel economy figures are for comparison purposes only. Your actual mileage will vary depending on driving conditions, how you drive and maintain your vehicle, battery age/condition, and other factors.
Driver-assistance and advanced safety systems are supplemental aids and are not substitutes for safe and attentive driving. Availability, operation, and effectiveness vary by trim and equipment and depend on factors including road, weather, traffic, and vehicle condition. Always keep your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road. See your owner’s manual for system limitations and details.
This information is provided for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Warranty coverage depends on the specific terms of your vehicle’s warranty agreement. Consult your owner’s manual or a qualified legal professional for guidance on your individual situation.