Which sedan handles winter better — the 2026 Hyundai Sonata or 2026 Toyota Camry for Waupaca, WI drivers?

Stevens Point Auto Center – Which sedan handles winter better — the 2026 Hyundai Sonata or 2026 Toyota Camry for Waupaca, WI drivers?

When wintry roads raise the stakes, many drivers ask a simple question: which sedan delivers more confident traction and control, the 2026 Hyundai Sonata or the 2026 Toyota Camry? Both offer available all-wheel drive and a robust set of driver-assistance features, but the on-road character and capability mix differently—and those differences matter when snow is falling and temperatures drop.

Sonata offers available HTRAC® All-Wheel Drive across a lineup that includes a refined 2.5-liter, a hybrid, and the dynamic N Line. That flexibility lets you prioritize the feel you want—natural shifting with a conventional 8-speed automatic, or crisp, performance-minded responses with an 8-speed dual-clutch in N Line—while still adding AWD confidence. Camry brings an all-hybrid lineup with available Electronic On-Demand All-Wheel Drive, delivering smooth, efficient propulsion and surefooted launches on slick surfaces. Both models provide heated features, multiple drive modes, and precise electronic stability controls designed to keep you tracking straight on plowed lanes and packed snow.

• AWD availability: Sonata’s HTRAC® integrates with multiple engines; Camry’s Electronic On-Demand AWD pairs with its all-hybrid powertrain.
• Traction-supporting tech: Sonata offers a Surround View Monitor and Blind-Spot View Monitor camera feed; Camry offers a Panoramic View Monitor and standard Blind Spot Monitor.
• Power delivery in the cold: Sonata’s conventional automatic feels natural in low-speed maneuvers; Camry’s eCVT emphasizes smoothness and efficiency.
• Feature confidence: Sonata’s available Remote Smart Parking Assist helps with tight, snow-hemmed spaces; Camry offers Traffic Jam Assist for low-speed guidance.

Real-world winter driving is about predictability. Sonata’s steering and brake feel remain reassuring on slushy surfaces, and drivers who prefer traditional shift behavior will appreciate how the 8-speed automatic meters torque. The N Line’s dual-clutch adds sharpness for those who still want a sport edge when the pavement is clear. Camry’s hybrid system shines in stop-and-go, offering consistent traction as it blends electric and gasoline power; its available drive modes include settings to optimize throttle mapping for reduced wheelspin. Either path works well in the Upper Midwest, but choosing the feel you prefer makes a difference in daily confidence.

Cabin tech plays a role in winter ease as well. Sonata’s wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ reduce cable clutter with gloves on, and the available Bose® system delivers crisp audio over the hum of winter tires. Camry counters with an available 12.3-inch Digital Gauge Cluster and Head-Up Display plus optional JBL® audio, keeping vital info at a glance. Heated seats and steering wheel options help both cars warm quickly, and remote features can prime the cabin before you step outside.

Ultimately, the “better” winter sedan depends on how you like a car to feel. If you prefer traditional shifting and want the option of a truly quick trim for fair-weather fun, Sonata’s mix is compelling. If you value the seamless nature of a hybrid’s eCVT with available AWD, Camry merits a close look. At Stevens Point Auto Center, our team can outline how each AWD system engages, which trims pair best with your routes, and how accessories like winter-rated tires can further improve traction.

We are proudly serving Plover, Wisconsin Rapids, and Waupaca, and we invite you to schedule a test drive on the kind of roads you face all winter. Back-to-back drives tell the story best—bring your questions, and we will help you choose the winter-ready setup that suits your commute and weekend plans.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Does AWD on the Sonata and Camry help in deep snow?

AWD helps launch and maintain momentum in low-traction conditions, but ground clearance and winter tires are just as important. Both sedans benefit noticeably from a quality set of winter-rated tires.

Which feels more natural at low speeds on slick streets?

Many drivers prefer Sonata’s conventional 8-speed automatic for its familiar shift feel in stop-and-go, while Camry’s eCVT emphasizes seamless power delivery; test driving both is the best way to decide.

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