Audi A6 vs Toyota Camry

The 2026 Toyota Camry, available in LE, SE, Nightshade Edition, XLE, and XSE trims, offered a price range from $30,595 to $36,995, including destination charges. Our test vehicle, the Nightshade Edition, featured Supersonic Red paint and several packages, bringing the 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 its satin black 19-inch wheels and gloss-black detailing, available in limited colors. Inside, it mirrored the Camry SE with a black interior, SofTex upholstery, and stylish accents, though some inexpensive plastics were still present.

The 2026 Audi A6, while not as visually striking as some competitors, maintained a handsome appearance with its lower "singleframe" grille and Quattro-inspired fender flares. The LED headlights featured a pixelated effect, and the taillights were repositioned for programmable lights. Available in Premium, Premium Plus, and Prestige trims, the A6 lacked the S6 variant but incorporated sportier features. The S Line Black Optic Package added sporty elements, while the Sport Plus Package offered enhanced handling features. Despite these options, the interior materials felt somewhat bland, even in top-spec models.

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 contributed to a droning sound under hard acceleration, but the car's performance was adequate for most drivers.

The 2026 Audi A6 featured a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine, delivering 362 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque, paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and standard quattro AWD. The A6 accelerated from zero to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds, outperforming base models of the BMW 5 Series and Mercedes E-Class. The transmission exhibited hesitation under heavy throttle, but the V6's power compensated for the absence of an S6 model. The Sport Plus Package added handling enhancements, though the ride quality suffered. The A6 excelled on highways but was less suited for tight corners.

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 spacious as the Honda Accord's, offered adequate comfort and amenities like rear air-conditioning vents and USB ports. Storage space was limited in the rear, but the front featured large storage areas. The trunk measured 15.1 cubic feet, smaller than some competitors, with trunk lid hinges posing a packing hazard.

The 2026 Audi A6, slightly longer than its predecessor, maintained the same wheelbase, resulting in unchanged passenger space. The panoramic glass roof increased front-seat headroom, while rear-seat dimensions remained similar. The A6 offered comparable space to the BMW 5 Series, with climate controls and USB-C ports for rear passengers. The trunk, with 40/20/40 split-folding seats, provided 13.5 cubic feet of space, more than some rivals but less than the 5 Series.

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. While the system lacked a tuning knob, it provided various connected services with complimentary trials. Safety Connect was highlighted for its emergency assistance features.

The 2026 Audi A6 introduced the Digital Stage setup with an 11.9-inch digital instrument cluster and 14.5-inch touchscreen. The MMI infotainment system, though larger, was criticized for its oversimplified layout. Audi planned a mid-year interface upgrade to address these issues. The optional Bang & Olufsen audio system featured headrest speakers for navigation directions, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2026 Toyota Camry featured Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. 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 was named a Top Safety Pick+ by IIHS.

The 2026 Audi A6 included standard driver-assist features like adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitors. Premium Plus and Prestige trims added park-assist and a 360-degree camera system. The lane-centering feature allowed some lane wobble, but robust driver monitoring was included. Crash-test ratings were unavailable at the time of writing.