2020 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid vs 2021 Toyota Camry

The 2020 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid was a striking departure from its predecessors, garnering admiration even from those who weren't car enthusiasts. Its long, elegant design, reminiscent of a fastback, was a testament to Hyundai's design evolution under the guidance of Peter Schreyer and Luc Donckerwolfe. The Sonata's sleek profile, wide grille, and aerodynamic features, such as the unique LED running lights and black ducktail spoiler, made it stand out in the family sedan category. The interior was equally impressive, offering a luxurious feel with its big screens, ambient lighting, and high-quality materials, rivaling even some luxury brands.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota Camry aimed to shed its image as a generic sedan by incorporating bold styling elements. While some features like the flared wheel arches and thin headlights enhanced its appearance, others, such as the fake vents on certain trims, added unnecessary clutter. The Camry's interior mirrored its exterior's chaotic styling, with a mix of materials and design elements that lacked cohesion. Despite this, the Camry offered comfortable seating and excellent visibility, though its cargo space and in-cabin storage were average for its class.

The 2020 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid featured a 2.0-liter engine paired with a 51-hp electric motor, delivering a combined 192 hp. Its six-speed automatic transmission provided a more traditional driving experience compared to the CVTs found in most hybrids, though it occasionally lagged in responsiveness. The Sonata Hybrid excelled in fuel efficiency, with the Blue trim achieving an impressive 50 mpg city and 54 mpg highway. The ride was quiet and comfortable, with a well-tuned suspension and easy-to-modulate brakes, making it a pleasant vehicle for both city and highway driving.

The 2021 Toyota Camry offered a range of powertrains, starting with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing up to 206 hp in the XSE trim. The Camry also offered a 3.5-liter V6 with 301 hp and a hybrid option with 208 hp. The eight-speed automatic transmission provided smooth shifts, and the Camry's chassis struck a balance between handling and ride quality. The Dynamic Force engine was lively and responsive, making the Camry surprisingly fun to drive. The TRD model, with its performance upgrades, further enhanced the driving experience, though it was not part of our test.

The 2020 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid's interior was spacious and well-appointed, with the Limited trim featuring solar panels that could power the air conditioning and add extra driving range. Rear-seat legroom was generous, and the trunk offered 16 cubic feet of cargo space. The Sonata's interior design was intuitive, with a push-button gear selector and a sleek center stack housing dual-zone climate controls and a wireless charging pad. The Limited trim also boasted a high-resolution digital dash and a 10-inch touchscreen.

The 2021 Toyota Camry provided ample rear headroom and legroom, though front space was slightly compromised. The seats were comfortable, and visibility was excellent. Cargo space was average at 15.1 cubic feet, and in-cabin storage was limited. The Camry's controls were a mix of analog and digital, with large knobs for audio and climate functions, though their placement could be improved for easier access.

The 2020 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid's infotainment system on the Limited trim was a standout feature, with a soothing color scheme and intuitive interface. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Hyundai Blue Link, with the option for a digital key. The Sonata also offered advanced safety features like Highway Driving Assist and a head-up display, enhancing the driving experience with polished graphics and animations.

The 2021 Toyota Camry's infotainment system featured a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. Higher trims offered a 9-inch screen, JBL audio, and a head-up display. While functional, the system's graphics were plain, and the number of USB ports was limited. The Camry's infotainment was user-friendly but lacked the visual appeal of the Sonata's system.

The 2020 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and was a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS. It came standard with a suite of safety features, including lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. The Limited trim offered additional features like parking sensors and Highway Driving Assist.

The 2021 Toyota Camry received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. It came equipped with the TSS 2.5+ package, which included adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning. New for 2021 was the Rear Seat Reminder, designed to prevent leaving children or pets unattended.