2020 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid vs 2021 Toyota Corolla

The 2020 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid was a striking departure from its predecessors, garnering admiration from even those who weren't car enthusiasts. Its sleek, fastback profile and elegant design, crafted under the guidance of design chief Peter Schreyer, transformed the Sonata into a visually stunning vehicle. The car's LED running lights, wide grille, and aerodynamic features like the black ducktail spoiler contributed to its sophisticated appearance. Inside, the Sonata Hybrid boasted a luxurious interior with big screens, ambient lighting, and high-quality materials, making it feel more upscale than its price suggested.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota Corolla, particularly in the SE and XSE trims, was considered one of the most attractive Corollas in recent history. With sport-design bumpers, a mesh grille, and 18-inch aluminum wheels, the Corolla had a sporty and appealing look. However, some design elements, like the hood shut line and over-styled rear bumper, were seen as less cohesive. The Corolla's interior, especially in the XSE trim, featured SofTex leatherette seats and a minimalist design, offering a clean and modern cabin experience.

The 2020 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid featured a 2.0-liter engine running on the Atkinson cycle, producing 150 horsepower and 139 lb-ft of torque. Combined with a 51-hp electric motor, the total output was 192 hp. The Sonata Hybrid used a six-speed automatic transmission, providing a more traditional driving feel compared to the CVTs found in most hybrids. The car's suspension was tuned for comfort, offering a plush ride and silent interior. The Blue trim achieved impressive fuel efficiency, with ratings of 50 mpg city, 54 mpg highway, and 52 mpg combined.

The 2021 Toyota Corolla SE and XSE were equipped with a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, delivering 169 horsepower and 151 lb-ft of torque. The Dynamic Shift CVT, with its mechanical first gear, provided a smoother driving experience than typical CVTs. The Corolla's TNGA platform contributed to its enjoyable driving dynamics, and the car's handling was predictable and engaging. The Corolla XSE achieved an EPA rating of 34 mpg combined, with real-world tests averaging 31.1 mpg.

The 2020 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Limited trim offered innovative features like a solar-panel roof, which could generate extra driving range. The interior was spacious, with ample rear-seat legroom and a generous 16 cubic feet of cargo space. The push-button gear selector and dual-zone climate control added to the car's convenience and comfort.

The 2021 Toyota Corolla XSE provided upgrades like SofTex leatherette seats and an eight-way power driver's seat. While the rear seats offered good support, headroom and legroom were limited. The Corolla's trunk had 13.1 cubic feet of cargo space, which was average for its class.

The 2020 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid's infotainment system was a highlight, with a soothing color scheme and intuitive interface. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Hyundai Blue Link. The car also offered advanced features like blind-spot camera feeds and Highway Driving Assist, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2021 Toyota Corolla came with a comprehensive infotainment package, including Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and Amazon Alexa. The XSE trim added features like a nine-speaker JBL sound system and dynamic voice recognition. The system was user-friendly, with physical knobs and buttons for easy navigation.

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 with standard safety features like 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 Corolla featured the Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 suite, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and lane-keeping assistance. The Corolla also added rear side-impact airbags for 2021. The 2020 model received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.