2020 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid vs 2020 Toyota Corolla

The 2020 Toyota Corolla, with its redesigned exterior, was not initially considered a beauty, resembling the aggressive styling of other modern Toyotas. However, when equipped with the SE or XSE trim and the Celestite paint color, the Corolla transformed into a compact sedan with a more appealing aesthetic. The interior of the Corolla XSE showed significant improvement in quality, replacing the previous model's hard plastics with soft-touch surfaces, although the transmission shifter reminded drivers of its economy car roots. The Corolla's pricing started at $19,600, with the XSE trim reaching about $28,800, offering various trims for different preferences, including a hybrid version for those prioritizing fuel economy.

In contrast, the 2020 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid was praised for its elegant and sleek design, which garnered compliments from onlookers. The Sonata's long, fastback profile and sophisticated styling were a testament to Hyundai's design evolution, led by Peter Schreyer and Luc Donckerwolke. The Sonata Hybrid featured unique design elements like turbine-style wheels and a solar roof option, enhancing its aerodynamic appeal. Inside, the Sonata boasted a well-crafted interior with luxury-grade features, including big screens, ambient lighting, and contrasting soft leatherette, making it a standout in its class.

The 2020 Toyota Corolla offered a 1.8-liter 4-cylinder engine with 139 horsepower for the L, LE, and XLE trims, paired with a CVT. The SE and XSE trims provided a more spirited 169-hp, 2.0-liter engine with a sophisticated CVT and paddle shifters, or an optional 6-speed manual gearbox. The Corolla XSE's driving dynamics were well-tuned, offering a smooth ride with its independent rear suspension. However, the lack of a turbocharger limited its acceleration capabilities, especially in dynamic driving situations. The Corolla's fuel economy was rated at 31 mpg city, 38 highway, and 34 combined, with real-world testing averaging 29.8 mpg.

The 2020 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid combined a 2.0-liter engine with a 51-hp electric motor, producing a total of 192 hp. It used a 6-speed automatic transmission, providing a more traditional driving feel compared to CVTs. The Sonata Hybrid's ride was plush and quiet, with a soft suspension that maintained composure. The steering was light, and the brakes were easy to modulate. The Blue trim achieved impressive fuel efficiency, rated at 50 mpg city, 54 highway, and 52 combined, while the SEL and Limited trims offered slightly lower figures. The Sonata Hybrid averaged about 41 mpg during testing, with potential for higher efficiency under normal driving conditions.

The 2020 Toyota Corolla, despite being classified as a compact car, offered a surprisingly roomy interior, officially rated as midsize by the EPA. However, the lack of rear air-conditioning vents and USB ports, along with the low seating position, were drawbacks for some passengers. The trunk provided 13.1 cubic feet of space, accommodating several bags and a compact stroller, though storage bins and cupholders were limited.

The 2020 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid excelled in interior space, with generous rear-seat legroom and features like rear vents, manual side-window shades, and heated seats. The trunk offered 16 cubic feet of cargo space, easily accessible with a hidden button. The Sonata's interior featured a push-button gear selector, dual-zone climate control, and a wireless charging pad. The Limited trim included a digital dash and a 10-inch touchscreen, enhancing the overall luxury feel.

The 2020 Toyota Corolla featured the Entune 3.0 infotainment system, with Apple CarPlay compatibility but lacking Android Auto. The system was user-friendly, with a high-mounted touchscreen and familiar controls. Various trims offered additional features like advanced voice recognition, HD Radio, and a JBL premium sound system, though Android users might find the lack of compatibility limiting.

The 2020 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid's infotainment system on the Limited trim was a highlight, with a soothing color scheme and intuitive interface. Both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with Hyundai Blue Link for remote operation. The Sonata offered innovative features like live camera feeds for blind spots, a hands-free trunk, and Highway Driving Assist, providing a polished and high-tech experience.

The 2020 Toyota Corolla came equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, offering features like low-light pedestrian detection, road-sign recognition, and Lane Tracing Assist. The Corolla received a 5-star frontal-impact rating from the NHTSA and was named a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS. Blind-spot monitoring was available on higher trims, though rear cross-traffic alert was not included.

The 2020 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and was a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS. It included 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, enhancing its safety credentials.