2021 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid vs 2021 Toyota Prius

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid carried forward the bold design introduced in the previous model year, making it a standout in the sedan market. Its exterior, with a matte gray paint scheme and aerodynamic features, was designed to catch the eye, while the interior offered a more conventional and refined experience. The cabin was equipped with soft-touch surfaces and a modern infotainment system, providing comfort and support for both front and rear passengers. The Sonata Hybrid was available in three trims: Blue, SEL, and Limited, each offering a range of features from basic amenities to advanced technology like a solar panel roof in the Limited trim.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota Prius retained its iconic boomerang-shaped design, which had become synonymous with the model's identity. Despite its dated appearance, the Prius offered a unique interior layout with centrally mounted instrumentation and a toggle lever for transmission controls. The Prius was available in multiple trims, including the L Eco, LE, XLE, 2020 Edition, and Limited, with options for front-wheel drive or an electronic all-wheel-drive system. The Prius provided the utility of a five-door hatchback, with cargo space ranging from 24.6 to 27.4 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to a maximum of 50.7 cubic feet with the seats folded down.

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid was powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor, delivering a combined 192 horsepower through a six-speed automatic transmission to the front wheels. The Limited trim featured a solar panel roof, adding approximately two miles per day to the driving range. The Sonata Hybrid offered a smooth and responsive driving experience, with multiple drive modes to suit different driving styles. The transition between electric and gasoline power was seamless, and the vehicle's refined driving dynamics were complemented by precise steering and solid braking performance.

The 2021 Toyota Prius, on the other hand, focused on fuel efficiency, with the L Eco trim achieving an impressive 56 mpg in combined driving. The Prius was equipped with a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine and a 53-kilowatt electric motor, producing a total of 121 horsepower. While not particularly powerful, the Prius offered lively acceleration from a stop and electric-only driving capability at low speeds. The vehicle's handling was enhanced by the Toyota New Global Architecture platform, providing a stable and predictable driving experience. However, the Prius's powertrain drone and lack of road feel in the steering detracted from its overall performance.

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid offered 16 cubic feet of trunk space, comparable to other midsize hybrid sedans. The cabin provided ample legroom for front passengers and decent rear-seat space, although the sloping roofline made entry and exit slightly challenging. The interior featured convenient storage options, including door pockets and a center console.

In comparison, the 2021 Toyota Prius surprised with its spacious interior, accommodating up to five passengers. The seats were comfortable, though the SofTex synthetic leather upholstery could be sticky in warm weather. The rear seats provided adequate space for adults, but lacked air-conditioning vents. The Prius offered generous cargo space, with up to 27.4 cubic feet behind the rear seats and a maximum of 50.7 cubic feet with the seats folded down.

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid came standard with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with the Limited trim offering a 10.25-inch screen with navigation and real-time traffic updates. The system supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though CarPlay only occupied part of the screen. The Limited trim also featured a head-up display, though its adjustability was limited for taller drivers.

The 2021 Toyota Prius featured a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with standard Bluetooth, SiriusXM, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. The Limited trim offered an 11.6-inch portrait-style touchscreen with a JBL premium sound system and navigation. However, the sound quality was lacking, and the digital instrumentation appeared dated.

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid was equipped with a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance features, including forward-collision avoidance, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The Limited trim added a head-up display and a 360-degree surround-view parking monitor. The Sonata Hybrid received top safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA.

The 2021 Toyota Prius came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, offering adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assistance. Higher trims included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. While the NHTSA did not rate the 2021 Prius, the IIHS provided favorable marks, though it did not achieve a Top Safety Pick designation.