2021 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid vs 2022 Toyota Camry

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid, a continuation of the bold design introduced in the 2020 model year, stood out in the sedan market with its distinctive styling. While some found its catfish-like appearance off-putting, it was undeniably eye-catching, especially with the matte gray paint and aerodynamic features like the integrated deck-lid spoiler. Inside, the Sonata Hybrid offered a more conventional yet refined cabin with soft-touch surfaces and a modern haptic bezel surrounding the vivid touchscreen infotainment system. The seats were comfortable and supportive, making long trips enjoyable for both front and rear passengers.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota Camry, particularly in the TRD model, drew attention with its striking Cavalry Blue paint and aggressive body kit. This model featured a sporty design with matte-black 19-inch wheels, red brake calipers, and a gloss black grille. Despite its bold exterior, the interior was less polarizing, with an unusual dashboard layout and driver-oriented center console. However, the red gauge illumination and other red accents were considered tacky by some. The Camry TRD's styling was a departure from the traditionally conservative Camry design, offering a more dynamic and youthful appearance.

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. The Limited trim featured a solar panel roof, adding about two miles per day to its range. The Sonata Hybrid offered solid acceleration, with a Drive Mode toggle allowing drivers to switch between Eco, Sport, Custom, and Smart modes. The transition between electric and gas power was seamless, and the steering was light yet precise, providing a refined driving experience with minimal body roll.

The 2022 Toyota Camry TRD, on the other hand, boasted a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 301 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It featured a Sport mode and paddle shifters for a more engaging drive. The Camry TRD's performance was enhanced by its track-tuned suspension, stiffer sway bars, and larger brakes. Despite its front-wheel-drive setup, the Camry TRD delivered impressive handling and a compliant ride, though it was prone to tire squeal under hard acceleration. The V6 engine provided strong acceleration and a pleasing exhaust note, making it a fun car to drive.

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid offered 16 cubic feet of trunk space, one of the largest among midsize hybrid sedans. The cabin provided ample legroom for front passengers and decent rear-seat space, accommodating four adults comfortably. However, the sloping roofline resulted in a low rear door opening, requiring passengers to duck when entering. The interior featured convenient storage options, including door pockets and a center console tray.

The 2022 Toyota Camry TRD, while sporty, had a smaller 15.1 cubic-foot trunk due to its fixed rear seatback. The front seats, though not offering additional bolstering, were comfortable and featured power height adjustment. The back seat accommodated two adults comfortably, but the lack of rear-seat air vents was a drawback. Despite the smaller trunk, the Camry TRD offered generous in-cabin storage, with a large center armrest bin and other storage spaces.

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid came standard with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with the Limited trim featuring a 10.25-inch screen with navigation and real-time traffic updates. The system included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though CarPlay only occupied two-thirds of the screen. The layout was intuitive, and the Limited trim added a wireless charging pad and a head-up display, though the latter had limited adjustability for taller drivers.

The 2022 Toyota Camry TRD featured a standard 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with an optional 9-inch display available. The system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The optional JBL premium audio system provided decent sound quality, though it was bass-heavy. The Camry TRD lacked dynamic connected navigation and voice recognition technology, but drivers could use Siri or Google Assistant via smartphone integration.

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, 360-degree surround-view monitor, and parking sensors. The Sonata Hybrid earned a 2021 IIHS Top Safety Pick and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.

The 2022 Toyota Camry came with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, offering adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assistance, and more. The Camry TRD included blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. While the lane-departure warning system occasionally issued false warnings, the Camry received a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA.