2021 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid vs 2022 Toyota Corolla

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid, a continuation of the eighth-generation Sonata introduced in 2020, maintained its bold and aggressive styling, distinguishing itself in the hybrid midsize sedan market. While its catfish-like design might not appeal to everyone, it certainly stood out in a parking lot. The test model's matte gray paint, integrated deck-lid spoiler, and aerodynamic taillight strakes added to its striking appearance. 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 Corolla aimed to shed its reputation for blandness with extroverted exterior styling, featuring scowling LED headlights and a wide grille. However, it couldn't quite match the eccentricity of the Hyundai Elantra or the cohesiveness of the Honda Civic. The Corolla offered different styling elements for various trims, with the SE and XSE models sporting an aggressive front fascia. The SE Apex Edition, with its Cement gray color and sporty body kit, exuded a "Fast and Furious" vibe. Inside, the Corolla's interior was simple yet appealing, though the piano black plastic trim was prone to dust and smudges. The SE Apex Edition's interior remained largely unchanged from the standard SE, with light gray upholstery that seemed susceptible to stains.

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid featured a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor and battery pack, delivering a combined 192 horsepower to the front wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission. The Limited trim's solar panel roof added about two miles per day to the driving 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 battery-only and engine modes was seamless, and the auto stop-start system was minimally intrusive. The Sonata Hybrid impressed with its refined driving dynamics, precise steering, and solid braking performance.

The 2022 Toyota Corolla sedan offered two engine options: a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine with 139 horsepower for the L, LE, and XLE models, and a 2.0-liter engine with 169 horsepower for the SE and XSE models. The SE Apex Edition featured a sport exhaust system and a manual transmission, enhancing its sporty appeal. The Apex Edition's model-specific suspension improved handling, making it more nimble than other Corolla models, though it compromised ride quality. While the Apex Edition was fun in corners, it lacked tire, brake, or engine upgrades, making it less exciting in terms of acceleration. The standard Corolla prioritized comfort over excitement, with the Volkswagen Jetta offering a more comfortable commuter experience.

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid boasted a generous 16 cubic feet of trunk space, matching the conventionally-powered Sonata and surpassing the Camry Hybrid. The cabin provided ample legroom for front passengers and decent rear-seat space, accommodating four adults comfortably. However, the sloping roofline made rear door entry slightly challenging. Front passengers enjoyed cargo pockets and a well-sized center console, with a convenient tray for small items.

The 2022 Toyota Corolla's interior felt roomy, aided by a low beltline for better visibility. However, the steeply raked windshield and deep dashboard limited forward visibility. The driver's seat positioning was optimized, but long-legged drivers might find knee space lacking. The Corolla sedan offered 13.1 cubic feet of cargo space, falling short of competitors like the Honda Civic. The 60/40 split-folding rear bench seat was standard, but the sleek interior design limited storage space for smaller items, with a thin center console and shallow cupholders.

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid came standard with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, while the Limited trim featured a 10.25-inch screen with navigation and real-time traffic updates. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, though CarPlay only occupied two-thirds of the larger screen. The intuitive touchscreen layout and crisp graphics were complemented by a traditional volume knob and haptic buttons for various functions. The SEL and Limited trims included a wireless charging pad, and the Limited offered a head-up display, though its adjustability was limited for taller drivers.

The 2022 Toyota Corolla's infotainment system lagged behind competitors, with a 7-inch touchscreen on the base model and an 8-inch screen on higher trims. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, WiFi connectivity, Amazon Alexa integration, and SiriusXM satellite radio. A nine-speaker JBL audio system was available on select trims. While the interface was user-friendly, some tasks were less intuitive, and the graphics appeared dated. The Corolla lacked wireless versions of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and didn't offer novel tech features like Hyundai's Digital Key.

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid came equipped with a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance features, including forward-collision avoidance, lane-departure warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane-follow assist were also standard. The Limited trim added a head-up display, 360-degree surround-view parking 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 Corolla received the IIHS "Top Safety Pick+" award, with top "Good" scores in crash tests, though its headlights received lower ratings. The NHTSA awarded the Corolla a five-star overall safety rating. The Corolla featured Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning with steering assist, and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert was available but not standard on all trims.