2022 Hyundai Sonata vs 2021 Toyota Corolla

The 2021 Toyota Corolla, particularly in its SE and XSE trims, was noted for its sporty and attractive design, featuring sport-design bumpers, a mesh grille insert, and 18-inch aluminum wheels. The Celestite Gray metallic paint added a unique blue undertone, enhancing its appeal. However, the design had its quirks, such as the hood shut line that visually truncated the front end and the over-styled rear bumper. The Corolla's interior, especially in the XSE trim, was a significant improvement over previous models, with high-quality materials like soft leatherette and robust switchgear, offering a clean and minimalist look. Despite its aesthetic appeal, practical storage was somewhat lacking.

In contrast, the 2022 Hyundai Sonata had evolved from its earlier iterations, which closely mimicked the Honda Accord, into a vehicle with its own distinctive flair. The seventh-generation Sonata, redesigned for 2020, featured a wide grille and a sloped rear roofline, offering a unique look that divided opinions. Inside, the Sonata provided a functional and spacious cabin with comfortable leather seats in the Limited trim, though the tan upholstery color was not universally liked. The Sonata N Line added sporty touches, transforming its appearance with a body kit, gloss black accents, and dual exhausts, while the interior featured dark chrome trim and red stitching for added personality.

The 2021 Toyota Corolla SE and XSE were equipped with a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, producing 169 horsepower and 151 lb-ft of torque. This engine was paired with a Dynamic Shift CVT, which included paddle shifters and a Sport driving mode. The CVT was praised for its mechanical first gear, which improved initial acceleration, and its ten programmed ratios that masked typical CVT drawbacks. The Corolla's TNGA platform contributed to its low center of gravity and enjoyable driving dynamics, with electric steering and a MacPherson strut front suspension. Despite its modest power, the Corolla XSE offered predictable handling and was engaging enough for spirited driving. The EPA estimated fuel economy at 34 mpg combined, though real-world testing yielded 31.1 mpg.

The 2022 Hyundai Sonata offered a range of engines, starting with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder producing 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque, and a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder with 180 hp and 195 lb-ft. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Sonata N Line, however, boasted a 290-hp turbocharged 2.5-liter engine, an eight-speed wet dual-clutch automatic transmission, and sport suspension, delivering a more thrilling driving experience. All Sonatas were front-wheel drive, and while the ride and handling were competent, the N Line stood out for its performance-oriented features.

The 2021 Toyota Corolla XSE offered SofTex leatherette seats with fabric inserts, front-seat heating, and an eight-way power driver's seat, enhancing comfort and visibility. The rear seats provided good support but were tight on headroom and legroom, with no rear air vents. The trunk offered 13.1 cubic feet of cargo space, which was average for the segment.

The 2022 Hyundai Sonata's cabin was spacious, with 104.4 cubic feet of passenger space, classifying it as a "Large Car" by the EPA. Front-seat headroom and legroom were excellent, while rear-seat space was adequate for two adults. The Sonata's 16-cubic-foot trunk was generous, accommodating a full set of luggage. The Remote Smart Parking Assist feature, standard on the Limited trim, allowed the Sonata to park itself, adding convenience and a touch of novelty.

The 2021 Toyota Corolla came with an impressive infotainment package, including Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, Amazon Alexa, and SiriusXM. The SE and XSE trims featured an 8-inch touchscreen, with the XSE offering additional features like Service Connect and Remote Connect. The nine-speaker JBL premium sound system was available, though it lacked clarity. The system was user-friendly, with physical knobs and buttons for easy navigation.

The 2022 Hyundai Sonata's infotainment system varied by trim, with the base SE featuring an 8-inch touchscreen and the SEL Plus and higher trims upgrading to a 10.25-inch display with navigation and a 12-speaker Bose audio system. The SEL trim now included features from last year's Tech package, such as Highway Driving Assist and a panoramic sunroof. The Bose audio system was praised for its power and clarity, offering excellent value.

The 2021 Toyota Corolla was equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and lane-keeping assistance. The Corolla earned a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS and a 5-star overall rating from the NHTSA for the 2020 model, though the 2021 model required re-testing due to added airbags.

The 2022 Hyundai Sonata featured a comprehensive safety package, with automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and driver-attention warning as standard. The SEL trim added blind-spot collision-avoidance assist and rear cross-traffic alert. The NHTSA awarded the Sonata five stars for overall crash protection, while the IIHS gave the 2021 model top "Good" ratings in crash tests and a "Superior" rating for front crash prevention.