2022 Hyundai Sonata vs 2022 Toyota Corolla

The 2022 Hyundai Sonata had evolved significantly from its early days when it closely resembled the Honda Accord. Over time, Hyundai infused the Sonata with its own distinctive flair, moving away from imitation to create a unique identity. The seventh-generation Sonata, redesigned for the 2020 model year, featured a wide grille, rounded front fascia, and a sloped rear roofline, offering a bold and subjective design. Inside, the Sonata provided a functional and spacious cabin with seating for five, though some interior color choices were not universally appealing. The Sonata N Line added sporty touches, transforming its appearance with features like a body kit, gloss black accents, and dual exhaust outlets, while the interior boasted dark chrome trim and red stitching for added personality.

The 2022 Toyota Corolla, having launched its current generation in 2019 for the hatchback and 2020 for the sedan, aimed to shed Toyota's reputation for blandness with its extroverted styling. The Corolla featured scowling LED headlights and a wide grille, though it couldn't match the eccentricity of the Hyundai Elantra. Different trim levels offered varied styling elements, with the SE and XSE models sporting an aggressive front fascia, while the Apex Editions added a subtle body kit. The interior, though less imaginative than the exterior, maintained Toyota's high fit and finish standards. However, the use of piano black plastic trim was a drawback, and the interior lacked changes to match the sportier exterior styling of the Apex Edition.

The 2022 Hyundai Sonata offered a range of performance options, starting with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 191 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque, standard on SE and SEL trims. A turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine with 180 hp and 195 lb-ft powered the SEL Plus and Limited trims. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, with paddle shifters available on the 1.6-liter turbo. The Sonata N Line stood out with a 290-hp, turbocharged 2.5-liter engine, an eight-speed wet dual-clutch automatic transmission, and sport suspension, delivering a more dynamic driving experience. All Sonatas were front-wheel drive, and the ride quality was smooth and quiet, offering a serene cabin environment.

The 2022 Toyota Corolla provided two engine options: a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine with 139 horsepower and 126 pound-feet of torque for the L, LE, and XLE models, and a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 169 hp and 151 lb-ft for the SE and XSE models. The Apex Edition versions of the SE and XSE featured the same engine with a sport exhaust system. A continuously variable transmission (CVT) was standard with the smaller engine, while the 2.0-liter engine offered a six-speed manual gearbox on SE and SE Apex Edition models. The Apex Edition's sportier suspension improved handling but compromised ride quality. All Corollas were front-wheel drive, with all-wheel drive expected in the 2023 model year.

The 2022 Hyundai Sonata boasted a spacious cabin with 104.4 cubic feet of passenger space, classifying it as a "Large Car" by the EPA. Front-seat headroom and legroom were top-notch, while rear-seat space was adequate for two adults. The Sonata's 16-cubic-foot trunk was generous, accommodating a complete set of rolling luggage. A standout feature was the Remote Smart Parking Assist, allowing the Sonata to maneuver in and out of tight parking spots with the press of a button on the key fob.

The 2022 Toyota Corolla's interior felt decently roomy, though specific headroom and legroom measurements were not provided. The low beltline improved outward visibility, but the steeply raked windshield limited forward visibility. The Corolla's 13.1 cubic feet of cargo space lagged behind competitors, though a 60/40 split-folding rear bench seat was standard. The interior design limited storage space for smaller items, with a thin center console and shallow cupholders.

The 2022 Hyundai Sonata offered a range of infotainment options, with base SE models featuring an 8-inch touchscreen, six speakers, and smartphone integration. Higher trims, including the SEL Plus, Limited, and N Line, upgraded to a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation, a 12-speaker Bose audio system, and wireless device charging. The SEL trim included features like Highway Driving Assist and a panoramic sunroof. The Bose audio system was praised for its power and clarity, providing excellent value.

The 2022 Toyota Corolla's infotainment system lagged behind competitors, with a 7-inch touchscreen standard on the base model and an 8-inch touchscreen on higher trims. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a six-speaker audio system, while a nine-speaker JBL audio system was available on select trims. The interface was user-friendly, but some tasks were less intuitive, and the graphics appeared dated. The Corolla lacked wireless smartphone integration and novel tech features like Hyundai's Digital Key.

The 2022 Hyundai Sonata came equipped with a comprehensive safety package, including automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims added features like blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The Sonata received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with top scores in side crash protection and rollover resistance. The IIHS had not rated the 2022 model, but the 2021 Sonata received top "Good" ratings in all crash tests.

The 2022 Toyota Corolla earned an IIHS "Top Safety Pick+" award, with top "Good" scores in all crash tests. The NHTSA awarded the Corolla a five-star overall safety rating, with five stars in frontal and side crash tests. The Corolla's standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring was available but not standard on all trims.