Toyota Prius vs Hyundai Sonata

CarGurus experts rate the 2022 Hyundai Sonata as 7 out of 10 and the 2023 Toyota Prius as 9 out of 10 for look and feel. The Hyundai Sonata has evolved significantly from its early days of imitating industry leaders to establish a distinct identity with a design that some may find polarizing. Its current design, introduced in the 2020 model year, features a wide grille and a sloped rear roofline, aiming for a distinctive aesthetic that sets it apart from competitors. Inside, the Sonata offers a functional and spacious cabin with an average material quality for its segment. The Sonata N Line adds sporty touches to both its exterior and interior, infusing the car with added personality through body kits, N branding, and unique seating. The Toyota Prius underwent a dramatic transformation for 2023, adopting a sleek and futuristic design that marks a departure from its traditionally efficiency-first aesthetic. The 2023 Prius looks more planted and athletic, thanks to its updated dimensions and design cues that aim to appeal to a broader audience without sacrificing its core identity as a hybrid. The interior, while prioritizing function over form, boasts high-quality materials and a pair of screens that provide a modern and intuitive user experience. Overall, the Prius presents a cohesive and visually appealing package that aligns with contemporary consumer preferences for both efficiency and style.

CarGurus experts rate the 2022 Hyundai Sonata 8 out of 10 and the 2023 Toyota Prius 7 out of 10 in terms of performance. The Sonata offers a diverse driving experience with its range of engines, including a base 2.5-liter four-cylinder and a more powerful 1.6-liter turbocharged option. The Sonata N Line, featuring a 290-hp turbocharged engine and sport-tuned suspension, provides a decidedly more spirited drive. Despite its performance capabilities, the Sonata maintains a smooth and quiet ride, exemplifying Hyundai's commitment to improving quality and driving dynamics over time. The 2023 Prius introduces a new 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a more powerful electric motor, delivering a significant increase in horsepower compared to its predecessor. This powertrain upgrade translates into a more athletic and responsive driving experience, with quicker acceleration times and a comfortable, engaging ride. The Prius also benefits from an improved suspension and longer wheelbase, enhancing its agility and stability on the road.

Both vehicles offer unique advantages in terms of form and function. The 2022 Hyundai Sonata boasts one of the most spacious cabins in the midsize sedan segment, offering ample passenger space and a large trunk capacity. Features like the Remote Smart Parking Assist further enhance the Sonata's practicality and convenience. The 2023 Toyota Prius, despite its slightly smaller interior dimensions due to its redesigned exterior, makes smart use of its space with increased legroom and a range of cabin amenities designed to improve comfort and convenience. The optional fixed glass roof enhances the sense of openness inside the Prius, while the cargo area is thoughtfully designed with underfloor storage and a flexible cargo cover. Specifically, the Sonata's 16-cubic-foot trunk is noteworthy for its size and functionality, accommodating a complete three-piece set of luggage with ease. The Prius, on the other hand, offers between 20 to 24 cubic feet depending on the model, and it includes innovative storage solutions and a focus on maximizing utility within a smaller footprint.

When it comes to technology, CarGurus experts rate both the 2022 Hyundai Sonata and the 2023 Toyota Prius 7 out of 10. The Sonata is equipped with a range of infotainment options that scale with price, including an 8-inch touchscreen on base models and a more expansive 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation and premium audio on higher trims. Hyundai's inclusion of standard and optional technology features underscores its value proposition in delivering high-quality tech at competitive price points. The Prius counters with its own robust tech offerings, including a standard 8-inch touchscreen that can be upgraded to a 12.3-inch display in higher trims. Toyota's commitment to connectivity and safety is evident in its comprehensive suite of standard and optional tech features, although the requirement for subscription services for some functionalities could be a point of contention for some buyers.

Safety ratings for the 2022 Hyundai Sonata and the 2023 Toyota Prius are both commendable, with CarGurus experts giving them a 9 out of 10. The Sonata's comprehensive suite of safety features, combined with its high crash-test ratings, reflects Hyundai's dedication to passenger safety across all trims. The Prius, with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, demonstrates a similar commitment to safety, offering a wide range of active safety features as standard across its lineup.

CarGurus experts give the 2022 Hyundai Sonata a perfect score of 10 out of 10 for cost effectiveness, while the 2023 Toyota Prius scores 6 out of 10. The Sonata's competitive pricing, combined with its extensive feature set and Hyundai's excellent warranty, presents a strong value proposition in the midsize sedan market. Conversely, the Prius saw a price increase for its latest model, reflecting its comprehensive upgrades and improved performance. While the Prius offers significant improvements over its predecessor and a more appealing design, the higher entry price and reliance on subscription services for some features may affect its overall value proposition compared to the Sonata.