2021 Hyundai Sonata vs 2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata presented a bold redesign that was both striking and polarizing. Its distinctive styling, from the broad grille to the tapered tail, made it unmistakably a Sonata. The N Line version enhanced this look with functional and stylistic changes, such as larger air intakes and gloss black accents, which improved engine cooling and added a stealthy performance hint. The interior featured sport front seats with premium materials, red stitching, and a panoramic sunroof, creating a sporty yet comfortable environment.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid maintained its status as a family sedan with a futuristic and expressive design. The front end was characterized by a sneering face and muscular features, while the interior boasted a wild dashboard with a sweeping curve and a large infotainment touchscreen. The second row offered ample space and comfort, and Toyota's high level of fit and finish was evident throughout the vehicle. The Camry Hybrid's design was both practical and stylish, appealing to those seeking a reliable and efficient sedan.

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata N Line was equipped with a turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 290 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque. It featured an eight-speed wet dual-clutch automatic transmission with paddle shifters and multiple driving modes, including Sport+. The Sonata N Line's performance was enhanced by a sport-tuned suspension, larger brakes, and improved steering, making it a joy to drive on winding roads. Despite being front-wheel drive, it handled well with minimal understeer, and the suspension provided a comfortable ride. Fuel efficiency was rated at 8.8 litres per 100 kilometres combined, though real-world driving yielded slightly higher consumption.

The 2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid, on the other hand, focused on fuel efficiency with its 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine and two electric motors, delivering a total of 208 horsepower. It achieved impressive fuel consumption ratings of 4.9 litres per 100 kilometres in the city and 4.8 on the highway for the base model. The hybrid system used an electronically controlled CVT, and the car offered a smooth and comfortable ride. While the Camry Hybrid's performance was not as sporty as the Sonata N Line, it provided a lower centre of gravity and good handling, making it a practical choice for everyday driving.

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata N Line offered heated front sport seats with a balance of comfort and support, while the rear seats were less accommodating in terms of legroom and comfort. The interior featured practical storage solutions, though the centre console design was somewhat inelegant. The trunk provided 453 litres of space, with a hands-free release feature for added convenience.

The 2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid excelled in interior space and comfort, with a reasonable driving position and ample headroom. The second row was easy to access and offered generous space, while the trunk matched the standard Camry's 428 litres, thanks to the low-mounted battery pack. The Camry Hybrid's interior was well-designed, with plenty of storage options and thoughtful features for passengers.

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata N Line came with a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system. It included features like wireless smartphone charging, a Bose premium sound system, and various connectivity options. However, the lack of a tuning knob and occasional issues with touch-sensitive controls and voice recognition were drawbacks.

The 2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid was equipped with advanced technology, including a premium JBL audio system on the XLE model and a standard 7-inch or 9-inch touchscreen, depending on the trim. It offered Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto compatibility, along with a smart key system and push-button start. Higher trims featured a head-up display and additional luxury options, making the Camry Hybrid a tech-savvy choice.

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata N Line featured a comprehensive suite of advanced driving assistance systems, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. It also had a Rear Occupant Alert system and Safe Exit Warning. While the N Line had not been independently tested, the standard Sonata received high safety ratings from the IIHS.

The 2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid came with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, which included a pre-collision system, adaptive cruise control, and lane-departure alert. It also featured the Star safety system and 10 airbags for comprehensive protection. The Camry Hybrid received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.