2021 Hyundai Sonata vs 2022 Toyota Corolla

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 added a stealthy performance hint. Inside, the Sonata N Line featured sport front seats with premium materials, red stitching, and a panoramic sunroof, creating a sporty yet comfortable environment.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota Corolla aimed to shed its reputation for blandness with a more extroverted exterior design. It featured scowling LED headlights and a wide grille, though it couldn't match the eccentricity of some competitors. The Corolla offered different styling elements across trims, with the SE and XSE models sporting an aggressive front fascia. The Apex Edition added a body kit and unique wheels, giving it a street-racer vibe. Inside, the Corolla's design was simple and functional, though some materials, like piano black plastic, detracted from its appeal.

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. This power was managed by an eight-speed wet dual-clutch automatic transmission with paddle shifters and a launch control system. The Sonata offered multiple driving modes and an Active Sound Design system, enhancing the driving experience. Its sport-tuned suspension, larger brakes, and improved steering made it a joy to drive on winding roads, while maintaining comfort on daily commutes. Fuel efficiency was rated at 8.8 litres per 100 kilometres combined, though real-world driving yielded slightly higher consumption.

The 2022 Toyota Corolla offered two engine options: a 1.8-litre four-cylinder with 139 horsepower and a 2.0-litre engine with 169 horsepower. The Apex Edition featured a sport exhaust system and a manual transmission, which complemented its sportier suspension setup. While the Apex Edition improved handling and cornering, it lacked significant power upgrades, making it less thrilling in straight-line acceleration. The Corolla's ride quality was stiffer in the Apex Edition, but it remained a practical choice for those seeking a balance between sportiness and everyday usability.

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata N Line provided a comfortable and supportive interior with heated front sport seats and Dinamica suede inserts. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed decent space, though legroom was not significantly better than in smaller models. The Sonata offered 453 litres of trunk space, with a hands-free trunk release feature for added convenience. Interior storage was practical, though the centre console design was somewhat inelegant.

The 2022 Toyota Corolla offered decent headroom and legroom, though forward visibility was compromised by its design. The interior was simple, with squishy seat cushions that lacked support. Cargo space was limited to 371 litres, falling behind some competitors. The Corolla included a 60/40 split-folding rear seat and standard air conditioning, but storage for smaller items was limited due to the sleek interior design.

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata N Line featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system. It included navigation, wireless smartphone charging, and a Bose premium sound system. While the system offered a range of features, the lack of a tuning knob and occasional touch-sensing issues detracted from the user experience. The Sonata also provided ambient noise tracks for a calming driving experience.

The 2022 Toyota Corolla's infotainment system was starting to show its age, with a 7-inch or 8-inch touchscreen depending on the trim. It included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a six-speaker audio system, with a JBL audio system available on higher trims. The interface was user-friendly, but the graphics appeared dated, and the lack of wireless connectivity options was a drawback. The Corolla didn't offer any standout tech features, focusing instead on practicality.

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata N Line came equipped with a comprehensive suite of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS), including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. It also featured a Rear Occupant Alert system and Highway Drive Assist, providing a sophisticated safety package. While the N Line hadn't been independently tested, the standard Sonata received high safety ratings.

The 2022 Toyota Corolla earned a "Top Safety Pick+" award from the IIHS and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. It included eight airbags and a range of standard driver-assist features under the Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 banner, such as forward collision warning and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring was available on higher trims, enhancing its safety credentials.