2022 Hyundai Sonata vs 2021 Toyota Camry

The 2021 Toyota Camry aimed to break away from its past reputation of being a bland, generic sedan by incorporating more dynamic styling elements. The design featured flared wheel arches and sleek headlights and taillights that gave the car a wider appearance. However, the SE and XSE trims were criticized for their excessive use of fake vents, which added unnecessary visual clutter. The LE and XLE trims offered a slightly cleaner look with a different grille design. The interior mirrored the exterior's chaotic styling, with a mix of contrasting materials and elements that lacked a cohesive design theme. Despite the attempt to elevate the Camry's aesthetic appeal, the materials used in the interior were perceived as low-quality.

In contrast, the 2022 Hyundai Sonata showcased a more distinct and original design, having evolved from its earlier iterations that closely resembled the Honda Accord. The seventh-generation Sonata, redesigned for the 2020 model year, featured a wide grille, rounded front fascia, and a sloped rear roofline, offering a unique look that might not appeal to everyone. Inside, the Sonata provided a functional and spacious cabin with clear gauges and dials. The Limited trim boasted comfortable leather seats, although the tan upholstery colour was not universally liked. The Sonata N Line added sporty touches, such as a body kit and unique interior elements, transforming its appearance from mild to wild.

The 2021 Toyota Camry offered a range of powertrains, starting with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine that produced 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque with front-wheel drive (FWD), and slightly less with all-wheel drive (AWD). The XSE trim featured a dual-exhaust system, increasing output slightly. A 3.5-litre V6 engine was also available, delivering 301 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Camry Hybrid combined a 2.5-litre engine with electric assist for a total output of 208 horsepower. The SE Nightshade Edition, with its base four-cylinder engine and AWD, surprised with its sporty nature and responsive handling, offering a fun driving experience without the need for the TRD performance package.

The 2022 Hyundai Sonata presented a dual personality in terms of performance. The base engine was a 2.5-litre four-cylinder producing 191 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque, while a turbocharged 1.6-litre engine offered 180 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Sonata N Line, however, was the standout performer with a 290-horsepower, turbocharged 2.5-litre engine, an eight-speed wet dual-clutch automatic transmission, and sport suspension. All Sonatas were front-wheel drive, and the N Line's performance enhancements made it a thrilling option for those seeking a more dynamic driving experience.

The 2021 Toyota Camry provided generous rear headroom and legroom, though front headroom and legroom were below average. The front seats were adjustable and comfortable, with excellent outward visibility. Cargo space was 428 litres, which was average for the segment but less than the Honda Accord's 473 litres. In-cabin storage was limited, with small cupholders and door bottle holders. The Camry featured analog controls for essential functions, enhancing ease of use, although some controls were a long reach from the driver's seat.

The 2022 Hyundai Sonata offered 2,956 litres of passenger space, classifying it as a "Full-size Car" by Natural Resources Canada. Front-seat headroom and legroom were top-notch, while rear-seat space was adequate for two adults. The Sonata's 453-litre trunk was spacious, accommodating a complete set of rolling luggage. The Remote Smart Parking Assist feature, available on the Ultimate grade, allowed the Sonata to park itself with the press of a button, impressing onlookers despite its limited real-world use.

The 2021 Toyota Camry came with a standard 7-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and Bluetooth. Higher trims offered a 9-inch touchscreen, navigation, and a nine-speaker JBL audio system. A 10-inch head-up display was available on the XSE and XLE trims. The infotainment system was functional but lacked standout features, with plain graphics and limited USB ports.

The 2022 Hyundai Sonata's infotainment technology varied by trim level. Base SE versions featured an 8-inch touchscreen, six speakers, and smartphone connectivity. The N Line and Ultimate Hybrid trims upgraded to a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation, a 12-speaker Bose audio system, and wireless charging. The Bose system was praised for its power and clarity, offering excellent value for the price.

The 2021 Toyota Camry earned a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. The TSS 2.5+ package of safety features was standard, including adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning. New for 2021 was the Rear Seat Reminder, designed to prevent children or pets from being left unattended. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were available as options.

The 2022 Hyundai Sonata came with a comprehensive package of safety features, including forward collision avoidance assist, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot collision-avoidance assist. The N Line and Ultimate Hybrid trims added Highway Driving Assist and a blind-spot view monitor. The Sonata received five stars from the NHTSA for overall crash protection and top "Good" ratings from the IIHS in all crash tests. The Sonata's child-seat anchors received an "Acceptable" rating.