2022 Hyundai Sonata vs 2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid

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 unique flair, moving away from imitation to create a distinctive design. The seventh-generation Sonata, introduced in 2020, featured a wide grille, rounded front fascia, and a sloped rear roofline, offering a bold and subjective design that divided opinions. Inside, the Sonata provided a functional and spacious cabin with seating for five, though the material quality was average. The Limited trim boasted comfortable leather seats, albeit with a polarizing tan upholstery. For those seeking a sportier look, the Sonata N Line offered aggressive styling with unique exterior and interior enhancements, including sport seats and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.

The 2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid, a staple in the family sedan market since the mid-1990s, continued to impress with its futuristic and expressive design. The front end featured a bold, sneering face, complemented by alloy wheels ranging from 17 to 19 inches. Inside, the Camry Hybrid's dashboard was a visual spectacle, with a sweeping curve and a prominent infotainment touchscreen. The second row offered ample space and comfort, even for the middle seat. Toyota's attention to fit and finish was evident, with high-quality materials and precise construction throughout the vehicle.

The 2022 Hyundai Sonata offered a range of performance options, catering to different driving preferences. The base engine, a 2.5-litre four-cylinder, delivered 191 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque, providing a smooth and unassuming driving experience. A turbocharged 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 180 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque, was available on the Sport and Luxury trims. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, with paddle shifters standard on the 1.6-litre turbo. The Sonata N Line, however, was the standout performer, featuring a 290-horsepower turbocharged 2.5-litre engine, an eight-speed wet dual-clutch automatic transmission, and sport suspension, offering a thrilling and dynamic ride. All Sonatas were front-wheel drive, and the vehicle excelled in ride comfort, handling, and noise reduction.

The 2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid prioritized fuel efficiency, making it an ideal choice for those looking to minimize trips to the gas station. The entry-level LE model achieved impressive fuel consumption ratings of 4.9 litres per 100 kilometres in the city and 4.8 on the highway. The hybrid system combined a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with two electric motors, producing a total of 208 horsepower. An electronically controlled CVT transmitted power to the front wheels, with paddle shifters available on SE and XSE models. The Camry Hybrid's handling was commendable, benefiting from a lower centre of gravity due to the battery placement. While the focus on efficiency slightly compromised responsiveness, the Camry Hybrid remained a capable and enjoyable vehicle to drive.

The 2022 Hyundai Sonata boasted a spacious cabin with 2,956 litres of passenger space, classifying it as a "Full-size Car" by Natural Resources Canada. Front-seat headroom and legroom were among the best in the segment, though shoulder room was average. The rear seat offered adequate space for two adults, with the middle seat being less comfortable. The Sonata's 453-litre trunk was generous, accommodating a complete set of rolling luggage. A standout feature was the Remote Smart Parking Assist, allowing the vehicle to manoeuvre into tight spots with the press of a button on the key fob.

The 2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid excelled in ride height, seating position, and overall usability. The driving position was comfortable and adjustable, catering to various preferences. The front seats offered ample storage options, while the second row provided easy access and generous space. The Camry Hybrid's 428-litre trunk was comparable to the standard Camry, with a passthrough for long items and foldable rear seats for larger cargo. Toyota's warranty coverage was comprehensive, with the hybrid battery covered for 10 years/240,000 kilometres.

The 2022 Hyundai Sonata's infotainment offerings varied by trim level. Base SE models featured an 8-inch touchscreen, six speakers, and smartphone connectivity, while higher trims like the N Line and Ultimate Hybrid upgraded to a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation and a 12-speaker Bose audio system. The Bose system impressed with its power and clarity, providing excellent value for the price. Bluetooth pairing was seamless, and Apple CarPlay functionality was smooth and reliable.

The 2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid was equipped with advanced technology features, including a premium JBL audio system on the XLE model. This system, with nine speakers and sophisticated algorithms, delivered impressive sound quality. All models came with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto compatibility, with touchscreen sizes ranging from 7 to 9 inches. The Camry Hybrid also featured a smart key system, push-button start, and a projected-path rearview camera. Upper trims offered a 10-inch head-up display and additional luxury features, enhancing the overall tech experience.

The 2022 Hyundai Sonata came with a comprehensive suite 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 top safety ratings from both the NHTSA and IIHS, with five stars for overall crash protection and "Good" ratings in all crash tests. The vehicle also earned a "Superior" rating for front crash prevention.

The 2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid featured Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, which included a pre-collision system, adaptive cruise control, and lane-departure alert. The Camry Hybrid also had 10 airbags, stability control, and a blind-spot monitor on all but the base LE trim. The IIHS awarded the Camry Hybrid a Top Safety Pick+ rating, while the NHTSA gave it a five-star overall safety rating.