Hyundai Sonata Hybrid vs Toyota Corolla Hybrid

The 2023 Toyota Corolla Hybrid received notable updates, including a new all-wheel-drive option standard on all trims except the base LE. The hybrid system saw a power increase, and the Corolla Hybrids underwent a subtle style refresh with changes to the grille patterns and rear bumpers. The exterior design was more appealing than previous generations, with a sculpted front end featuring wraparound headlights and sharp creases. The side and tail were more conventional, with 15-inch wheels standard on the LE and LE AWD models, while 18-inch alloy wheels were standard on the SE AWD and XSE AWD trims. Inside, the Corolla Hybrid had a minimal design, with an abundance of hard plastics and barely padded armrests, emphasizing its focus on efficiency and frugality.

The 2024 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid boasted significant styling updates, particularly in the front fascia, with a streamlined design and a "seamless horizon lamp" lightbar. The badge was repositioned above the grille, and the headlights were placed independently below it. The rear end featured a lightbar forming a wide "H" shape with the taillights. The side profile remained similar to the 2023 model. The interior saw changes with vents flowing across the dash, a redesigned steering wheel, and a gear shifter moved to the steering column. The Preferred-Trend trim offered a basic black interior with leather upholstery, while the N Line trim featured a light grey option with Nappa leather, suede inserts, and red accents.

The 2023 Toyota Corolla Hybrid was powered by a 1.8-litre four-cylinder engine with hybrid drive, producing 134 horsepower and 156 pound-feet of torque, an increase from its predecessor. A continuously variable transmission (CVT) sent power to the front wheels, with an additional 40-hp electric motor providing on-demand AWD. The hybrid powertrain responded quickly from a standstill, but power built slowly, taking around nine seconds to reach 100 km/h. The dedicated EV drive mode was challenging to maintain on open roads. Braking was consistent, and handling was adequate, though not particularly fun in curves. Road noise was present, and larger road imperfections impacted the cabin.

The 2024 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid introduced an available all-wheel-drive system for the first time, offered on the Preferred-Trend trim for an additional $2,000. The Preferred-Trend trim featured a naturally aspirated 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 191 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The N Line trim offered a turbocharged version of the same engine, delivering 290 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque, with power transferred via an 8-speed wet-clutch dual-clutch transmission. The Sonata's steering feel and handling were praised, and the configurable driver-information display was appreciated.

The 2023 Toyota Corolla Hybrid provided ample space up front, though the steering wheel's limited telescoping range might have been an issue for long-limbed drivers. The large windows and excellent visibility created a sense of space. The cloth upholstery and SofTex faux leather in the XSE Hybrid trim were breathable, though the SofTex felt more like vinyl. Interior storage was adequate, with a small tray, cupholders, and narrow door pockets. Rear seats accommodated average adults, with just enough headroom and legroom. The trunk offered 371 litres of capacity, with rear seats folding for more space, though not flat with the floor.

The 2024 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid offered competitive space, with 975 millimetres of front-seat headroom and 950 mm of rear-seat headroom. Front legroom was prioritized at 1,170 mm, while rear passengers had 885 mm. Heated and ventilated front seats were standard in the Preferred-Trend trim, with a slimmer steering wheel rim for comfort. The trunk close button was a neat convenience feature, though perhaps unnecessary in a sedan.

The 2023 Toyota Corolla Hybrid came with an 8-inch multimedia touchscreen, upgraded for 2023 with on-screen controls replacing physical buttons. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity were standard, along with improved voice commands and over-the-air software updates. The system could pair two Bluetooth devices simultaneously, though the JBL audio system was not available in Canada.

The 2024 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid featured a selectable USB-C port for data-transmitting or charging-only functionality, complementing the wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The curved display combined the infotainment touchscreen and driver-information display, with the N Line offering a pair of 12.3-inch screens. The Preferred-Trend trim had a smaller digital instrument cluster. The N Line included navigation and a 12-speaker Bose audio system, while a six-speaker system was standard.

The 2023 Toyota Corolla Hybrid received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with four stars for rollover protection. The IIHS awarded the standard 2022 Corolla sedan its top score of "good" and named it a Top Safety Pick+. The Corolla Hybrid came with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, including frontal collision warning, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and more.

The 2024 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid included blind-spot collision warning, forward collision-avoidance assist, lane-following and lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and rear occupant alert. Hyundai's infotainment system made safety features easy to find and use, with clear graphics explaining each function.