2022 Hyundai Sonata vs 2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid

In the early years of the Sonata's existence, Hyundai seemed to mimic the leaders in the midsize car segment, particularly the Honda Accord. The resemblance was so striking, down to the capital "H" badge, that they could be mistaken for one another, leading to criticisms about the Sonata's lack of originality and quality. However, Hyundai learned valuable lessons through this imitation, improving the Sonata's design and quality over time while maintaining competitive pricing. With each new generation, the Sonata gained more individuality and flair.

By the time the seventh-generation Sonata was redesigned for the 2020 model year, it featured a distinctive wide grille, rounded front fascia, and a sloped rear roofline. The design was bold and subjective, quickly polarizing opinions. Inside, the 2022 Sonata offered a functional and spacious cabin with seating for five, with clearly marked gauges and dials and average material quality for the segment. The Limited trim test car featured leather seats with a tan and black two-tone interior, although the tan upholstery was a bit too orange for some tastes.

For those desiring a sportier look, the Sonata N Line was available with a body kit, gloss black accents, a rear spoiler, full LED taillights, and dual exhaust with four outlets. The N Line's interior featured dark chrome trim, red stitching, and unique N-brand sport seats with premium leather bolsters and suede inserts, enhancing the car's personality. Drivers enjoyed a leather-wrapped sport steering wheel with an N logo and aluminum sport pedals.

The 2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid's design was similarly impressive and futuristic. Although mainly a carryover from previous years, the Camry Hybrid surprised with its expressive front end, featuring a sneering face and muscular features. The base model had 16-inch steel wheels, while upper trims sported 17-inch, 18-inch, and even 19-inch alloy wheels.

Inside, the Camry Hybrid's interior mirrored its exterior's futuristic and expressive design. The dashboard featured a sweeping curve from the driver's side across the center stack, with a control center and a large infotainment touchscreen. The second row offered roomy and comfortable seating, even for the middle seat. Toyota’s high level of fit and finish was evident, with smooth, glossy paint and quality materials used throughout.

The 2022 Hyundai Sonata offered a split personality in performance. The base engine was a 2.5-liter four-cylinder producing 191 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque, perfect for a non-threatening daily driver. The 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, available on the SEL Plus and Limited trims, delivered 180 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque, making it another reliable option.

Both engines paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, with the turbo engine featuring paddle shifters. All Sonatas were front-wheel drive, and a drive mode selector was standard. The Sonata excelled in providing a smooth ride in town and on the highway, handling competently without excessive noise.

The Sonata N Line, however, was the wild side of the lineup, boasting a 290-horsepower, turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with an eight-speed wet dual-clutch automatic transmission, sport suspension, and tuned exhaust. This setup transformed the Sonata into a boisterous and edgy performer.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid was designed for fuel efficiency. The base LE model achieved an impressive EPA-rated fuel economy of 51 mpg city/53 mpg highway/52 mpg combined, with other trims slightly lower at 44 mpg city/47 mpg highway/46 mpg combined. The Hybrid used a 2.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine, two electric motors, and an electronically controlled CVT, resulting in a total system output of 208 horsepower.

The Camry Hybrid featured a drive mode selector with EV, Eco, Normal, and Sport modes. Handling was good, possibly better than the gasoline-only Camry, thanks to the lower center of gravity due to the battery placement. While maintaining EV mode required a delicate throttle touch, and occasional drivetrain droning was noted, the Camry Hybrid excelled in providing responsive and engaging performance.

The 2022 Hyundai Sonata offered 104.4 cubic feet of passenger space, classifying it as a "Large Car" by the EPA. The front-seat headroom and legroom were top-notch, while rear-seat space was adequate for two adults but cramped for three. The Sonata's 16-cubic-foot trunk added to its spaciousness, although it was slightly smaller than the Honda Accord's trunk. The Sonata also featured Remote Smart Parking Assist on the Limited trim, allowing the vehicle to be maneuvered into tight spots via key fob control.

The 2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid featured good ride height, seating position, and general ease of use. The driver and front passenger enjoyed ample storage options, while the second row provided comfortable and roomy seating. The Camry Hybrid's trunk space matched the standard Camry at 15.1 cubic feet, with a pass-through for longer items and fold-down second-row seats for larger cargo. Additionally, the low-mounted battery pack ensured that cargo space wasn't compromised.

Infotainment technology in the 2022 Hyundai Sonata varied by trim. Base SE versions came with an 8-inch touchscreen, six speakers, HD Radio, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, USB port, 12-volt outlet, and a rearview camera. The SEL added SiriusXM satellite radio and Blue Link connected services. Higher trims, including SEL Plus, Limited, and both N Line trims, upgraded to a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation, a 12-speaker Bose premium audio system, wireless device charging, and dynamic voice recognition.

For 2022, Hyundai included the features from last year's Tech package as standard on the SEL trim, offering the 10.25-inch navigation system, 12-speaker Bose audio system, Highway Driving Assist, dynamic voice recognition, LED interior lights, and a panoramic sunroof. The pairing of an iPhone via Bluetooth was quick and easy, and the Bose audio system delivered exceptional power and clarity.

The 2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid was loaded with advanced technology features. The premium audio system, specially tuned by Harman International's JBL division, featured nine speakers, including a subwoofer, and sophisticated software for optimal audio performance. This system was optional on XLE and XSE models, with a standard six-speaker system on other trims.

Embedded navigation was available on XLE and XSE models, while Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and a WiFi hotspot were standard on all models. The LE, SE, and SE Nightshade trims featured a 7-inch touchscreen, while the XLE and XSE were upgraded to a 9-inch touchscreen. All models came with Toyota’s smart key system, push-button start, a projected-path feature for the rearview camera, automatic LED headlights, and dual-zone automatic climate control. A 10-inch color head-up display was available on XSE models, along with advanced features like a bird's-eye view camera and ventilated seats.

The 2022 Hyundai Sonata came with a comprehensive safety package. Standard features included automatic emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, driver-attention warning, automatic high-beam headlights, rearview monitor, and Rear Occupant Alert. SEL trims added blind-spot collision-avoidance assist, rear cross-traffic alert, Safe Exit Assist, and lane-centering assistance. The Limited trim included a blind-spot view monitor, rear park assist, and a surround-view monitor.

The Sonata excelled in avoiding false alarms from its safety systems. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the 2022 Sonata received five stars for overall crash protection. However, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) had not rated the 2022 model, but the structurally similar 2021 Sonata had received top "Good" ratings in all crash tests.

The 2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid came equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ (TSS 2.5+), including a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert with steering assist, Lane Tracing Assist, automatic high beams, and traffic-sign recognition. Toyota’s Star safety system provided additional features like stability control, traction control, anti-lock brakes, electronic brake-force distribution, brake assist, and smart stop technology.

The Camry Hybrid also featured 10 airbags, including advanced airbag systems, side airbags, knee airbags, and side-curtain airbags. The rear doors had child protector locks, and a tire pressure monitoring system was standard. A blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert was available on lower trims and standard on higher trims. The IIHS had given the 2021 Camry Hybrid the highest Top Safety Pick+ rating, and the 2022 model was expected to receive the same. The NHTSA awarded the 2022 Camry Hybrid a five-star overall safety rating.