Compare the2023 Toyota Corolla HybridVS 2023 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid

Safety
Warranty
Reliability
Transmission
Tires and Wheels
Chassis
Ergonomics
Recommendations

Safety

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The Corolla Hybrid has standard Whiplash Injury Lessening Seats, which use a specially designed seat to protect the driver and front passenger from whiplash. During a rear-end collision, the Whiplash Injury Lessening Seats system allows the backrest to travel backwards to cushion the occupants and the headrests move forward to prevent neck and spine injuries. The Sonata Hybrid doesn’t offer a whiplash protection system.

The Corolla Hybrid has a standard Secondary Collision Brake, which automatically applies the brakes in the event of a crash to help prevent secondary collisions and prevent further injuries. The Sonata Hybrid doesn’t offer a post collision braking system: in the event of a collision that triggers the airbags, more collisions are possible without the protection of airbags that may have already deployed.

The Corolla Hybrid offers all-wheel drive to maximize traction under poor conditions, especially in ice and snow. The Sonata Hybrid doesn’t offer all-wheel drive.

Both the Corolla Hybrid and the Sonata Hybrid have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, front wheel drive, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, rearview cameras, driver alert monitors, available blind spot warning systems and rear cross-path warning.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does 35 MPH front crash tests on new vehicles. In this test, results indicate that the Toyota Corolla Hybrid is safer than the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid:

	Corolla Hybrid	Sonata Hybrid
OVERALL STARS	5 Stars	4 Stars
	Driver
STARS	5 Stars	4 Stars
HIC	187	514
Leg Forces (l/r)	330/310 lbs.	321/341 lbs.
	Passenger
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
Neck Injury Risk	27%	33%
Neck Compression	86 lbs.	189 lbs.

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does side impact tests on new vehicles. In this test, which crashes the vehicle into a flat barrier at 38.5 MPH and into a post at 20 MPH, results indicate that the Toyota Corolla Hybrid is safer than the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid:

	Corolla Hybrid	Sonata Hybrid
	Front Seat
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	92	163
Chest Movement	.9 inches	1 inches
Abdominal Force	129 lbs.	305 lbs.
Hip Force	330 lbs.	498 lbs.
	Rear Seat
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	137	301
Spine Acceleration	43 G’s	72 G’s
Hip Force	367 lbs.	539 lbs.
	Into Pole
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
Max Damage Depth	12 inches	20 inches
HIC	239	288
Spine Acceleration	32 G’s	38 G’s

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

Warranty

There are over 49 percent more Toyota dealers than there are Hyundai dealers, which makes it easier should you ever need service under the Corolla Hybrid’s warranty.

Reliability

A reliable vehicle saves its owner time, money and trouble. Nobody wants to be stranded or have to be without a vehicle while it’s being repaired. Consumer Reports rates the Corolla Hybrid’s reliability 29 points higher than the Sonata Hybrid.

J.D. Power and Associates rated the Corolla Hybrid second among compact cars in their 2022 Initial Quality Study. The Sonata Hybrid isn’t in the top three in its category.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2022 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Toyota vehicles are better in initial quality than Hyundai vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Toyota above average in initial quality. With 13 more problems per 100 vehicles, Hyundai is rated below average.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ January 2023 Auto Issue reports that Toyota vehicles are more reliable than Hyundai vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Toyota first in overall reliability. Hyundai is ranked 13th.

Transmission

The Corolla Hybrid has a standard continuously variable transmission (CVT). With no “steps” between gears, it can keep the engine at the most efficient speed for fuel economy, or keep it at its peak horsepower indefinitely for maximum acceleration. The Sonata Hybrid doesn’t offer a CVT.

Tires and Wheels

For better traction, the Corolla Hybrid SE’s tires are larger than the largest tires available on the Sonata Hybrid (225/40R18 vs. 215/55R17).

The Corolla Hybrid’s standard tires provide better handling because they have a lower 55 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the Sonata Hybrid Blue’s standard 65 series tires. The Corolla Hybrid SE’s tires have a lower 40 series profile than the Sonata Hybrid SEL/Limited’s 55 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the Corolla Hybrid SE has standard 18-inch wheels. The Sonata Hybrid’s largest wheels are only 17-inches.

Chassis

The Toyota Corolla Hybrid may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 500 to 650 pounds less than the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid.

The Corolla Hybrid is 10.4 inches shorter than the Sonata Hybrid, making the Corolla Hybrid easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

Ergonomics

The Corolla Hybrid’s front and rear power windows all open or close fully with one touch of the switches, making it more convenient at drive-up windows and toll booths, or when talking with someone outside the car. The Sonata Hybrid’s standard passenger windows don’t open or close automatically. With the Sonata Hybrid SEL/Limited’s power windows, only the front windows open or close automatically.

If the windows are left open on the Corolla Hybrid the driver can close them all at the outside door handle. On a hot day the driver can lower the windows at the outside door handle or from a distance using the keyless remote. (This window function must be activated by your Toyota service department.) The driver of the Sonata Hybrid can only operate the windows from inside the vehicle, with the ignition on.

Recommendations

Both are recommended, but Consumer Reports® chose the Toyota Corolla Hybrid as its “Top Pick,” the highest scoring vehicle in its category, based on reliability, safety and performance.

The Toyota Corolla outsold the Hyundai Sonata by over five to one during 2022.