2023 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid vs 2023 Toyota Camry Hybrid

We’ve put together the key questions that most people have when shopping for the right hybrid sedan. This includes the latest stats on everything from horsepower to passenger volume. Is one better than the other? You can be the judge.

1. What’s new for 2023?

   The latest Hyundai Sonata Hybrid SEL is now available with a bigger navigation system with better voice tools. The system, known as Dynamic Voice Recognition, can actually learn from the driver and become even better over time. The Limited is now offered with a panoramic sunroof.

   For 2023, the Camry Hybrid added the SE Nightshade to its lineup. This trim is the SE with cosmetic additions for a more mysterious look.

2. What’s the Horsepower?

   Even when you have a super fuel efficient sedan, you want to know if it can handle the road ahead. These two really are neck in neck. Just look at how these front-wheel drive sedans earn similar fuel economy while providing ample performance.

   

   The fuel economy favors the Camry Hybrid LE over the Blue by just a single mpg. However, the higher trim fuel economy favors the Sonata Hybrid.

3. How Big is it?

   The Sonata Hybrid is about half an inch bigger than the Camry Hybrid when it comes to both the wheelbase and the total car length. That does translate into a bigger passenger volume and bigger trunk for the Sonata Hybrid.

   Sonatas have more headroom on both rows while the Camry can claim more second-row legroom. In another example, the 15.1-cu ft Camry trunk is large, but the 16-cu ft Sonata trunk is even larger.

   

   Both cars offer folding back seats to allow for more cargo space. The Hyundai standard package includes a hands-free trunk power feature.

4. What are the Trims and Prices?

   Looking strictly at MSRP, the LE Hybrid price starts at $28,355 while the Sonata Hybrid Blue starts at $28,250. These two have some significant standard features in common.

   Sonata Hybrids come in SEL and Limited trims, which have MSRP starting at $31,600. Camry Hybrids have four higher trims: SE Hybrid ($29,890 MSRP), Nightshade ($30,890), XLE ($33,245) and XSE ($33,795 MSRP).

5. How do the Standard Features Compare?

   Both have dual-zone automatic climate controls, essential in our hot climate. Both hybrid sedans have a touchscreen, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The two models have standard 4.2 inch digital driver displays.

   Hyundai claims an advantage here since it has a large basic screen and a much larger navigation screen. Plus the digital gauge is a full 12.3-inch screen on the Limited model. This gives the top Sonata Hybrid more than 22 inches of informative screens.

6. What are the driver aids?

   Both hybrid sedans provide a blanket of features to try and keep the sedan out of harm’s way. The lists are not exactly the same because the technologies are developed by the two companies.

   For instance, while Toyota has standard radar cruise control, Hyundai has smart cruise control with exclusive navigation interface. In another example, the Toyota forward collision system includes pedestrians and cyclists. Hyundai has a similar system that now includes junction turning dangers.

   An avoidance assist is offered with standard blind spot monitoring and rear cross traffic warnings on the Hyundai hybrid. The monitoring system is available in a package on the Toyota hybrid LE but does not yet include the assistance. However, rear cross alert braking is offered in a package on Toyota’s top trims.

7. Are there exclusive features?

   We’ve already mentioned the navigation interface. This allows the Hyundai hybrid navigation to anticipate curves and adjust wheelspin before going into the arc. In another example, Hyundai is offering a Blind Spot View Monitor. This uses a camera to watch the rear flank and allows the deriver to turn it on when needed.

   The highway driving assist is Hyundai’s semi-autonomous driving aid. It can do much of the work when on long stretches of the highway. This goes beyond the combination of lane keeping and cruise control that both hybrids provide.

   One last exclusive feature, again belonging to the Sonata Hybrid, is the Hyundai Digital Key. Both vehicles come with proximity keys and push button start. However, only the Sonata can offer to turn your smartphone into your key. This goes beyond a remote starter to include the ability to unlock the vehicle and start it with only your smartphone present.

Conclusion

With everything you now know about these rides, we invite you to get up close and personal with the 2023 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid at Earnhardt Hyundai dealer in Avondale.

A test drive is a fun way to spend an hour, and you’ll learn more about how it fits your lifestyle.