It is true that both cars are trying to be environmentally friendly: Toyota having the gas electric Camry and Hyundai having the Sonata Hybrid. They are both mid-sized, but they are both completely different in every aspect.
The Inside of Eco-Luxury!
Hyundai Sonata Hybrid includes leather surfaces, panoramic sunroof, simulated leather inserts, metal and chrome accents, dual air-conditioning, and leather steering wheel with audio controls, rear seat vents and Bluetooth connectivity. There are additional packages available such as the Ultimate Package and the Leather Package.
When talking about spaciousness, we can say that the Camry is spacious enough for 5 people. It offers two folding armrests and two cupholders. It also has a lot of internal gadgets such as: dual air-conditioning, Bluetooth connection, multi-information display, smart key entry and push button start. The XLE version has even more. It includes: rear air vents, leather steering wheel with audio controls and auto-dimming rearview window with camera. Surely you are going to be offered different packages for more luxurious interior.
When you analyze it, both Sonata and Camry have similar internal equipment with the only difference being the Sonata being more beautiful on the inside, but the Camry having more sophisticated interior. The interior of the cars is similar to their exterior. The Hyundai is refined and has a round design.
Technical Specification!
2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid: Gas/Electric 2.4L I4 engine with net 199 hp, 196 max.torque, Interior-permanent magnet synchronous motor, 270V Lithium Polymer Battery, Fully Parallel Hybrid System and 6-speed automatic transmission with SHIFTRONIC®.
2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid XLE: Gas/Electric 2.5L I4 engine with 200 hp(156 horsepower and an electric motor offers its own 105 kW),199 max.torque and Electronic CVT transmission.
Hyundai sticks to the tendency to give cars modern, avant-garde and classy look. Toyota, on the other side, tried to give the car attractiveness that usually hybrid cars lack of. They succeeded in this and made Camry very cute and likable. We may say that, nonetheless, Hyundai is better looking!
Driving Experience!
Here is where the real difference between the cars lies. One of the main reasons is the different type of transmission. Toyota Camry uses a CVT transmission while Hyundai Sonata uses a six-speed automatic one. Hyundai also uses a standard Blue Mode system that decreases the system`s capacity for reaction, even though the situation changes when the gas engine is on. However, in that situation, the fuel consumption is obviously higher. Unlike the Sonata, the Camry has more active system which offers smooth ride.
Even though Sonata`s exterior and interior is better looking than the ones of Toyota Camry. The both vehicles for this are the enjoyable and pleasant ride they offer. So, according to the facts Sonata is the winner here!
2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
LOVE IT: exterior styling, ergonomic interior design, panoramic sunroof option, lifetime hybrid battery warranty
LEAVE IT: Blue Mode is restrictive
2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid XLE
LOVE IT: fuel economy, comfortable seating, smooth driving experience
LEAVE IT: bland exterior & interior styling, clunky interior and technology
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