VS
At a Glance
Power
191hp @ 6100
169hp @ 6600
Torque
181lb-ft @ 4000
151lb-ft @ 4400
Fuel
30 mpg est.
34 mpg est.
Engine
2.5 L/152ci
2.0 L/121ci
Choosing between the Hyundai Sonata and the Toyota Corolla is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The Hyundai Sonata delivers 191hp @ 6100 while the Toyota Corolla produces 169hp @ 6600. On fuel, the Sonata returns 30 mpg est. while the Corolla uses 34 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $30,500 for the Sonata and $28,840 for the Corolla. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Specification
Hyundai SonataSEL Sport AWD 2026 - From $30,500
Toyota CorollaXSE CVT (Natl) 2026 - From $28,840
Performance
Power Output (hp)
191hp @ 6100
169hp @ 6600
Torque (lb-ft)
181lb-ft @ 4000
151lb-ft @ 4400
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2.5 L/152ci
2.0 L/121ci
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Gasoline
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic
Number of Gears
8
—
Drive Wheels
All Wheel Drive
Front Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
30 mpg est.
34 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
25 (2025)mpg
31mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
34 (2025)mpg
38mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
15.9gal
13.2gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
193.3in
182.5in
Width (in)
73.2in
70.1in
Height (in)
56.9in
56.5in
Wheelbase (in)
111.8in
106.3in
Curb Weight (lbs)
3466lbs
3150lbs
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Backup Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
—
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Power Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Toyota Corolla
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Sonata
Fuel Economy
Corolla
Value
Corolla
Practicality
Tied
Pros & Cons
Hyundai Sonata
Well-rounded specification
Higher fuel consumption (30 mpg est.)
Higher starting price
Toyota Corolla
Better fuel economy (34 mpg est.)
Lower starting price ($28,840)
Few notable weaknesses
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Sonata or Corolla?
The Sonata gets 30 mpg est. and the Corolla gets 34 mpg est. on the combined cycle. The Corolla is the more fuel-efficient choice. In real-world conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, actual figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the Sonata or Corolla?
The Sonata produces 191hp @ 6100 and 181lb-ft @ 4000 of torque while the Corolla delivers 169hp @ 6600 and 151lb-ft @ 4400 of torque. The Sonata is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Sonata and Corolla?
The Sonata starts from $30,500 and the Corolla from $28,840. The Corolla is cheaper by $1,660 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Should I buy the Sonata or the Corolla?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the mpg figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day driving - commutes, school runs and highway trips - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.
Also Consider