Compare the2025 Toyota PriusVS 2025 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid

Safety
Warranty
Reliability
Engine
Fuel Economy and Range
Environmental Friendliness
Transmission
Brakes and Stopping
Tires and Wheels
Suspension and Handling
Chassis
Ergonomics
Economic Advantages
Recommendations

Safety

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The Prius 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 Prius has 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 Prius and the Sonata Hybrid have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front and rear side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front and rear 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, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning, driver alert monitors and available around view monitors.

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

	Prius	Sonata Hybrid
OVERALL STARS	5 Stars	4 Stars
	Driver
STARS	5 Stars	4 Stars
HIC	163	514
Neck Compression	25 lbs.	33 lbs.
Leg Forces (l/r)	131/151 lbs.	321/341 lbs.
	Passenger
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
Neck Injury Risk	25.3%	33%
Neck Compression	23 lbs.	189 lbs.

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

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety does 40 MPH moderate front offset crash tests on new cars. In this updated test, results indicate that the Prius is much safer than the Sonata Hybrid:

	Prius	Sonata Hybrid
Overall Evaluation	ACCEPTABLE	POOR
Structure	GOOD	GOOD
	Driver Injury Measures
Head/Neck Rating	GOOD	GOOD
Head Injury Criterion	101	254
Chest Rating	GOOD	GOOD
Thigh/hip Rating	GOOD	GOOD
Thigh Forces L/R	45/90 pounds	112/270 pounds
Leg/foot Rating	GOOD	GOOD
Thigh Forces L/R	45/90 pounds	112/270 pounds
Leg Forces L/R	427/382 pounds	652/674 pounds
Restraints	GOOD	GOOD
	Rear Passenger Injury Measures
Head/Neck Rating	GOOD	POOR
Chest Rating	GOOD	POOR
Thigh Rating	GOOD	GOOD
Thigh Compression L/R	45/22 pounds	315/67 pounds

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 Prius is safer than the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid:

	Prius	Sonata Hybrid
	Front Seat
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
Chest Movement	.9 inches	1 inches
Abdominal Force	128 lbs.	305 lbs.
Hip Force	290 lbs.	498 lbs.
	Rear Seat
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
Spine Acceleration	50 G’s	72 G’s
	Into Pole
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
Max Damage Depth	11 inches	20 inches
Spine Acceleration	34 G’s	38 G’s

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

The Toyota Prius has achieved the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s (IIHS) highest rating of “Top Safety Pick Plus” for the 2024 model year. This distinction is based on its exceptional performance in IIHS’ rigorous battery of safety tests. Specifically, it earned an “Acceptable” rating in the latest, more stringent moderate overlap front crash test, a “Good” result in the updated side impact test, and a “Good” score in the revised pedestrian crash prevention test. The Sonata Hybrid is only a standard “Top Safety Pick” for 2024.

Warranty

There are over 47 percent more Toyota dealers than there are Hyundai dealers, which makes it easier should you ever need service under the Prius’ 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 Prius’ reliability 20 points higher than the Sonata Hybrid.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2024 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the statistics that show that Toyota vehicles are more reliable than Hyundai vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Toyota second in reliability, above the industry average. With 51 more problems per 100 vehicles, Hyundai is ranked 13th.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ January 2024 Auto Issue reports that Toyota vehicles are more reliable than Hyundai vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Toyota second in overall reliability. Hyundai is ranked 11th.

Engine

The Prius’ optional 2.0 DOHC 4-cylinder hybrid produces 4 more horsepower (196 vs. 192) than the Sonata Hybrid’s 2.0 DOHC 4-cylinder hybrid.

As tested in Car and Driver the Toyota Prius 2.0 is faster than the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid:

	Prius	Sonata Hybrid
Zero to 60 MPH	7.1 sec	8.1 sec
Zero to 100 MPH	18.8 sec	21.4 sec
5 to 60 MPH Rolling Start	8.1 sec	9 sec
Passing 30 to 50 MPH	4 sec	4.4 sec
Passing 50 to 70 MPH	5 sec	5.5 sec
Quarter Mile	15.5 sec	16.1 sec
Speed in 1/4 Mile	92 MPH	88 MPH

Fuel Economy and Range

On the EPA test cycle the Prius gets better mileage than the Sonata Hybrid:

			MPG
Prius
	FWD	LE 2.0 4-cyl. Hybrid	57 city/56 hwy
		XLE/Nightshade/Limited 2.0 4-cyl. Hybrid	52 city/52 hwy
	AWD	LE 2.0 4-cyl. Hybrid	53 city/54 hwy
		XLE/Nightshade/Limited 2.0 4-cyl. Hybrid	49 city/50 hwy
Sonata Hybrid
	FWD	2.0 4-cyl. Hybrid	44 city/51 hwy

Environmental Friendliness

In its Green Vehicle Guide, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rates the Toyota Prius higher (7 out of 10) than the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid (6). This means the Prius produces up to 1.1 pounds less smog-producing pollutants than the Sonata Hybrid every 15,000 miles.

Transmission

The Prius 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.

Brakes and Stopping

The Prius stops shorter than the Sonata Hybrid:

	Prius	Sonata Hybrid
70 to 0 MPH	171 feet	178 feet	Car and Driver
60 to 0 MPH	131 feet	135 feet	Consumer Reports

Tires and Wheels

The Prius XLE/Nightshade/Limited’s tires provide better handling because they have a lower 50 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the Sonata Hybrid’s 55 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the Prius XLE/Nightshade/Limited has standard 19-inch wheels. The Sonata Hybrid’s largest wheels are only 17-inches.

Suspension and Handling

The Prius XLE handles at .88 G’s, while the Sonata Hybrid Limited pulls only .83 G’s of cornering force in a Motor Trend skidpad test.

The Prius XLE executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver quicker than the Sonata Hybrid Limited (26.8 seconds @ .65 average G’s vs. 27.5 seconds @ .62 average G’s).

For better maneuverability, the Prius LE’s turning circle is 1.5 feet tighter than the Sonata Hybrid’s (34.4 feet vs. 35.9 feet). The Prius XLE/Nightshade/Limited’s turning circle is .5 feet tighter than the Sonata Hybrid’s (35.4 feet vs. 35.9 feet).

Chassis

The Toyota Prius may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 350 pounds less than the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid.

The Prius is 1 foot shorter than the Sonata Hybrid, making the Prius easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The front grille of the Prius uses electronically controlled shutters to close off airflow and reduce drag when less engine cooling is needed. This helps improve highway fuel economy. The Sonata Hybrid doesn’t offer active grille shutters.

Ergonomics

The Prius offers a remote vehicle starting system, so the vehicle can be started from inside the driver's house. This allows the driver to comfortably warm up the engine before going out to the vehicle. The climate system will also automatically heat or cool the interior. The Sonata Hybrid doesn’t offer a remote starting system.

The Prius’ 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 rear power window switches have to be held the entire time to open or close them fully.

If the windows are left open on the Prius 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 close the windows from inside the vehicle, with the ignition on.

Both the Prius and the Sonata Hybrid offer available heated front seats. The Prius Limited also offers optional heated rear seats to keep those passengers extremely comfortable in the winter. Heated rear seats aren’t available in the Sonata Hybrid.

Economic Advantages

Insurance will cost less for the Prius owner. The Complete Car Cost Guide estimates that insurance for the Prius will cost $665 less than the Sonata Hybrid over a five-year period.

The Prius will cost the buyer less in the long run because of its superior resale value. The IntelliChoice estimates that the Prius will retain 56.31% to 58.47% of its original price after five years, while the Sonata Hybrid only retains 49.24% to 50.94%.

Recommendations

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

The Prius/Prius Prime was chosen as a Car and Driver’s “Top Ten” for 2024 and 1 more times in the last 22 years. The Sonata Hybrid has never been chosen by Car and Driver in their “10Best” issue.

Motor Trend selected the Prius as their 2024 Car of the Year. The Sonata Hybrid has never been chosen.

A group of representative automotive journalists from North America selected the Prius as the 2024 North American Car of the Year. The Sonata Hybrid has never been chosen.

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