Toyota Corolla Sedan vs Hyundai Sonata
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular Sedans compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Toyota Corolla Sedan
From $32,585
Sedan
Hybrid
1.8L 4-cyl VVT-i Hybrid
103kW
3.9 L/100km
ANCAP: no data
471L
Hyundai Sonata
From $29,990
Sedan
Petrol
—
138kW
8.3 L/100km
5★ ANCAP
—
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Price Breakdown
The Toyota Corolla Sedan starts from $32,585 before on-road costs, while the Hyundai Sonata opens at $29,990. That makes the Hyundai Sonata the more affordable entry point by $2,595.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $35,844 and $32,989 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Toyota Corolla Sedan by roughly $6,270 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Feature Showdown
Both come with modern infotainment systems.
The Toyota Corolla Sedan stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto that you will not find on the Hyundai Sonata. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Toyota Corolla Sedan uses a 1.8L 4-cyl VVT-i Hybrid producing 103kW and 142Nm of torque, sent through a cvt to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 8.1 seconds.
The Hyundai Sonata lines up making 138kW and 241Nm, paired to a 6-speed automatic driving the front wheels.
The Hyundai Sonata has the clear power advantage at 138kW vs 103kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Toyota Corolla Sedan measures 4,630mm long on a 2,700mm wheelbase, 225mm shorter than the Hyundai Sonata at 4,855mm (2,805mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Hyundai Sonata generally means more rear legroom.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.8m to 10.9m
Based on 10.8m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 10.9m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Compare U-turns side by side
Turning Circle · U-turn compare
kerb-to-kerb, 2 cars0 of 2 clear a 7.0 m street in one sweep
Green cars complete the U-turn; amber need a 3-point turn. Drag the slider to test tighter streets.
Standard widths: AU local streets ~5.5–7 m; main roads ~9–12 m.
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $1,112/year for the Toyota Corolla Sedan and $2,366/year for the Hyundai Sonata. That is a $1,254 annual difference in favour of the Toyota Corolla Sedan.
Estimated annual total: $1,112 (Toyota Corolla Sedan) vs $2,366 (Hyundai Sonata). The Toyota Corolla Sedan saves you roughly $1,254 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Toyota Corolla Sedan) vs 5 years (Hyundai Sonata). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Toyota Corolla Sedan if: You want lower running costs, or prefer Toyota's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Hyundai Sonata if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, or prefer Hyundai's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Hyundai Sonata takes 2 of 3 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Toyota Corolla Sedan will save you roughly $1,254 a year in fuel. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Toyota Corolla Sedan and Hyundai Sonata?
The Hyundai Sonata is the cheapest at $29,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Toyota Corolla Sedan by $2,595.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Toyota Corolla Sedan uses the least fuel at 3.9L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Hyundai Sonata all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which can tow the most?
The Hyundai Sonata has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,300kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Hyundai Sonata makes the most power at 138kW.
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Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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