2025 Hyundai Sonata SE vs 2025 Toyota Prius LE
$2,850 less and 12.2″ longer vs 22 MPG better and AWD. That is the real fork. Key numbers: $2,850 price gap, 191 vs 196 hp, 32 vs 54 MPG.
The Sonata SE leads on $2,850 less, 12.2″ longer. The Prius LE leads on 22 MPG better, AWD. The spec table compares 4 specifications head to head.
Key Differences at a Glance
What's Actually Different
These two vehicles differ in 4 specifications.
Full Specification Comparison
Specifications and pricing reflect available data as of early 2026 and may not match current manufacturer figures. Always confirm details with an authorized dealer before making a purchase decision.
| Spec | 2025 Hyundai Sonata SE | 2025 Toyota Prius LE |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| MSRP | $26,900 | $29,750 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine | 2.5L I4 | 2.0L I4 hybrid |
| Horsepower | 191 hp | 196 hp |
| Torque | 181 lb-ft | No published data |
| Transmission | 8-speed shiftable automatic | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | FWD | AWD |
| Fuel Economy | ||
| City MPG | 28 | 53 |
| Highway MPG | 38 | 54 |
| Combined MPG | 32 | 54 |
| Fuel Tank | No published data | 10.5 gal |
| Dimensions | ||
| Curb Weight | No published data | 3,230 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 111.8" | 108.3" |
| Length | 193.3" | 181.1" |
| Width | 73.2" | 70.2" |
| Height | 56.9" | 55.9" |
| Safety | ||
| NHTSA Overall | 5/5 stars | 5/5 stars |
| IIHS Award | TSP+ | TSP+ |
| Warranty | ||
| Bumper-to-Bumper | 5yr/60k | 3yr/36k |
| Powertrain | 10yr/100k | 5yr/60k |
| Corrosion | 7yr/unlimited | 5yr/unlimited |
| Roadside Assistance | 5yr/unlimited | 2yr/25k |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the price difference between the 2025 Hyundai Sonata SE and 2025 Toyota Prius LE?
The 2025 Hyundai Sonata SE starts at $26,900, $2,850 less than the 2025 Toyota Prius LE at $29,750. On a 60-month loan that is roughly $50/month. All prices are MSRP before destination and dealer fees.
Who should choose the 2025 Hyundai Sonata SE?
The 2025 Hyundai Sonata SE is the stronger pick when you want to keep $2,850 in your pocket and the 2025 Hyundai Sonata SE covers your needs; you want the larger footprint for passengers or cargo.
Who should choose the 2025 Toyota Prius LE?
The 2025 Toyota Prius LE is the stronger pick when lower running costs matter to you, roughly $534/year less on fuel; you drive in snow, rain, or unpaved roads where AWD keeps you planted; you prefer a smaller vehicle that is easier to park and maneuver.
Which gets better fuel economy, the 2025 Hyundai Sonata SE or 2025 Toyota Prius LE?
The 2025 Toyota Prius LE rates 54 combined MPG, 22 MPG ahead.
Which is more powerful, the 2025 Hyundai Sonata SE or 2025 Toyota Prius LE?
The 2025 Toyota Prius LE produces 196 hp, 5 more than the 2025 Hyundai Sonata SE at 191 hp. The 2025 Hyundai Sonata SE runs a 2.5L I4; the 2025 Toyota Prius LE uses a 2.0L I4 hybrid. Drivetrains differ too: FWD on the 2025 Hyundai Sonata SE, AWD on the 2025 Toyota Prius LE.
Is the 2025 Hyundai Sonata SE bigger than the 2025 Toyota Prius LE?
The 2025 Hyundai Sonata SE is 12.2″ longer at 193.3″ vs 181.1″. The 2025 Hyundai Sonata SE has a 3.5″ longer wheelbase, which typically means more rear-seat legroom.
Do the 2025 Hyundai Sonata SE and 2025 Toyota Prius LE have the same drivetrain?
No. The 2025 Toyota Prius LE comes with AWD, while the 2025 Hyundai Sonata SE uses FWD. If you drive in snow, heavy rain, or on unpaved roads, the all-wheel or four-wheel drive option provides better traction. If you mostly drive on dry pavement, the two-wheel drive option saves fuel.
How do the warranties compare?
The Hyundai Sonata comes with 5yr/60k bumper-to-bumper and 10yr/100k powertrain. The Toyota Prius offers 3yr/36k bumper-to-bumper and 5yr/60k powertrain. Longer warranty coverage can offset higher maintenance costs over time.
Explore more: Hyundai trims, Hyundai Sonata trims, Toyota trims, Toyota Prius trims
- 2025 Hyundai Sonata SE Safety Ratings (NHTSA)
- 2025 Toyota Prius LE Safety Ratings (NHTSA)
- Compare Fuel Economy (EPA)
The Sonata–Prius Decision
Shopping midsize sedans means the Sonata and Prius will likely end up on the same test-drive day. Here is what the numbers say before you get behind the wheel. The $2,850 gap adds up to $50/month on a 60-month loan. That is real money, so the pricier option needs to earn it with capabilities you will actually use.
What Powers Each Vehicle
The 2025 Hyundai Sonata SE runs a 2.5L I4; the 2025 Toyota Prius LE uses a 2.0L I4 hybrid. The 5 hp difference (196 vs 191) is marginal in daily driving. The 2025 Toyota Prius LE comes with AWD; the 2025 Hyundai Sonata SE uses FWD. If you deal with snow, rain, or gravel roads, that traction advantage matters.
The Ownership Math
The 2025 Toyota Prius LE saves roughly $534/year on fuel at $3.50/gallon and 12,000 annual miles. Over five years, that is $2,670. The fuel savings help offset the higher sticker price, but it takes roughly 5.3 years to break even. Most buyers will not hold the vehicle that long.
Living With the Sonata vs the Prius
The 2025 Hyundai Sonata SE is 12.2″ longer, which translates to more room inside but a larger footprint in parking lots and garages.
The Decision
Choose the 2025 Hyundai Sonata SE when you want to keep $2,850 in your pocket and the 2025 Hyundai Sonata SE covers your needs. Choose the 2025 Toyota Prius LE when lower running costs matter to you, roughly $534/year less on fuel. At $50/month more, the 2025 Toyota Prius LE needs to earn that gap with something you use weekly.
Specifications shown combine licensed third-party automotive data with official manufacturer, EPA, and NHTSA source material. Actual pricing, features, and availability may vary by region and dealer. Always confirm details with an authorized dealer before making a purchase decision. TrimAtlas is not affiliated with Hyundai or Toyota or any dealership.