Hyundai is well known for producing solid sedans that are family-friendly and offer a good array of features. Their recent line of hybrid cars is showing that they’re only getting better. Two great options from the brand are the 2022 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid and the 2022 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid. 

Affordable, feature-packed cars like these make for great ridesharing vehicles. Uber and Lyft drivers may find their perfect match in one of these two convenient and stylish sedans. But, which is better for rideshare driving?

Fuel economy: Sonata Hybrid vs. Elantra Hybrid

The 2022 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid gets up to 52 mpg combined from its 192-system-hp 2.0-liter engine, which makes it one of the more efficient hybrids in its class. 

The 2022 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid, however, gets up to 54 mpg combined. The trade-off? A combined 139 system horsepower from a 1.6-liter engine. That makes this sedan a more fuel-efficient choice, but it won’t be as much fun to drive.

Cost and reliability: Sonata Hybrid vs. Elantra Hybrid

The compact Elantra Hybrid Blue sedan starts at $23,850, while the Limited trim starts at $28,350. The larger midsize Sonata Hybrid Blue starts at $27,200, while the SEL and Limited trims start at $29,950 and $35,550, respectively.

In terms of dependability, the brand has a good reputation. You can choose the reliable Hyundai Elantra and lock down a solid compact hybrid sedan that should last you a good few years without trouble. It’s about as reliable as the Hyundai Sonata, so dependability is neck-and-neck between the two.

Rear passenger and cargo room: Sonata Hybrid vs. Elantra Hybrid

2022 Elantra Hybrid specs:

• Headroom (rear): 37.3
• Legroom (rear): 38.0
• Shoulder room (rear): 55.6
• Hip room (rear): 50.5

2022 Sonata Hybrid specs:

• Headroom (rear): 37.8
• Legroom (rear): 34.8
• Shoulder room (rear): 56.1
• Hip room (rear): 54.4

The Sonata Hybrid leads overall with slightly more head and shoulder room, and significantly more hip room in the rear. The Elantra Hybrid, however, gives your rear passengers nearly four more inches of legroom. That could make the difference between a 4- and 5-star review.

The Sonata Hybrid offers 16.0 cubic feet of trunk space to the Elantra’s 14.2 cu. ft.

Features and comfort: Sonata Hybrid vs. Elantra Hybrid

The 2022 Sonata Hybrid offers more standard safety features, but both sedans offer features like Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping and Lane Following Assist, and Safe Exit Warning, among others.

The pricier Sonata Hybrid comes standard with premium cloth upholstery, but both cars offer available leather trim at the top trim levels. Shockingly, the cheaper Elantra is listed as having standard heated front seats even on its base Blue model. The midsize Sonata only includes heated seats as standard equipment on its SEL trim. Dual fully automatic temperature control comes standard on both models.

Winner: where it counts, the Hyundai Elantra Hybrid

According to Newsweek, both of these sedans are among the best cars for Uber and Lyft drivers. In a head-to-head competition between these siblings, we were surprised to find that the smaller Elantra Hybrid may actually be the better option. It offers more legroom in the rear for passengers, more standard features for the price, a lower price, and better gas mileage. 

If driver comfort is a critical factor for you, the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid does offer more driver legroom and some creature comforts up front. Choose the SEL or Limited trim and you’ll get a great selection of features. But overall, the 2022 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid sedan is the winner in our book for best rideshare car.

(All additional specs provided by Hyundai.)