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Miami Herald
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Miami Herald
2025 Hyundai Sonata vs. Toyota Camry: 5 Major Differences
Once the backbone of American driveways, midsize sedans have steadily lost ground to crossovers and SUVs. With the exits of the Chevy Malibu and Subaru Legacy after 2025, only a handful of contenders remain. But the Hyundai Sonata and Toyota Camry are still standing-and both received major overhauls for 2025. Toyota went all-in on hybridization and all-wheel drive, while Hyundai doubled down on value, tech, and design. If you're still in the market for a well-equipped sedan that delivers strong fuel economy, excellent ride quality, and surprising tech, these two deserve a look. Which one fits your needs best? Here are five key differences that help separate them. Perhaps the most talked-about change for the 2025 Toyota Camry is what's under the hood-or rather, what isn't. Toyota has ditched its traditional gas-only drivetrains entirely, making the 2025 Camry a hybrid-only sedan. It's available with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and two electric motors up front, producing 225 horsepower. All-wheel-drive variants add a third electric motor at the rear, bumping total system output to 232 hp. That makes the Camry one of the few hybrid sedans on the market to offer all-wheel drive-and the only one in its class to make hybrid the default, not the upgrade. Hyundai took a different approach with the 2025 Sonata. You can still buy one with a traditional gas engine-specifically, a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder good for 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque. For buyers looking for electrified efficiency, the Sonata Hybrid pairs a 2.0-liter engine with an electric motor to deliver 192 hp. The base hybrid system is a bit less powerful than Toyota's, but it's smooth, refined, and very fuel-efficient. Bottom line: Camry buyers must go hybrid, but Hyundai gives you a choice. At the entry level, the 2025 Hyundai Sonata SE starts at $26,900, while the SEL comes in at around $28,000. That's cheaper than the base 2025 Camry LE Hybrid, which starts at $28,700 with front-wheel drive and $30,225 with all-wheel drive. The most efficient Sonata Hybrid-the Blue trim-isn't listed for 2025 yet, but the mid-tier SEL Hybrid starts at $31,250, while the top-tier Limited Hybrid comes in at $37,700. The Camry's upper trims are priced similarly, with the XLE Hybrid AWD priced at $35,125 and the range-topping XSE AWD Hybrid starting at $36,425. When comparing apples to apples (i.e., hybrids), pricing is close, within a few hundred dollars, in most cases. The Camry offers standard hybrid power and available AWD. The Sonata costs slightly less in its mid-tier trims, but tops out around the same price once you spec it similarly. It's worth noting that real-world incentives and dealer pricing can swing these numbers significantly, especially for Hyundai, which often includes additional discounts. One of the Camry's most significant advantages for 2025 is its electric all-wheel-drive system. It's not just a gimmick-it adds real capability, especially for drivers in snowy climates. Instead of using a mechanical driveshaft, the AWD Camry uses an electric motor to power the rear wheels independently. It's seamless in operation and doesn't significantly impact fuel economy. No version of the 2025 Sonata offers all-wheel drive, gas or hybrid. That might not matter for drivers in dry or temperate climates, but it's a notable disadvantage in the Northeast, Midwest, or Mountain West, where AWD is often considered essential. This marks a real differentiation point between the two. If AWD is a must-have, the Camry is your only option in this match-up. Inside, both sedans have made big strides, but the Sonata's cabin feels more futuristic and premium. Hyundai now offers a twin 12.3-inch display setup-one screen for the digital gauge cluster and one for the central infotainment-merged under a single piece of curved glass. The layout is clean, upscale, and intuitive, especially on higher trims. Even the base trims feel modern thanks to Hyundai's slick user interface and standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The 2025 Camry improves significantly over its predecessor, but not all trims come with the same level of tech. LE and SE models come with an 8-inch touchscreen and a 7-inch digital gauge display. Step up to the XLE or XSE, and you'll get the dual 12.3-inch setup. Like the Sonata, Toyota supports wireless smartphone mirroring and offers a premium JBL sound system on upper trims. In terms of standard features and presentation, Hyundai has the edge. The Sonata Limited Hybrid even includes ventilated front seats, a head-up display, and Highway Driving Assist-Hyundai's semi-automated driving tech-which is not available on the Camry. With up to 232 horsepower and AWD available, the Camry is the better performer on paper. It accelerates briskly for a hybrid sedan and handles well in XSE trim, thanks to firmer suspension and sportier tuning. Toyota has clearly tried to retain some of the enthusiast appeal once offered by its now-discontinued V6. The Sonata Hybrid isn't as quick, and its 192-hp system feels more tuned for smoothness than speed. But Hyundai's focus on comfort pays off with a quieter cabin, a softer ride, and less harshness over broken pavement. It's a car designed to make commutes and long drives feel easy, not edgy. Fuel economy is neck and neck. The Camry LE Hybrid returns up to 51 mpg combined, while AWD drops that to 47–48 mpg. The Sonata Hybrid gets between 47 and 52 mpg, depending on the trim and wheel size. If you're comparing efficiency, it's a wash. Both the 2025 Toyota Camry and Hyundai Sonata are excellent midsize sedans-but they aim for slightly different buyers. If you want a hybrid-only powertrain, available all-wheel drive, and more power, the Camry is your best bet. It's also a smart pick for buyers in colder climates who need extra traction. But you're probably better off choosing the Sonata if you value sleek tech, a more comfortable ride, and the option of a gas-only engine. It also tends to offer slightly better value at most trim levels. Either way, these two are standouts in a segment that's been all but abandoned by other automakers. With thoughtful redesigns, impressive fuel economy, and plenty of standard tech, the Sonata and Camry prove that the midsize sedan still has a lot of life left. Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Time of India
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
When Korean Dramas open global doors: From 'Winter Sonata' to worldwide phenomenon
The Spark that Lit the Global Flame: 'Winter Sonata' and Japan's First Korean Wave Let's rewind to the early 2000s when a quiet winter romance drama, 'Winter Sonata,' subtly became a cultural phenomenon in Japan. It wasn't just a show-it was a bridge. Nearly 38% of Japanese adults had tuned in, and for half of them, this drama sparked an interest that flowed beyond the screen, inviting exploration into Korea's food, language, and culture. Suddenly, kimchi wasn't just Korean food on menus in Seoul; it was making its way into Japanese kitchens too. Korean coffee shops and drama-themed tours began popping up, and even Korean language classes saw a rise. This wave wasn't a mere fad. It rewrote how Korea was seen in Japan-from a distant neighbor to a source of warmth, stories, and even aspiration. Beyond Borders: The Global Surge of Korean Dramas What started with ' Winter Sonata ' quickly rippled outwards. Korean dramas ' global footprint expanded to places like China, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and even the West. Accessibility increased due to streaming platforms like Netflix and Viki, where subtitles in multiple languages made K-dramas approachable and binge-worthy. The themes resonated universally-love, family, ambition, and resilience-packaged with a fresh mix of stylish cinematography and emotionally rich storytelling. Shows like 'Descendants of the Sun,' 'Goblin,' and the explosive 'Squid Game' made K-dramas household names globally, sparking huge cultural trends and boosting Korean tourism exponentially. Shaping Culture: Language, Tourism, and Lifestyle Trends Korean dramas have been powerful cultural ambassadors. Viewers worldwide began learning Korean, inspired by their favorite idols and characters, pushing Korean language exams and enrollments to record highs - 40,000+ test-takers reached in 2021 alone. Their passion didn't stop at language; enthusiastic fans tried Korean recipes, wore K-fashion, and bought beauty products. Tourism boomed as well: filming locations became pilgrimage sites, creating million-dollar local economies. Just like Japanese fans flocked to Nami Island after 'Winter Sonata,' fans from the Middle East to Latin America began planning their Korea trips inspired by dramas. The Special Bond Between 'Winter Sonata' and Hyundai Sonata 'Winter Sonata' became more than just a drama-it turned into a love story for brands as well. Originally, Hyundai's Sonata wasn't well known in Japan, but thanks to the drama's Japanese title, "Fuyu no Sonata" (Winter Sonata), the car's name became familiar and approachable. Fans connected the drama's wintery style and elegance naturally with the Sonata car name, sparking genuine interest. Hyundai seized this momentum and pushed hard on marketing in Japan, achieving great success. Sonata sales rose sharply, and the brand's influence expanded significantly. This example served as a clear sign to the Korean government and businesses that cultural content can translate into substantial economic results beyond mere entertainment. Changing Perceptions, Building Connections: A New Chapter for Korea K-drama's global journey treated the world to a new Korea-dynamic, creative, and warm-hearted. Stereotypes gave way to curiosity and admiration. Studies showed that regions exposed to Korean dramas developed greater cultural understanding and more favorable attitudes toward Korea. For India's youth, just as in Japan or elsewhere, K-dramas act as windows into Korean life, forging cross-cultural friendships and understanding. The phenomenon encourages Indian viewers to embrace new languages and engage with global content confidently.
Auto Blog
10-07-2025
- Automotive
- Auto Blog
Kia and Hyundai Continue to Shatter Sales Records in Q2 2025
Both Hyundai and Kia have been on a tear this year, and they're still winning big The roller coaster retail economy of 2025 continues to unfold. Kia and Hyundai are two automakers that have been riding the wave since the very beginning, with record Q1 sales this year. And it looks like the party goes on, at least for now. Their red-hot performance continues, with the pair breaking several records and in some cases seeing double-digit percentage volume increases for some of their most popular models. Here's how it all shook out. 2025 Hyundai Sonata N Line 2025 Hyundai Kona Electric 2026 Kia Sportage Kia moved 416,511 vehicles total in the first half of 2025, which marks an eight percent increase year-over-year. Although the brand's battery electric vehicles struggled — the EV9 and EV6 saw considerable drop-offs year-over-year — hybrid models came in clutch. Kia says that hybrid models like the Niro Hybrid and Sorento Hybrid are up 70 percent compared to the same period last year. Another unexpected market shift came in the form of sedans. Sedan models increased 29 percent compared to the first half of 2024, and the new K5 specifically saw 170% growth year-over-year. Similarly, the Carnival, Telluride, Sportage, and K4 models all managed their best-ever first half of the year. Overall, this year marks a record first-half in volume for the brand, with a 12 percent gain over 2024. Hyundai celebrated a great halfway point, too. Just like Kia, the brand celebrates a record-shattering first half of the year, moving 439,280 vehicles. That's a 10 percent increase over the same time period in 2024, driven in part by a 20 percent year-over-year surge in what Hyundai refers to as 'electrified' sales. Interestingly, arguably the brand's flagship EVs, the IONIQ 5 and IONIQ 6, saw a significant downturn from this time last year, dropping 12 and 8 percent, respectively. Buoying sales are the Venue, up 26 percent, and Tucson, up 25 percent. Hyundai also reported a best-ever June for hybrid and electrified vehicles, and the Elantra N and Santa Fe hybrid set new total sales records. 2025 Hyundai IONIQ 5 N 2025 Hyundai Tucson 2025 Hyundai Venue Value plays a big part in both brands' success There's been a lot of good press around the two automakers lately. Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis — all technically part of Hyundai Motor Group — tore it up in the 2025 IIHS Safety Rankings and in the J.D. Power 2025 U.S. Initial Quality Study. But another reason sales may be on the rise for the two economy-minded brands is a lack of competition. The Hyundai Venue and Kia Soul are two of the least expensive vehicles on sale today, with the former starting at an unheard-of-in-2025 $20,200. The Kia K4 starts around $23,000, delivering above-average aesthetics and all the technology most customers clamor for. The same goes for the Hyundai Elantra. Looking at the sales figures, you'll see a pattern. The Hyundai Tucson leads among both automakers, moving 16,378 examples, and is cheaper than every one of its competitors. After that comes the Kia Sportage (12,630), followed closely by the Hyundai Elantra (12,412) and Kia K4/Forte (11,564), the latter two of which are similarly discount-priced. Arguably, the success Kia and Hyundai are enjoying is a direct result of their willingness to play in the sandbox that many automakers seem to be neglecting: budget-conscious consumers shopping at the sub-$30,000 mark. Final thoughts There's no other way to say it: Hyundai and Kia are positively killing it this year. It's not entirely surprising; the Korean automakers have come a long way, and their recent vehicles have the critical acclaim to prove it. Now, they have the sales figures, too. It will be interesting to see how long the duo can keep up the record-breaking run, especially as the economy continues to be anything but certain. About the Author Steven Paul View Profile
The Hindu
01-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
From delivering food to delivering dialogues, the stages in the life of a woman theatre artiste from Kolkata
Sangita Sarkar left Kolkata shortly after the pandemic and now she has returned — only that, back then, she was delivering food for Zomato during the lockdown, and now she is directing a play. For her, the bridge between the two phases was the National School of Drama (NSD). 'I was already a theatre artiste when I joined Zomato. I had graduated from Rabindra Bharati University and was part of the theatre group Bohurupee. I joined Zomato during the lockdown mainly to observe people closely and improve my acting skills, and also to make some money to help those who relied entirely on theatre for a living,' Ms. Sarkar, who has been an actor but is directing a play for the first time, told The Hindu. Titled Moonlight, the play is an adaptation of veteran Marathi playwright Mahesh Elkunchwar's work Sonata, and being staged on the evening of July 1 at the Tapan theatre in Kalighat. It's about three women, single by choice, living together, and the friendship and the trust between them, Ms. Sarkar said. Also read:Thespians hail renaming Kolkata's Star Theatre after Binodini Dasi as historic, yet futile Ms. Sarkar says she was still in school when she first contacted the NSD, hoping that she would get to relocate from one school to another, only to be told that she needed to be a graduate in order to apply for admission. That's when she took up theatre and drama at Kolkata's Rabindra Bharati University. In 2019, she applied for a seat in NSD, and months later came COVID-19. 'That's one period I don't want to think about, and yet I cannot ever forget it. That was a time when people could not reach people, they were imprisoned in their homes. I still remember the anxiety of people stationed abroad, who would order food for elderly parents living in Kolkata. I always believed that no job is lowly and the pandemic proved it. Those delivering food may be considered at the bottom of the social pyramid but back then, they were as important as doctors,' Ms. Sarkar said. The resident of Belgharia spent about six months working for Zomato in the early part of 2021, getting a valuable opportunity for human interactions, something that was otherwise missing at the time. 'When a delivery person walks into a restaurant and when a customer walks in — the way they are treated is so different. Only once, when it was raining, did a restaurant owner ask me to wait inside and offered me tea, and asked me if I had eaten. That's one gesture I can never forget,' Ms. Sarkar said. By early 2022, she had joined the NSD, and that experience, like her work for Zomato, turned out to be an insight into human behaviour. 'The NSD broadened my horizons. It made me rich. Once you are there, you rise above caste, language, religion. A place like that makes you wonder why people indulge in violence, why there are wars in the first place,' the artiste said. She recollected her most memorable moment at Zomato, and how it connected to her life as an artiste. 'Once when I rang the bell, the door was opened by a very young girl. She was surprised to see that a woman had come to deliver food on a scooter. Her look was that of amazement and admiration. I can never forget that. In fact, in NSD, we were once asked to perform a 'happy moment' scene, and I borrowed a T-shirt from a Zomato boy to recreate my encounter with this young girl,' Ms. Sarkar said.
Yahoo
26-06-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Hyundai Finishes Second Among Mass-Market Brands in J.D. Power 2025 U.S. Initial Quality Study; Santa Cruz Named Top Midsize Pickup
Hyundai rises to second among mass-market brands Hyundai ranks third in the industry overall for the second year in a row Santa Cruz Top Midsize Pickup for the second consecutive year Hyundai Sonata finishes second in the Midsize Car segmenti Hyundai Elantra finishes third in the Compact Car segment Hyundai Palisade finishes third in Upper Midsize SUV segmentii FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., June 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Hyundai ranked second among mass-market brands and third overall in the industry for the second consecutive year in the J.D. Power 2025 U.S. Initial Quality Study (IQS)℠. For vehicles, the Hyundai Santa Cruz was the highest-ranked Midsize Pickup for the second year in a row. This recognition reinforces Santa Cruz's reputation for bold design, everyday versatility, and exceptional quality. Additionally, the Sonata finished second and the Elantra and Palisade each secured third place in their respective segments. Hyundai's rise to second among mass-market brands in the J.D. Power 2025 IQS reflects our entire Hyundai Motor Group team applying relentless collaboration and focus on quality," said Barry Ratzlaff, chief customer officer, Hyundai Motor North America. "Santa Cruz leading the midsize pickup segment for the second year in a row is no coincidence; this vehicle was designed to be different, and thanks to the dedication of our teams, it's not just turning heads, it's delivering where it matters most: quality, and driver confidence. IONIQ 5 improved significantly with key updates and the launch from the new metaplant in Georgia. The New Santa Fe from HMMA launched with a better score than the prior generation. Recognition for Sonata, Elantra, and Palisade further reinforces the strength and consistency of our entire lineup." Underneath its distinctive styling, the Santa Cruz delivers refined driving dynamics, clever storage solutions, and an interior packed with technology. These features make it equally at home on city streets and backcountry roads. With a robust powertrain, standard safety features, and intuitive connectivity, it offers the versatility of a pickup with the polish of a crossover. Study Highlights: The J.D. Power 2025 U.S. Initial Quality Study is based on responses from 92,694 purchasers and lessees of new 2025 model-year vehicles surveyed early in their ownership period. This is the study's 39th year. J.D. Power measures initial quality by the number of problems experienced per 100 vehicles (PP100) during the first 90 days of ownership. A lower score reflects higher quality. Conducted between June 2024 through May 2025, the J.D. Power 2025 IQS study is the result of Voice of the Customer (VOC) questions plus relevant repair data survey results organized into 10 categories: infotainment; features, control and displays; exterior; driving assistance; interior; powertrain; seats; driving experience; climate; and unspecified (unique to repair). The study is designed to provide automakers with information to help identify problems and drive product improvement. About J.D. PowerJ.D. Power is a global leader in automotive data and analytics, and provides industry intelligence, consumer insights and advisory solutions to the automotive industry and selected non-automotive industries. J.D. Power leverages its extensive proprietary datasets and software capabilities combined with advanced analytics and artificial intelligence tools to help its clients optimize business performance. J.D. Power was founded in 1968 and has offices in North America, Europe and Asia Pacific. To learn more about the company's business offerings, visit The J.D. Power auto-shopping tool can be found at Hyundai Motor AmericaHyundai Motor America offers U.S. consumers a technology-rich lineup of cars, SUVs, and electrified vehicles, while supporting Hyundai Motor Company's Progress for Humanity vision. Hyundai has significant operations in the U.S., including its North American headquarters in California, the Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama assembly plant, the all-new Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America and several cutting-edge R&D facilities. These operations, combined with those of Hyundai's 850 independent dealers, contribute $20.1 billion annually and 190,000 jobs to the U.S. economy, according to a recent economic impact report. For more information, visit Hyundai Motor America on Twitter | YouTube | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | TikTok i Tied in 2025 with the Chevrolet Malibu ii Tied in 2025 with the Nissan Pathfinder View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Hyundai Motor America
