Sonata vs Mirai
If you’re shopping for a car in the midsize sedan class, the Sonata and the Mirai are likely both on your shortlist. If you only read one line, make it this: the Sonata takes 2 of 4 compared areas, and the space & practicality gap is the one to look at first.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Mirai wins
- Space & Practicality Sonata wins
- Off-road & Towing Sonata wins
- Safety & Tech Tie
- Engine & Performance2.7
- Engine & Performance5.6
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Key Differences
-
The Sonata has 67% more cargo space
This is a headline difference. With 16 cu ft to the Mirai’s 9.6 cu ft, the Sonata has a lead that’s easy to see on paper and in practice. Cargo figures are measured in different ways by different makers, so small gaps may not show in practice.
-
The Mirai has 40 lb-ft more torque
Put simply, the Mirai is far ahead here: 221 lb-ft compared with 181 lb-ft. The Mirai’s extra torque makes it more relaxed when fully loaded or towing.
-
The Sonata has available all-wheel drive
Having available all-wheel drive gives the Sonata one more thing the Mirai can’t match. Available all-wheel drive improves traction in rain, snow and on loose surfaces.
Design & Size
- Sonata 192.9 in × 73.2 in × 56.9 in
- Mirai 195.8 in × 74.2 in × 57.9 in
Want the smaller footprint? That’s the Sonata. The Mirai is the larger of the two.
Dimensions
| Spec | Sonata | Mirai |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 192.9 in | 195.8 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | 73.2 in | 74.2 in |
| Height | 56.9 in | 57.9 in |
| Wheelbase | 111.8 in | 114.9 in |
Engine & Performance
Mirai leads
For engine & performance, the verdict is easy: the Mirai leads, and not by a little. The Mirai adds 40 lb-ft more torque. Electrified powertrains deliver torque instantly, so compare torque figures alongside the powertrain type. That makes the Mirai the natural choice for buyers focused on engine & performance.
Torque
Sonata: 181 lb-ft Mirai: 221 lb-ft More torque means stronger pulling from low speeds, which you feel when accelerating from a stop or climbing grades.
Space & Practicality
Sonata leads
The Mirai has a tough time in the space & practicality section, where the Sonata pulls well ahead. The Sonata comes with 67% more cargo space. Cargo space behind the rear seats is what you use every day for groceries, strollers and luggage. Bottom line for space & practicality: the Sonata has the edge.
Cargo (behind rear seats)
Sonata: 16 cu ft Mirai: 9.6 cu ft The Sonata’s larger cargo area makes family trips and big shopping runs easier.
Off-road & Towing
Sonata leads
The off-road & towing numbers lean toward the Sonata, not dramatically but consistently. The Sonata delivers available all-wheel drive. All-wheel drive helps you get going on slippery roads, but good tires matter just as much for stopping and turning. If off-road & towing is your priority, the Sonata is the car to pick.
AWD / 4WD available
Sonata: yes Mirai: no The Sonata offers all-wheel drive; the Mirai doesn’t, which matters if you face harsh winters.
Safety & Tech
Too close to call
On safety & tech, the Sonata and the Mirai are effectively level. Either car will serve you equally well on safety & tech.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Sonata | Mirai |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Hydrogen fuel cell |
| Engine | 2.5L I4 | Fuel cell stack + electric motor (134 kW) |
| Total system output | 191 hp | 182 hp |
| Torque | 181 lb-ft | 221 lb-ft (winner) Most torque in class |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | Single-speed |
| Drivetrain | FWD (AWD available) | RWD |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Sonata | Mirai |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 32 mpg | N/A (not specified) |
| Fuel economy (city) | 28 mpg | N/A (not specified) |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 38 mpg | N/A (not specified) |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Sonata | Mirai |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | 16 cu ft (winner) | 9.6 cu ft Smallest cargo area |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Sonata | Mirai |
|---|---|---|
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes (winner) | No |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Sonata | Mirai |
|---|---|---|
| Largest touchscreen | 12.3 in | 12.3 in |
| Driver-assist suite | Hyundai SmartSense | N/A (not specified) |
| Basic warranty | 5 yr / 60,000 mi | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | Sonata | Mirai |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 192.9 in | 195.8 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | 73.2 in | 74.2 in |
| Height | 56.9 in | 57.9 in |
| Wheelbase | 111.8 in | 114.9 in |
Price
| Spec | Sonata | Mirai |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | N/A (not specified) | $51,795 Priciest in class |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the Sonata if…
- you haul strollers, luggage or sports gear every week (16 cu ft vs 9.6 cu ft)
- you want all-wheel drive available
- you like a car that takes up less room
Choose the Mirai if…
- you want more pulling power from low speeds (221 lb-ft vs 181 lb-ft of torque)
- you like more of everything, size included
- you prefer staying with Toyota
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the Sonata or the Mirai?
For most people, the Sonata is the stronger choice, unless your top priority is 40 lb-ft more torque.
Is the Sonata bigger than the Mirai?
It’s the Mirai that is larger: 195.8 × 74.2 × 57.9 in, versus 192.9 × 73.2 × 56.9 in for the Sonata.
Executive Summary
Let me cut through the brand noise around the Sonata and the Mirai. It’s hard to argue with 67% more cargo space, which is exactly what the Sonata brings. Another thing in the Sonata’s favor is available all-wheel drive. The Mirai does have a strong card to play: 40 lb-ft more torque.
If your days lean on space & practicality, I’d pick the Sonata; if they lean on engine & performance, the Mirai.
My pick: the Sonata gets my vote, but the Mirai is the right call if you know that 40 lb-ft more torque would make a real difference in your routine.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.