Ott Tänak, who switched to M-sport Ford before the season, was in the lead by just over two seconds halfway through the day.
After a superb afternoon by Irishman Craig Breen, who is back in Hyundai, the roles were reversed.
Breen took two stage wins straight after the service break and looked to be enjoying himself in the car.
The Irishman had a tough year in Ford last year, breaking five of the last six races of the season.
Before the Swedish rally, Breen told us that his main goal now in his season premiere was to find joy again.
- Last year I was mostly upside down or stuck in a hedge somewhere, so it's like music to the ears to be in the lead tonight, says Breen.
Driving almost perfect
- Breen is so worth it!
After a tough last year, you can see what this means for him.
He has shown emotion in the stretch goals that concern.
The driving has been close to perfect on a lot of rutted roads, says SVT's expert Jonas Kruse.
Behind Breen and Tänak, Esapekka Lappi is chasing third place, 11.2 seconds from the lead.
Tomorrow's stage is long and difficult, so it is set for a continued even battle.