2020 Honda Civic vs 2021 Hyundai Sonata

The 2020 Honda Civic was a standout in Honda's lineup, offering a compact car experience with a touch of luxury typically associated with higher-end brands. It came in three body styles—sedan, coupe, and hatchback—each showcasing a sharp design that belied its compact size. The sedan featured an elongated, elegant body with a svelte roofline, while the hatchback had a slightly quirky tall rump. The Civic's exterior was visually stimulating, with body panel creases, wide headlights, and sweeping LED taillights accentuating its low and wide stance. The interior was simple yet refined, with soft-touch materials and high-quality switchgear. The 2020 model introduced new styling elements, including matte-black wheels and updated bumpers, enhancing its already appealing design.

In contrast, the 2021 Hyundai Sonata presented a bold redesign that was both distinctive and polarizing. Its styling was daring, with a broad grille and tapered tail that made it instantly recognizable. The N Line version added functional and stylistic enhancements, such as larger air intakes, gloss black accents, and 19-inch aluminum alloy wheels, giving it a stealthy, performance-oriented look. The interior featured sport seats with Nappa leather and Dinamica suede, red stitching, and aluminum pedal covers, creating a sporty yet comfortable environment. The panoramic sunroof added a sense of spaciousness, while the overall design exuded a sense of quality and sophistication.

The 2020 Honda Civic offered a range of engines and transmissions, all front-wheel drive. The base engine was a 2.0-litre inline 4-cylinder with 158 horsepower and 138 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed manual or a CVT. The 1.5-litre turbocharged engine, available on higher trims, delivered 174 to 180 horsepower, providing better mid-range acceleration. The Civic Si featured a boosted 1.5-litre engine with 205 horsepower, while the Type R boasted an impressive 306 horsepower. The Civic's powertrains were praised for their smoothness and responsiveness, with the Si offering a thrilling driving experience thanks to its adaptive dampers and precise steering. Fuel efficiency was commendable, with most models achieving around 8.0 L/100 km in the city and as low as 6.0 L/100 km on the highway.

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata N Line was equipped with a turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 290 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque. It featured an eight-speed wet dual-clutch automatic transmission with paddle shifters and a launch control system. The Sonata offered multiple driving modes, including Sport and Sport+, enhancing its performance capabilities. The N Line's sport-tuned suspension, larger brakes, and improved steering made it a joy to drive, especially on winding roads. Despite being front-wheel drive, the Sonata managed to minimize understeer, providing a balanced and engaging driving experience. Fuel efficiency was rated at 8.8 L/100 km combined, with real-world tests averaging 9.9 L/100 km.

The 2020 Honda Civic provided a spacious interior with practical features. The hatchback offered increased sound insulation and an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat on the EX model. The steering wheel housed controls for the central display and instrument panel, while the centre console featured configurable storage options. Rear passengers enjoyed ample space, though the lack of rear air vents was a notable oversight. The sedan's trunk offered 416 litres of cargo space, while the hatchback provided a generous 728 litres, expandable to 1,302 litres with the rear seats folded.

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata N Line featured heated front sport seats with Dinamica suede inserts, offering a balance of comfort and support. Rear passengers benefited from air conditioning vents and a USB port, though legroom and thigh support were not significantly better than the Elantra N Line. The Sonata's trunk provided 453 litres of space, with a 60/40-split folding rear seat for added utility. The hands-free trunk release was a convenient feature, though the lack of an interior handle could be inconvenient.

The 2020 Honda Civic's infotainment system was considered outdated, with a 7-inch touchscreen standard on most models. It included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while higher trims featured a Garmin-based navigation system. The Civic Si introduced Active Sound Control, though it was not universally appreciated. Standard features included push-button start, keyless entry, and heated front seats. Honda Sensing provided a suite of safety features, including adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist.

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata N Line boasted a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system. It included navigation, wireless smartphone charging, and a Bose premium sound system. While the lack of a tuning knob was a drawback, the system offered a range of features, including Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Blue Link connected services. The Sounds of Nature feature provided ambient noise tracks for a calming driving experience.

The 2020 Honda Civic came equipped with Honda Sensing, offering features like forward collision warning, emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. It earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS for most body styles and received five stars from the NHTSA, except for a four-star rating in the passenger frontal crash test for the coupe.

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata N Line featured a comprehensive suite of advanced driving assistance systems, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. It also offered unique features like Rear Occupant Alert and Safe Exit Warning. While the N Line had not been independently tested by the NHTSA or IIHS, the standard Sonata received high safety ratings.