2021 Hyundai Sonata vs 2020 Hyundai Elantra

The 2020 Hyundai Elantra retained its bold geometric styling from the previous year, which was a departure from its earlier Genesis Jr. design cues. This model year did not introduce any visual changes, maintaining the angular headlight, fog light, and wheel designs that contrasted sharply with the chrome grille and detailing. The interior was updated to offer a more upscale appearance, with silver trim accents enhancing the air vents, climate control panel, and other areas. However, the presence of hard and glossy plastics reminded occupants of its mainstream compact car status.

In contrast, the 2021 Hyundai Sonata presented a daringly distinctive design, characterized by its broad grille and tapered tail. The N Line treatment further enhanced its appeal with functional and stylistic changes, such as larger air intakes and gloss black accents. The Sonata's interior featured sport front seats with premium materials, red stitching, and a panoramic sunroof, offering a blend of comfort and sportiness. The overall design suggested performance enhancements, making it a more visually appealing option for those seeking a sportier aesthetic.

The 2020 Hyundai Elantra offered a base 147-horsepower, 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine paired with a new continuously variable transmission (CVT), replacing the previous six-speed automatic. The Elantra Sport trim featured a 1.6-litre turbocharged engine producing 201 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque, with an independent rear suspension for improved handling. Despite the CVT's promise of better fuel efficiency, real-world testing showed an average of 8.0 L/100 km, falling short of expectations. The Elantra's torsion beam axle rear suspension detracted from ride quality, making the Sport trim with its independent suspension a more enjoyable drive.

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata N Line was equipped with a turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, delivering 290 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque. An eight-speed wet dual-clutch automatic transmission with paddle shifters and launch control enhanced its performance. The Sonata N Line's sport-tuned suspension, larger brakes, and improved steering made it a delight to drive on winding roads. Despite being front-wheel drive, it handled well with minimal understeer. Fuel efficiency was rated at 8.8 L/100 km in combined driving, though real-world testing averaged 9.9 L/100 km under varied conditions.

The 2020 Hyundai Elantra provided comfortable seating for four adults, with a fifth person fitting for short trips. It featured power driver’s seat adjustment, leather upholstery, and a sliding centre console armrest. The trunk offered 407 litres of space, comparable to some midsize sedans. However, rear passengers lacked air conditioning vents, which could be uncomfortable in warmer weather.

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata N Line offered heated front sport seats with Dinamica suede inserts for comfort and support. Rear-seat passengers benefited from air conditioning vents and a USB port, though legroom and thigh support were similar to the Elantra. The Sonata's trunk provided 453 litres of space, with a hands-free release feature for convenience. The interior materials were of higher quality, though hard plastic seatback panels could be uncomfortable for taller passengers.

The 2020 Hyundai Elantra came with a standard touchscreen infotainment system, with screen sizes ranging from 5 to 8 inches depending on the trim. Higher trims included features like a wireless charging pad, premium Infinity sound system, and navigation. The system was user-friendly, with shortcut buttons and knobs for easy operation.

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata N Line featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system. It included navigation, wireless charging, and a Bose sound system, but lacked a WiFi hotspot. The absence of a tuning knob was a drawback, and the voice recognition system was not always reliable. The system offered ambient noise tracks to help reduce stress during drives.

The 2020 Hyundai Elantra offered advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) on the Preferred trim, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. The Ultimate grade added features like adaptive cruise control and pedestrian detection. It earned a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS with full LED headlights and a four-star rating from the NHTSA.

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata N Line came with a comprehensive suite of ADAS, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and Highway Drive Assist. The system was smooth and reliable, encouraging its use. The standard Sonata received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS, though the N Line had not been independently tested at the time of review.