2020 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid vs 2021 Lexus ES

The 2020 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid was a head-turner, even among those who weren't car enthusiasts. Its sleek, fastback profile and elegant design were a testament to Hyundai's transformation from a brand once known for less appealing vehicles. The Sonata's design, led by Peter Schreyer and Luc Donckerwolfe, was a significant departure from its predecessors, boasting a wide grille, low stance, and smooth contours. The Hybrid model featured unique turbine-style wheels, a redesigned grille, and an optional solar roof, adding to its aerodynamic appeal. Inside, the Sonata Hybrid offered a luxurious experience with high-quality materials, ambient lighting, and a well-designed interior that rivaled more expensive brands.

In contrast, the 2021 Lexus ES was a blend of luxury and sportiness, particularly in the F Sport trim. The ES 350 F Sport featured 19-inch wheels, unique styling details, and a black and white interior that exuded sophistication. The Black Line Special Edition added exclusive touches like black wheels and a matching luggage set. The ES's design was characterized by its dramatic grille and artful detailing, making it a visually appealing sedan. Inside, the ES offered comfort and quality, with sport-bolstered seats, ample rear legroom, and a well-thought-out cabin design. Despite sharing a platform with the Toyota Avalon, the ES maintained its Lexus identity with high-quality materials and a focus on luxury.

The 2020 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid was powered by a 2.0-liter Atkinson cycle engine paired with a 51-hp electric motor, delivering a combined 192 hp. The six-speed automatic transmission provided a more traditional driving experience compared to the CVTs found in most hybrids. While the gearbox occasionally hesitated, the Sonata Hybrid offered a smooth and quiet ride, with a soft suspension and light steering. The Blue trim boasted impressive fuel efficiency, achieving 50 mpg city, 54 mpg highway, and 52 mpg combined. The SEL and Limited trims offered more features but slightly lower fuel economy. Overall, the Sonata Hybrid provided a comfortable and efficient driving experience.

The 2021 Lexus ES 350 featured a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 302 hp and 267 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The ES 350 F Sport offered additional driving modes, including Sport+ and Custom, enhancing its performance. Lexus claimed a 0-60 mph time of 6.6 seconds, though the car felt quicker in real-world driving. The ES 350 F Sport delivered a dynamic driving experience, with a firm ride and flat cornering stance. However, it was not a true sports sedan, and the adaptive cruise and lane-keeping systems occasionally struggled in traffic. The ES 350 achieved an EPA rating of 25 mpg combined, with our testing averaging 22.9 mpg.

The 2020 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Limited trim featured solar panels that could generate extra driving range and run the air conditioning when parked. The interior offered spacious rear-seat legroom, heated seats, and a quiet cabin. Cargo space was generous at 16 cubic feet, with a cleverly hidden trunk release. The push-button gear selector and drive mode toggle were intuitive, and the Limited trim boasted a high-res digital dash and touchscreen.

The 2021 Lexus ES offered a daring interior layout with sport-bolstered front seats and ample rear legroom. The ES provided excellent outward visibility and plenty of storage, though the trunk was smaller at 13.9 cubic feet. The wireless smartphone charger was tucked under the center armrest, and the hands-free power trunk was a convenient feature. Overall, the ES's interior was comfortable and well-appointed, with a focus on luxury and practicality.

The 2020 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid's infotainment system was a highlight, with a soothing color scheme and intuitive interface. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Hyundai Blue Link. The digital key and live camera feeds for blind spots were standout features. The Highway Driving Assist and head-up display added to the car's tech-savvy appeal, making it feel like a more expensive vehicle.

The 2021 Lexus ES's infotainment system was less intuitive due to its touchpad interface, which required attention away from the road. However, the dynamic voice command technology was excellent, and the optional 12.3-inch display was visually impressive. Standard features included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and connected services. The 17-speaker Mark Levinson sound system was a premium option, enhancing the audio experience.

The 2020 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and was a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS. Standard safety features included lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and more. The Limited trim offered additional features like parking sensors and Highway Driving Assist.

The 2021 Lexus ES came with Lexus Safety System 2.0, which included a suite of advanced driving assistance systems. For 2021, blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert became standard on most trims. The ES was a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS and received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. The ADAS systems were effective, though some features required manual adjustments for optimal performance.