2021 Hyundai Sonata vs 2020 Nissan Altima

The 2020 Nissan Altima, available in Canada in S, SV, and Platinum trims, presented a sleek and modern design, especially in its Platinum variant. The car's exterior was enhanced by 19-inch machined-finish aluminum wheels, although some design elements, like the door handle alignment and rear diffuser panel, were less appealing. Inside, the Altima boasted a clean and contemporary design with ergonomic simplicity. The infotainment system was user-friendly, and the materials used were on par with the midsize sedan segment, though limited to black or gray colour options.

In contrast, the 2021 Hyundai Sonata offered a bold and distinctive design, particularly in its N Line variant. The N Line's styling included larger air intakes, gloss black accents, and 19-inch aluminum alloy wheels, giving it a sportier appearance. The interior featured sport front seats with Nappa leather and Dinamica suede, red stitching, and dark chrome accents, creating a more upscale and sporty feel. The panoramic sunroof added to the sense of space and luxury, making the Sonata N Line a visually striking and comfortable choice.

The 2020 Nissan Altima in Canada was powered by a 2.5-litre 4-cylinder engine producing 188 horsepower, paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) and standard all-wheel drive. The Altima's suspension and steering systems contributed to a smooth and controlled ride, with Intelligent Ride Control and Intelligent Trace Control enhancing handling. The CVT was designed to mimic a traditional automatic, though it occasionally produced sudden power surges.

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata N Line, on the other hand, featured a turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine delivering 290 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque. It was equipped with an eight-speed wet dual-clutch automatic transmission and offered multiple driving modes. The Sonata N Line's performance was further enhanced by sport-tuned suspension, larger brakes, and improved steering. Despite being front-wheel drive, the car handled well, with minimal understeer and excellent suspension tuning, making it a joy to drive on various road conditions.

The 2020 Nissan Altima's interior was designed for comfort, with NASA-inspired seats providing a sensation of weightlessness. However, it lacked a front passenger seat height adjuster and ventilated front seats. The Altima offered heated front seats, side mirrors, and an optional heated steering wheel. Interior storage was ample, though it lacked a wireless charging pad. The trunk provided 436 litres of space, with useful features like grocery bag hooks and an interior grab handle.

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata N Line's interior combined comfort and sportiness, with heated front sport seats and a manual seat height adjuster for the passenger. Rear-seat comfort was adequate, with rear air conditioning vents and a USB port. The Sonata's trunk offered 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 Nissan Altima featured an 8-inch infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Available upgrades included a navigation system, Bose audio, and NissanConnect Services. The system was user-friendly, though voice recognition could be improved.

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata N Line came with a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system. It included navigation, wireless charging, and a Bose sound system. While the system offered many features, the lack of a tuning knob and occasional touch-sensing issues were drawbacks. The Sonata also provided ambient noise tracks for a calming driving experience.

The 2020 Nissan Altima offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and ProPilot Assist. However, the ProPilot Assist system was not entirely reliable. The Altima received a 5-star rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS.

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata N Line was equipped with advanced safety features, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and Highway Drive Assist. The system was smooth and reliable, instilling confidence in the driver. While the N Line had not been independently tested, the standard Sonata received high safety ratings.