2021 Hyundai Sonata vs 2020 Toyota Corolla

The 2020 Toyota Corolla, with its redesigned exterior, was not initially considered attractive, resembling a hungry alien. However, when equipped with SE or XSE trim and the Celestite paint colour, it presented a more appealing compact sedan look. The interior quality saw significant improvements, with soft-touch surfaces replacing the previously cheap plastics, although the transmission shifter reminded drivers of its economy car status. The Corolla's pricing started at a base MSRP of $18,990, with various trims offering different features and efficiencies, such as the sportier SE or XSE trim and the fuel-efficient Hybrid LE.

In contrast, the 2021 Hyundai Sonata offered a bold and distinctive design, especially with the N Line treatment, which enhanced its sporty appearance. The front fascia was restyled for better engine cooling, and the car featured gloss black accents and 19-inch aluminum alloy wheels. The interior was equally impressive, with sport front seats, premium materials, and a panoramic sunroof. The Sonata N Line's design suggested performance enhancements, making it a more appealing choice for those seeking a sporty yet comfortable ride.

The 2020 Toyota Corolla offered a 1.8-litre 4-cylinder engine with 139 horsepower for the L, LE, and XLE trims, paired with a CVT. The SE and XSE trims provided a more powerful 169-horsepower, 2.0-litre engine, with a sophisticated CVT and paddle shifters. The Corolla XSE's sporty driving experience was well-tuned, with a smooth ride and accurate handling, though it lacked power for rapid acceleration. Fuel efficiency was rated at 7.7 L/100 km in the city and 6.1 on the highway, with an average of 7.9 L/100 km during testing.

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata N Line, on the other hand, was equipped with a turbocharged 2.5-litre engine producing 290 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque. It featured an eight-speed wet dual-clutch automatic transmission with paddle shifters and multiple driving modes. The Sonata N Line's performance was impressive, with responsive steering, firm suspension, and excellent brakes. Despite being front-wheel drive, it handled well with minimal understeer. Fuel efficiency was rated at 8.8 L/100 km combined, with an average of 9.9 L/100 km during testing.

The 2020 Toyota Corolla, though smaller than a Camry, was practical for a family of four. However, rear passengers found it uncomfortable due to the lack of air-conditioning vents and USB ports. The front seats were comfortable, but the low seating position was not ideal for everyone. Storage space was limited, with small cupholders and a trunk capacity of 371 litres.

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata N Line offered heated front sport seats with a balance of comfort and support. Rear passengers benefited from air conditioning vents and a USB port, though the hard plastic seatbacks could be uncomfortable for taller passengers. The Sonata's trunk was spacious at 453 litres, with a hands-free release feature, though it lacked an interior handle for closing.

The 2020 Toyota Corolla featured the Entune 3.0 infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, but not Android Auto. The system was user-friendly, with a high-mounted touchscreen and familiar controls. Higher trims offered an 8-inch display and additional features like SiriusXM and advanced voice recognition.

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata N Line came with 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, along with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. However, the lack of a tuning knob and occasional issues with voice recognition were drawbacks.

The 2020 Toyota Corolla was equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, offering features like adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. It received a 5-star rating from the NHTSA and was named a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS.

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata N Line featured a comprehensive suite of ADAS, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and Highway Drive Assist. While the N Line had not been independently tested, the standard Sonata received high safety ratings from the IIHS.