2021 Hyundai Sonata vs 2021 Hyundai Elantra

The 2021 Hyundai Elantra was a standout in the compact sedan category, thanks to its bold and distinctive design. It adopted Hyundai’s Sensuous Sportiness design language, featuring sharp creases and dramatic angles that gave it a unique and appealing look. The Z-shaped dent in the car’s doors, a controversial design cue, was intended to break conventional automotive design rules and add character to the vehicle. The Elantra's styling was further enhanced as you moved up the trim levels, with the Ultimate trim offering a particularly modern and upscale interior with light gray seats and contrasting black cabin elements.

In contrast, the 2021 Hyundai Sonata, redesigned for the 2020 model year, presented a love-it-or-hate-it styling proposition. Its daring design, from the broad grille to the tapered tail, made it instantly recognizable as a Sonata. The N Line treatment added functional and stylistic changes, such as larger air intakes and gloss black accents, enhancing its sporty appeal. Inside, the Sonata N Line featured sport front seats with premium materials, a panoramic sunroof, and dark chrome accents, creating a balance between sportiness and comfort.

The 2021 Hyundai Elantra offered a range of powertrain options, including a standard 2.0-litre 4-cylinder engine producing 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque, paired with a CVT. This setup provided adequate power for city driving but felt underwhelming on the highway. The Elantra Hybrid, with a 1.6-litre Atkinson-cycle engine and electric motor, delivered 139 horsepower and impressive fuel efficiency, though real-world consumption was slightly higher than expected due to mountainous terrain. The Elantra N Line, with a turbocharged 1.6-litre engine producing 201 horsepower, offered a sportier driving experience with a sport-tuned suspension and larger brakes. The high-performance Elantra N, with a turbocharged 2.0-litre engine generating 276 horsepower, provided exhilarating performance and precise handling, making it a driving enthusiast’s dream.

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata N Line, equipped with a turbocharged 2.5-litre engine producing 290 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, offered a compelling blend of power and refinement. Its eight-speed wet DCT and sport-tuned suspension contributed to a dynamic driving experience, with responsive steering and robust brakes. Despite being front-wheel drive, the Sonata N Line managed to minimize understeer, and its suspension effectively controlled body roll and excess motion. The car’s fuel efficiency was slightly below expectations during spirited driving, but it remained a comfortable and quiet cruiser on highways and city streets.

The 2021 Hyundai Elantra was classified as a midsize car by Natural Resources Canada, offering a spacious interior with a height-adjustable driver’s seat and tilt/telescopic steering wheel. Rear-seat legroom was nearly as generous as the larger Sonata, though the Elantra lacked rear air conditioning vents and USB ports. The trunk provided 402 litres of cargo space, with a 60/40-split folding rear seat for added utility. However, the absence of a grab handle inside the trunk and the use of hard plastics in some areas were noted drawbacks.

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata N Line featured heated front sport seats with Dinamica suede inserts, providing a balance of comfort and lateral support. The front passenger seat included a manual height adjuster, enhancing comfort for both front occupants. While the Sonata felt wider than the Elantra, rear-seat legroom and thigh support were similar, with the addition of rear air conditioning vents and a USB port. The trunk offered 453 litres of space, with a hands-free release feature for convenience. However, the lack of a handle inside the trunk lid was a minor inconvenience.

The 2021 Hyundai Elantra came equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Higher trims featured a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation and a digital instrument cluster, though wireless smartphone integration was lost with this upgrade. The system included a dynamic voice recognition system and a Bose premium audio option, providing impressive sound quality for the price point.

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata N Line boasted a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel paired with a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Standard features included navigation, wireless smartphone charging, and a Bose premium sound system. While the system offered comprehensive connectivity options, the lack of a tuning knob and occasional issues with voice recognition were noted drawbacks. The infotainment system also featured a Sounds of Nature function, providing ambient noise tracks for stress relief.

The 2021 Hyundai Elantra was built on a new platform with multiple structural collision energy pathways. Most models included Hyundai’s SmartSense suite of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS), featuring forward collision-avoidance assist, lane-keeping assist, and more. Higher trims offered additional safety features like adaptive cruise control and Highway Drive Assist, providing a smooth and refined driving experience.

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata N Line came equipped with a comprehensive suite of ADAS, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and Highway Drive Assist. The system operated smoothly and accurately, instilling confidence in the driver. While the N Line had not been independently tested by safety organizations, the standard Sonata received high ratings for occupant protection, contributing to the N Line’s overall safety appeal.