2021 Hyundai Sonata vs 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata presented a bold redesign that was both striking and polarizing. Its distinctive styling, from the broad grille to the tapered tail, made it unmistakably a Sonata. The N Line version enhanced this look with functional and stylistic changes, such as a restyled front fascia with larger air intakes and gloss black accents, which added a stealthy performance hint. Inside, the Sonata N Line featured sport front seats with premium materials, a panoramic sunroof, and dark chrome accents, creating a sporty yet comfortable environment.

In contrast, the 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid was praised for its elegant design, showcasing a well-proportioned and stylish exterior. Minor updates for the year included a new grille and revised headlights, enhancing its already appealing look. The Touring trim added 19-inch wheels, although they required more effort to keep clean. Inside, the Accord Hybrid offered an upscale cabin with quality materials, logical controls, and excellent visibility. The simulated wood trim and polished metallic accents contributed to a sophisticated atmosphere, although some hard plastic elements were less impressive.

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata N Line was equipped with a turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 290 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque. This power was managed by an eight-speed wet dual-clutch automatic transmission, offering various driving modes and an Active Sound Design system for an engaging driving experience. The Sonata N Line excelled in handling, with improved steering, brakes, and suspension, making it a joy to drive on winding roads. Despite being front-wheel drive, it handled understeer well and provided a comfortable ride. Fuel efficiency was rated at 8.8 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, though real-world tests showed slightly higher consumption.

The 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid featured a two-motor hybrid system with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, delivering a combined 212 horsepower and 232 pound-feet of torque. The system used an electronic continuously variable transmission, providing smooth and responsive performance. The Accord Hybrid offered three operational modes and additional driver-selectable modes for tailored driving experiences. It boasted excellent fuel efficiency, with a combined rating of 5.0 litres per 100 kilometres. The car's handling was agile, with a well-tuned suspension and effective regenerative braking, making it enjoyable to drive.

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata N Line offered comfortable heated front sport seats with Dinamica suede inserts for support during spirited driving. Rear-seat accommodations were less generous, with limited legroom and comfort compared to the Elantra N Line. Interior storage was practical, and the trunk provided 453 litres of space, with a hands-free release feature for convenience. However, the lack of a handle on the trunk lid could be inconvenient.

The 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid impressed with its spacious interior, offering a full-size sedan experience. The driver's seat was 12-way power-adjustable, and the rear seats were heated, providing comfort for all passengers. Interior storage was ample, with a large centre console and door bins. The trunk was a standout feature, offering 473 litres of space, larger than competitors, and accommodating full-size suitcases with ease. The 60/40 split-folding rear seats further enhanced utility.

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 smartphone charging, and a Bose sound system, but lacked a WiFi hotspot. The absence of a tuning knob was a drawback, and the infotainment system's design occasionally led to accidental touch activations. The voice recognition system was mostly accurate, and the Sounds of Nature feature provided ambient noise options for relaxation.

The 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Touring trim added a head-up display and navigation with voice recognition, though it required specific commands. USB port access was improved, and wireless charging was standard. The system was user-friendly, but the voice-activated navigation struggled with certain tasks, such as locating nearby hospitals.

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata N Line was equipped with a comprehensive suite of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS), including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. It also featured a Rear Occupant Alert system and Highway Drive Assist. The standard Sonata received high safety ratings, but the N Line had not been independently tested by the NHTSA or IIHS at the time of review.

The 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid aimed to achieve a Top Safety Pick+ rating by improving its LED headlights. It included blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and low-speed braking control. The Honda Sensing suite offered adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist, though some features were intrusive. The low-speed automatic braking system required recalibration, as it occasionally misidentified obstacles.