2021 Hyundai Sonata vs 2021 Honda Accord

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 larger air intakes and gloss black accents, which improved engine cooling and added a stealthy performance hint. The interior featured sport front seats with premium materials, red stitching, and a panoramic sunroof, creating a sporty yet comfortable environment.

In contrast, the 2021 Honda Accord received a mid-generation refresh that refined its classic design. The wider, restyled grille and smaller fog light openings gave it a sophisticated appearance. The Accord's interior was spacious and well-appointed, with high-quality materials and a focus on comfort and practicality. The new Sonic Gray Pearl paint option added a unique touch to the Sport and Touring models, enhancing the Accord's visual appeal.

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 with paddle shifters and a launch control system. The Sonata N Line offered multiple driving modes and an Active Sound Design system, enhancing the driving experience. Its sport-tuned suspension and larger brakes provided excellent handling and braking performance, making it a joy to drive on winding roads. Despite its front-wheel-drive layout, the Sonata N Line minimized understeer and offered a comfortable ride.

The 2021 Honda Accord offered two engine options: a 192-horsepower turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine and a more powerful 252-horsepower 2.0-litre turbo-four. The smaller engine was paired with a CVT, while the larger engine came with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Both engines provided good fuel efficiency, with the 1.5-litre engine being more economical. The Accord's driving dynamics were engaging, with precise steering and smooth braking. While not as sporty as the Sonata N Line, the Accord offered a balanced and comfortable ride.

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata N Line featured heated front sport seats with Dinamica suede inserts, providing a balance between comfort and support. The rear seats offered limited legroom and thigh support, but rear air conditioning vents and a USB port added convenience. The Sonata's trunk offered 453 litres of space, with a hands-free trunk release feature for added practicality.

The 2021 Honda Accord excelled in interior space and comfort, with ample head-, hip-, and legroom for both front and rear passengers. The Accord's trunk provided 473 litres of cargo space, surpassing most midsize sedans. The cabin was well-designed, with easy access to controls and a user-friendly infotainment system. While small-item storage was limited, the Accord offered a practical and comfortable interior.

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 features like onboard navigation, wireless smartphone charging, and a Bose premium sound system. However, the lack of a tuning knob and occasional touch-sensing issues detracted from the user experience. The Sonata's infotainment system also offered ambient noise tracks for a calming driving experience.

The 2021 Honda Accord featured an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen with physical volume and tuning knobs. Standard features included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and two USB ports. Higher trims added satellite radio, a wireless phone charger, and a premium audio system. The Accord Touring models offered additional features like onboard navigation, rain-sensing wipers, and a head-up display, enhancing the overall technology package.

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. The N Line also featured a Rear Occupant Alert system and a Safe Exit Warning system. While the N Line had not been independently tested by safety organizations, the standard Sonata received high safety ratings.

The 2021 Honda Accord came standard with a robust set of safety features, including vehicle stability assist, brake assist, and a rearview camera. The Honda Sensing suite added lane-keeping assist, blind spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. The Accord received top safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA, making it a reliable choice for safety-conscious buyers.