2021 Lexus ES vs 2021 Hyundai Sonata

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata, redesigned for the 2020 model year, presented a bold and distinctive appearance that was unmistakably a Sonata. Its design was polarizing, with a broad grille and tapered tail that made it stand out. The N Line version enhanced the Sonata's appeal with functional and stylistic changes, such as a restyled front fascia with larger air intakes and gloss black accents. The interior featured sport front seats with premium Nappa leather and Dinamica suede inserts, red stitching, and dark chrome accents, creating a sporty yet refined atmosphere. A panoramic sunroof added to the sense of space and luxury.

In contrast, the 2021 Lexus ES offered a more traditional luxury sedan experience with a touch of sportiness. The ES lineup expanded to include the ES 250 with a 2.5-litre engine and AWD, alongside the ES 350 with a V6 engine and FWD. The ES 300h hybrid provided improved fuel efficiency. The Black Line Edition added unique styling elements, including black wheels and a black and white interior. The ES's design featured a dramatic grille and artful details, with the F Sport trim adding sporty touches. Inside, the ES boasted a striking black and white interior with quality materials, maintaining its reputation as a luxurious and comfortable sedan.

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. It featured an eight-speed wet dual-clutch automatic transmission with paddle shifters and various driving modes, including Sport+. The Sonata N Line excelled in handling, with improved steering, larger brakes, and a sport-tuned suspension. It delivered a thrilling driving experience on mountain roads, with minimal body roll and a comfortable ride. Fuel efficiency was rated at 8.8 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, though real-world testing showed slightly higher consumption.

The 2021 Lexus ES 350 featured a 3.5-litre V6 engine generating 302 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It offered driving modes like Normal, Eco, and Sport, with Sport+ and Custom modes available with the adaptive damping suspension. The ES 350 accelerated to 60 mph in 6.6 seconds, and its fuel efficiency was rated at 9.4 litres per 100 kilometres. The ES 350 Black Line Edition provided a sporty driving experience, though it was not as dynamic as a true sports sedan. It offered a firm ride, flat cornering, and overall athleticism, making it a competent and enjoyable drive.

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata N Line offered comfortable heated front sport seats with Dinamica suede inserts for lateral support. The rear seats were less accommodating, with limited legroom and thigh support, but rear air conditioning vents and a USB port were included. The Sonata's trunk provided 453 litres of space, with a hands-free trunk release feature. Interior storage was practical, though the centre console design was somewhat inelegant.

The 2021 Lexus ES provided a daring yet functional interior layout. The ES 350 F Sport and Black Line Edition featured sport-bolstered front seats with 10-way power adjustment, heating, and ventilation. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed ample legroom and comfort, with rear air conditioning vents and an available power rear window sunshade. The trunk offered 394 litres of space, with a hands-free power trunk feature. Storage was plentiful but oddly configured, with numerous small compartments.

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 premium sound system. The system supported Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth, but lacked a WiFi hotspot. The absence of a tuning knob was a drawback, and the voice recognition technology was not always reliable. The Sounds of Nature feature provided ambient noise tracks for relaxation.

The 2021 Lexus ES featured a 12.3-inch widescreen infotainment display, though it was not a touchscreen. The ES included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The dynamic voice command technology was excellent, allowing users to bypass the touchpad. The ES offered a 10-speaker premium sound system, with an optional 17-speaker Mark Levinson system. The infotainment system included a dynamic navigation system and connected services with a three-year subscription.

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, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot warning. 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.

The 2021 Lexus ES came with Lexus Safety System 2.0, which included forward-collision warning, lane-keeping assistance, and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard on most trims. The ADAS proved effective, though the lane-centring technology occasionally struggled. The ES received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.