2021 Hyundai Sonata vs 2021 Nissan Maxima

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata, redesigned for the 2020 model year, presented a bold and distinctive appearance that was unmistakably a Sonata. Its styling, from the broad grille to the tapered tail, was a love-it-or-hate-it proposition. 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 side mirrors. The 19-inch aluminum alloy wheels and a subtle gloss black lip spoiler added to its stealthy performance look. Inside, the Sonata N Line featured sport front seats with Nappa leather bolsters and Dinamica suede inserts, red stitching, and a panoramic sunroof, creating a sporty yet comfortable interior.

In contrast, the 2021 Nissan Maxima, as a flagship sedan, set the tone for other Nissan models with its bold styling elements like the "floating" roofline and "V-Motion" grille. The Maxima distinguished itself with a steeply-angled front end and massive grille, reminiscent of an Art Deco locomotive. The 40th Anniversary Edition trim, although not available in Canada, offered features like 19-inch gloss-black alloy wheels and black exterior trim. The Maxima's design was sporty, but its styling was not as universally appealing as the Sonata's.

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata N Line was equipped with a turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 290 horsepower at 5,800 rpm and 311 pound-feet of torque from 1,650 to 4,000 rpm. It featured an eight-speed wet dual-clutch automatic transmission with paddle shifters and a launch control system. The Sonata N Line offered multiple driving modes, including Normal, Sport, Sport+, and Custom, and an Active Sound Design system that enhanced the engine note. The car's sport-tuned suspension, larger brakes, and improved steering made it a joy to drive on winding roads, with minimal understeer and excellent handling. Fuel efficiency was rated at 8.8 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, though real-world testing showed slightly higher consumption.

The 2021 Nissan Maxima came with a 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering 300 horsepower and 261 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and front-wheel drive. While not a "four-door sports car," the Maxima was quick and the V6 engine sounded great. The CVT was responsive, and the Maxima handled corners well, though its steering lacked precision and feel. Torque steer was present under heavy throttle, affecting confidence on twisty roads. The Maxima excelled in highway cruising, with a quiet cabin and comfortable ride, despite its stiff suspension and 19-inch wheels.

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata N Line offered heated front sport seats with Dinamica suede inserts for comfort and support. The front passenger seat had a manual height adjuster, enhancing comfort for both front occupants. Rear-seat passengers had limited legroom and thigh support, but rear air conditioning vents and a USB port were available. The Sonata's trunk provided 453 litres of space, with a 60/40-split folding rear seat for added utility. The hands-free trunk release feature was convenient, though the lack of an interior handle could be inconvenient.

The 2021 Nissan Maxima prioritized front-seat space, with generous headroom and legroom, but rear-seat passengers had limited space. The seats were positioned inboard, affecting the feeling of spaciousness. The Maxima featured "Zero Gravity" front seats with power adjustments and extra bolstering for comfort. However, the trunk space was limited to 405 litres, the smallest in its class, and the sedan design limited cargo loading compared to hatchback competitors.

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata N Line featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with navigation, wireless smartphone charging, and a Bose premium sound system. It included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Blue Link connected services, but lacked a WiFi hotspot. The infotainment system's design was sleek, but the lack of a tuning knob and the placement of the volume control knob were frustrating. The system offered ambient noise tracks for stress relief.

The 2021 Nissan Maxima's technology showed its age, with an 8-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility. A WiFi hotspot and USB ports were standard, along with an 11-speaker Bose audio system. The infotainment system's graphics and icons were dated, and notification sounds were confusing. However, the Maxima provided analog controls for climate and audio, making it easier to use without relying on the touchscreen.

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata N Line came with a comprehensive suite of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS), including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot warning, and more. The N Line also featured a Rear Occupant Alert system and Safe Exit Warning. The standard Sonata received high safety ratings, but the N Line had not been independently tested by the NHTSA or IIHS.

The 2021 Nissan Maxima received a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. It included standard safety features like automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and more. The Maxima also offered a 360-degree camera system on higher trims, but lacked the ProPilot Assist system available in other Nissan models.