2021 Hyundai Sonata vs 2021 Volkswagen Jetta

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 further enhanced this look with functional and stylistic changes, such as 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, red stitching, and a panoramic sunroof, creating a sporty yet upscale atmosphere.

In contrast, the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta adopted a more dramatic design compared to its predecessor, with a longer and wider stance that gave it an upscale presence. The angular grille, inspired by the VW Arteon, added a touch of flair, though some found it excessive for a compact sedan. Inside, the Jetta continued the angular design language, offering a spacious and functional cabin. The seats were comfortable for long drives, and the interior featured a blend of soft-touch materials and practical controls, making it both attractive and user-friendly.

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 with a sporty exhaust note. The car's suspension and steering were tuned for performance, providing a responsive and engaging drive, while the brakes proved reliable during spirited driving. Despite being front-wheel drive, the Sonata N Line handled well, with minimal understeer and excellent body control. Fuel efficiency was rated at 8.8 litres per 100 kilometres combined, though real-world driving conditions varied.

The 2021 Volkswagen Jetta featured a 1.4-litre turbo inline four-cylinder engine, delivering 147 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. Despite having slightly less power than its predecessor, the engine felt more responsive, aided by an eight-speed automatic transmission that improved power delivery and efficiency. A six-speed manual transmission was also available on select trims. The Jetta's engine and transmission combination provided smooth acceleration and capable highway performance. The steering was well-weighted and precise, offering a balance of comfort and sportiness. The Jetta's ride quality was refined, handling rough roads with ease. Fuel efficiency was impressive, with the manual transmission achieving 6.9 litres per 100 kilometres combined and the automatic at 7.1 L/100 km.

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata N Line offered heated front sport seats with a balance of comfort and support, featuring Dinamica suede inserts for added grip. The front passenger seat included a manual height adjuster, enhancing comfort for both occupants. Rear-seat space was adequate, with rear air conditioning vents and a USB port adding convenience. 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 was a practical feature, though the lack of an interior handle could be inconvenient.

The 2021 Volkswagen Jetta provided comfortable front seats suitable for long journeys, with adequate rear-seat legroom and headroom. The trunk offered 399 litres of space, typical for the class. The interior layout was practical, with a well-placed touchscreen and physical controls for climate and volume, enhancing usability. The centre tray was spacious, and the overall design prioritized function, making the Jetta a practical choice for everyday use.

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata N Line came equipped with a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Standard features included onboard navigation, wireless smartphone charging, and a Bose premium sound system. The infotainment system supported Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth, though it lacked a WiFi hotspot. The absence of a tuning knob was a drawback, and the voice recognition system was not always reliable. The Sounds of Nature feature provided ambient noise tracks for a calming driving experience.

The 2021 Volkswagen Jetta offered a 6.5-inch touchscreen display with Volkswagen’s Car-Net App-Connect, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto as standard. The Execline trim featured Volkswagen’s Digital Cockpit, a customizable digital display that could project navigation information. This feature added a modern touch to the Jetta's technology suite, enhancing the driving experience without requiring a top-tier trim for navigation capabilities.

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, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot warning. Additional features included a Rear Occupant Alert system, Safe Exit Warning, and Highway Drive Assist. The standard Sonata received high safety ratings, though the N Line had not been independently tested by the NHTSA or IIHS at the time of review.

The 2021 Volkswagen Jetta included front and side airbags, a reversing camera, and a tire pressure monitoring system. Higher trims offered additional safety features like blind-spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. The Jetta received a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA and a Good rating in IIHS crash tests, though its headlights were rated Marginal to Poor, affecting its Top Safety Pick status.