2021 Hyundai Sonata vs 2022 Honda Civic

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata presented a bold redesign that was unmistakably distinctive, with its broad grille and tapered tail. The N Line version further enhanced this daring look with functional and stylistic changes, such as larger air intakes and gloss black accents, which made the car more appealing while maintaining a stealthy performance-oriented appearance. Inside, the Sonata N Line featured sport front seats with premium materials, red stitching, and a panoramic sunroof, creating a sporty yet comfortable environment.

In contrast, the 2022 Honda Civic adopted a more conservative and mature design, reminiscent of the larger Accord sedan. This 11th-generation Civic was less flashy than its predecessor, appealing to those who preferred a more tailored look. The interior focused on simplicity, with a minimalistic layout and improved materials, especially in the Touring trim. The dashboard featured a metal honeycomb mesh that elegantly concealed the air vents, contributing to a refined and mature cabin atmosphere.

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 driving modes like Normal, Sport, Sport+, and Custom. The Sonata N Line excelled in handling, with improved steering, larger brakes, and a sport-tuned suspension, making it a joy to drive on winding roads. Despite its front-wheel-drive layout, the car handled well with minimal understeer, and the suspension provided a comfortable ride without sacrificing performance. Fuel efficiency was rated at 8.8 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, though real-world tests showed slightly higher consumption.

The 2022 Honda Civic offered two engine options: a 2.0-litre four-cylinder with 158 horsepower and a turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder with 180 horsepower. The latter, available in the Touring trim, provided a satisfying blend of performance and efficiency. Both engines were paired with continuously variable transmissions, featuring Step Shift programming for a more traditional driving feel. The Civic's handling was enhanced by improved structural rigidity and suspension tuning, offering a fun and responsive driving experience. However, the Civic Touring's fuel efficiency fell short of expectations, averaging 7.7 litres per 100 kilometres during testing.

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata N Line offered comfortable heated front sport seats with Dinamica suede inserts, providing a balance between support and comfort. Rear-seat passengers had limited legroom and thigh support, but rear air conditioning vents and a USB port added convenience. The Sonata's trunk was spacious, with 453 litres of volume and a hands-free release feature, though closing the trunk required getting hands dirty if the car was not clean.

The 2022 Honda Civic prioritized comfort with redesigned front seats offering excellent support, especially in the Touring trim. The rear seat provided ample legroom, though the backrest angle might not suit everyone. The Civic lacked rear air conditioning vents but included heated rear seats in the Touring trim. Interior storage was less flexible than before, but the trunk remained generous at 419 litres, with a split-folding backseat for added utility.

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 sound system. While the system included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, it lacked a WiFi hotspot and had some usability issues, such as the absence of a tuning knob and occasional touch-sensing errors. The Sounds of Nature feature offered ambient noise tracks for a calming driving experience.

The 2022 Honda Civic boasted digital instrumentation, with the Touring trim offering a 10-inch display with customizable features. The infotainment system included a 9-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless charging, and a Bose audio system. The Civic's system was user-friendly, with a ledge for hand stabilization and effective voice recognition technology, though it had a slow load time when starting the engine.

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata N Line came with a comprehensive suite of advanced driving assistance systems, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. Additional features like Rear Occupant Alert and Safe Exit Warning enhanced safety. While the standard Sonata received high safety ratings, the N Line had not been independently tested by NHTSA or IIHS at the time of review.

The 2022 Honda Civic featured an upgraded Honda Sensing suite with Traffic Jam Assist, improved lane-keeping assist, and a new blind-spot warning system. The Civic's architecture was stronger, with new airbag designs and rear side-impact airbags. A rear-seat reminder system was standard, enhancing safety for all occupants.