2021 Hyundai Sonata vs 2022 Hyundai Sonata

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata presented a bold redesign that was a polarizing topic among car enthusiasts. Its daring and 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 amplified its appeal while toning down less popular elements. The interior of the 2021 model featured sport front seats with premium Nappa leather bolsters and Dinamica suede inserts, complemented by red stitching and dark chrome accents, creating a sporty yet sophisticated atmosphere.

In contrast, the 2022 Hyundai Sonata continued to evolve from its earlier iterations, which closely mimicked competitors like the Honda Accord. Over time, Hyundai infused the Sonata with more personality and flair, setting it apart from its rivals. The 2022 model retained the wide grille and sloped rear roofline, offering a distinctive yet divisive design. Inside, the cabin was functional and spacious, with a two-tone interior that added visual interest. The N Line trim added sporty touches, such as a body kit and unique N-brand sport seats, enhancing the car's aggressive styling.

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata N Line was equipped with a turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, producing an impressive 290 horsepower at 5,800 rpm and 311 pound-feet of torque from 1,650 to 4,000 rpm. This power was managed by an eight-speed wet dual-clutch automatic transmission with paddle shifters, offering driving modes like Normal, Sport, Sport+, and Custom. The N Line's performance was further enhanced by a sport-tuned suspension, larger brakes, and improved steering, making it a joy to drive on winding roads. Despite being front-wheel drive, the car handled well, with minimal understeer and a suspension that expertly managed body roll. Fuel efficiency was rated at 8.8 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, though real-world testing showed a slightly higher average.

The 2022 Hyundai Sonata offered a range of engine options, starting with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 191 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque. A turbocharged 1.6-litre engine was also available, delivering 180 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The N Line trim, however, featured the same 290-hp turbocharged 2.5-litre engine as the 2021 model, along with a sport suspension and tuned exhaust. While all Sonatas were front-wheel drive, the N Line's performance was notably more spirited, offering a thrilling driving experience.

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata N Line offered heated front sport seats with Dinamica suede inserts, providing a balance between comfort and lateral support. The front passenger seat featured a manual height adjuster, enhancing comfort for both front-seat occupants. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed air conditioning vents and a USB port, though legroom and thigh support were not significantly better than the Elantra N Line. The trunk offered 453 litres of space, with a 60/40-split folding rear seat for added utility. The hands-free trunk release was a convenient feature, though the lack of an interior handle meant getting hands dirty when closing the trunk.

The 2022 Hyundai Sonata boasted 2,956 litres of passenger space, classifying it as a "Full-size Car" by Natural Resources Canada. Front-seat headroom and legroom were among the best in the segment, while rear-seat space was adequate for two adults. The 453-litre trunk was spacious, accommodating a full set of luggage. The Remote Smart Parking Assist feature, available on the Ultimate grade, allowed the car to park itself, impressing onlookers with its convenience.

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata N Line featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel paired with a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Standard features included 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 minor inconvenience, and the voice recognition technology was not always reliable. The Sounds of Nature feature provided ambient noise tracks for a calming driving experience.

In the 2022 Hyundai Sonata, infotainment technology varied by trim level. Base models came with an 8-inch touchscreen, while higher trims like the N Line and Ultimate Hybrid featured a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation and a 12-speaker Bose audio system. Pairing an iPhone via Bluetooth was seamless, and the Bose system delivered impressive sound quality. The infotainment system offered excellent value, with features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto enhancing connectivity.

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. The N Line also featured a Rear Occupant Alert system and Safe Exit Warning. The Highway Drive Assist system provided Level 2 ADAS capabilities, working smoothly and accurately. 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 2022 Hyundai Sonata also came with a robust package of safety features, including forward collision avoidance assist, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot collision-avoidance assist. Highway Driving Assist was standard on higher trims, providing lane-centring assistance. The NHTSA awarded the 2022 Sonata five stars for overall crash protection, while the IIHS gave it top "Good" ratings in all crash tests. The Sonata received a "Superior" rating for front crash prevention, though some trims had "Marginal" headlight ratings.