2021 Hyundai Sonata vs 2022 Nissan Altima

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, gloss black side mirrors, and bold 19-inch aluminum alloy wheels. The rear featured a subtle gloss black lip spoiler and a reworked bumper with a four-outlet exhaust system, giving the car a stealthy performance-oriented look. Inside, the Sonata N Line boasted sport front seats with premium Nappa leather bolsters, Dinamica suede inserts, and red stitching, complemented by a panoramic sunroof that added a sense of spaciousness.

In contrast, the 2022 Nissan Altima continued its evolution from its original bland design to a sharper, sportier look. Available in three trim levels in Canada, the Altima featured Nissan's V-Motion grille, a low, wide stance, and a sharply sloped "floating" roofline. The SR Midnight Edition, in particular, stood out with its gloss black painted sport grille, LED fog lights, and 19-inch aluminum-alloy wheels. The interior offered comfortable Zero Gravity front seats and a well-laid-out instrument panel, providing a premium feel. However, the Altima's rear visibility was compromised by its high rear shelf and sloping roofline, making it challenging to see out the back.

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata N Line was powered by 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, rev-matching, and a launch control system. The Sonata N Line offered multiple driving modes, including Normal, Sport, Sport+, and Custom, and included an Active Sound Design engine note enhancement system. 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 averaged 9.9 L/100 km.

The 2022 Nissan Altima, on the other hand, came with a naturally aspirated 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, delivering 188 horsepower and 180 pound-feet of torque. While the Altima's acceleration was mediocre, its all-wheel-drive system provided stability and confidence on various road surfaces. The Xtronic continuously variable transmission (CVT) contributed to a smooth and comfortable ride, aided by Nissan's Active Ride Control. The Altima's cabin was impressively quiet, offering a refined driving experience, though it lacked the performance punch of the Sonata N Line.

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata N Line offered heated front sport seats with Dinamica suede inserts, providing a balance between comfort and lateral support. The rear seat space was somewhat limited, but rear air conditioning vents and a USB port added convenience. The Sonata's trunk volume measured 453 litres, with a 60/40-split folding rear seat for added utility. The hands-free trunk release feature was a practical touch, though the lack of an interior handle meant getting hands dirty when closing the trunk.

The 2022 Nissan Altima provided comfortable seating for four, with easy-to-use controls and a decent-sized trunk at 437 litres. While the Altima's dimensions were average compared to its competitors, its high rear shelf and sloping roofline compromised rear visibility. The trunk's metal bar supports required careful packing to avoid crushing items when closing the lid. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Altima offered a practical and spacious interior for everyday use.

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

The 2022 Nissan Altima came equipped with a 7-inch advanced drive-assist display and an 8-inch colour touchscreen infotainment system. It offered Bluetooth, wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and two USB ports. Higher trims included navigation, remote engine start, and a Bose premium audio system. The Altima's ProPilot Assist system provided advanced driver assistance, including lane centring and adaptive cruise control, enhancing the driving experience.

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, blind-spot warning, and more. The N Line also featured a Rear Occupant Alert system and a Safe Exit Warning system. While the N Line had not been independently tested by safety organizations, the standard Sonata received high ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA.

The 2022 Nissan Altima offered a robust set of standard safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Altima received a five-star overall crash protection rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS, with high ratings in crashworthiness and crash avoidance.