2021 Hyundai Sonata vs 2022 Subaru WRX

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 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 Sonata a stealthy performance-oriented appearance. Inside, the Sonata N Line boasted sport front seats with premium Nappa leather bolsters and Dinamica suede inserts, red stitching, aluminum pedal covers, and dark chrome accents, creating a sporty yet refined interior atmosphere.

In contrast, the 2022 Subaru WRX offered a more understated design, with a subtle front end and signature hood scoop. The car was 5 centimetres wider than its predecessor, featuring a small hexagonal grille and sharp LED headlights. The side profile was less busy, with black plastic cladding that improved aerodynamics and paid homage to the car's rally heritage. The rear showcased flared fenders, a large plastic bumper, and taillights designed to resemble illuminated magma. The WRX's interior saw significant improvements, with better fit and finish, a D-shaped steering wheel, aluminum-alloy pedal covers, and black cloth seats with red stitching, making it more modern and comfortable.

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, rev-matching, and a launch control system. The Sonata 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, while its front-wheel-drive layout minimized understeer. Fuel efficiency was rated at 8.8 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, though real-world testing showed slightly higher consumption.

The 2022 Subaru WRX, on the other hand, featured a 2.4-litre turbocharged Boxer engine, producing 271 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. It came standard with all-wheel drive and offered a choice between a six-speed manual transmission and a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). The manual transmission was precise and satisfying, while the CVT provided faster shift times. The WRX's suspension, mounted on the Subaru Global Platform, offered improved ride quality and reduced body roll. Despite its performance focus, the WRX's power output felt slightly lacking compared to some competitors, and its weight made it feel less nimble.

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata N Line offered heated front sport seats with Dinamica suede inserts, providing a balance between comfort and support. The rear seats were less accommodating, but rear air conditioning vents and a USB port added convenience. The Sonata's trunk offered 453 litres of space, with a 60/40-split folding rear seat for added utility. Interior storage was practical, though the centre console design was somewhat inelegant.

The 2022 Subaru WRX, while lacking a hatchback option, offered a cargo capacity of 354 litres, expandable with a 60/40 split-folding rear seat. The sport seats were comfortable and supportive, with various upholstery options depending on the trim. The WRX's standard all-wheel drive and comfortable seats made it a practical choice for daily commuting.

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 had some usability issues, such as the absence of a tuning knob and occasional touch-sensing activation.

The 2022 Subaru WRX offered an 11.6-inch tablet-style multimedia touchscreen display in Sport trims and higher, with physical controls for climate and audio functions. The system supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though the latter's integration was less seamless. The base trim featured a dual 7-inch display setup. An 11-speaker Harman Kardon stereo system was available on higher trims.

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, and more. It 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.

The 2022 Subaru WRX's safety features varied by transmission. CVT-equipped models included Subaru's EyeSight suite, with automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and more. Manual transmission models lacked EyeSight but offered blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert on higher trims. The WRX's new platform improved crash energy absorption, and it came with seven airbags as standard.