2021 Hyundai Sonata vs 2022 Volkswagen Jetta

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata presented a bold and distinctive design that was unmistakably a Sonata. Its daring styling, from the broad grille to the tapered tail, made it a love-it-or-hate-it proposition. The N Line version enhanced this look with functional and stylistic changes, such as larger air intakes and gloss black accents, which amplified its appeal. The interior was equally sporty, featuring premium Nappa leather bolsters, Dinamica suede inserts, and red stitching, creating a performance-oriented yet comfortable environment. The panoramic sunroof added a sense of spaciousness, enhancing the overall experience.

In contrast, the 2022 Volkswagen Jetta underwent subtle design changes that were barely noticeable at first glance. The exterior updates included more chrome on the grille and bumper, standard LED lighting, and new wheel designs. Despite these changes, the Jetta maintained a purposeful yet understated appearance. Inside, the Jetta offered a driver-centric cabin with ergonomic controls and comfortable seating. The interior updates were subtle but added a premium feel, with contrast stitching and a new two-tone leather option for the Highline trim. The Jetta's cabin was practical and well-organized, providing a comfortable space for passengers.

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata N Line was equipped with a turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, producing an impressive 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, including Normal, Sport, Sport+, and Custom, allowing drivers to tailor the driving experience. 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 spirited driving could increase consumption.

The 2022 Volkswagen Jetta featured a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering 158 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. It offered a choice between a six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic transmission, with front-wheel drive as standard. The Jetta's performance was adequate for city commuting, with impressive fuel economy ratings of 6.8 litres per 100 kilometres combined for the automatic transmission. However, the powertrain exhibited some turbo lag and throttle sensitivity, making it less refined in stop-and-go traffic. The Jetta offered Eco, Normal, Sport, and Custom drive modes, but the overall driving experience was less engaging compared to the Sonata N Line.

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata N Line provided comfortable and supportive heated front sport seats with Dinamica suede inserts. While rear-seat accommodations were not significantly more spacious than the Elantra N Line, the Sonata offered rear air conditioning vents and a USB port. The trunk boasted a generous 453 litres of space, with a 60/40-split folding rear seat for added utility. The hands-free trunk release feature was convenient, though the lack of an interior handle could be inconvenient when closing the trunk.

The 2022 Volkswagen Jetta, despite its compact size, offered ample passenger space for four adults, with the option to accommodate a fifth. The cabin was driver-focused, with intuitive controls for climate, audio, and driving-related functions. Storage options included door pockets, a centre console bin, and a sunglass holder. The trunk space was practical, though the centre storage bin lacked a latch, which was unusual but not problematic.

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 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 and the placement of the volume control knob were minor inconveniences, but the system offered a calming Sounds of Nature feature for stress relief.

The 2022 Volkswagen Jetta featured the Digital Cockpit digital instrument cluster, with the Highline trim offering the advanced Digital Cockpit Pro. The infotainment system included an 8-inch display with customizable views and widgets. Standard features included App-Connect for smartphone integration, Bluetooth, and multiple USB-C ports. The Jetta's infotainment system was user-friendly, with steering wheel-mounted controls for easy navigation adjustments. The premium Beats Audio sound system and remote start added to the overall convenience.

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, and lane-keeping assist. Additional features included a Rear Occupant Alert system, Safe Exit Warning, and Highway Drive Assist. The Sonata received high safety ratings, though the N Line's specific ratings were not available at the time of review.

The 2022 Volkswagen Jetta offered standard forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian recognition. Higher trims included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, and Travel Assist. Emergency Assist was also available, providing driver attentiveness alerts. The Jetta received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, though it fell short of a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS due to an Acceptable side crash test rating and varying headlight ratings.