2021 Lexus IS vs 2022 Hyundai Sonata

The 2021 Lexus IS was a testament to the art of automotive design, making a bold statement about its driver. With its athletic proportions and dynamic stance, the IS appeared to be in motion even when stationary. Its elegance was evident in the measured distance between the front axle and dashboard, a hallmark of sophisticated design. The fast roofline and the unique kick-up of the window base at the rear passenger door added to its sporty and compact cabin appearance. The signature spindle grille, adorned with diamond mesh, and narrow headlights gave the IS an assertive look. Inside, the dash was simple yet stylish, with a retro hi-fi vibe. The interior echoed the exterior's boldness with high-quality materials and a modern aesthetic, though the analog clock felt outdated.

In contrast, the 2022 Hyundai Sonata evolved from its early days of mimicking competitors to establishing its own identity. The seventh-generation Sonata, redesigned for 2020, featured a wide grille, rounded front fascia, and a sloped rear roofline, offering a distinctive look that divided opinions. Inside, the Sonata boasted a spacious cabin with clear gauges and average material quality. The Limited trim offered comfortable leather seats, though the tan upholstery was not to everyone's taste. The Sonata N Line added sporty elements like a body kit, gloss black accents, and dual exhausts, transforming its appearance. The N Line's interior featured dark chrome trim and red stitching, enhancing its personality with sport seats and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.

The 2021 Lexus IS was engineered for the luxury sports sedan category, showcasing the "Lexus Driving Signature" for seamless transitions in various driving situations. The IS 300 RWD featured a 2.0-litre turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine with 241 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The AWD version had a 3.5-litre V6 engine producing 260 hp and 236 lb-ft of torque. The IS 350, available only in AWD in Canada, offered 311 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque. RWD models had an eight-speed automatic transmission, while AWD models had a six-speed automatic. The IS reached a top speed of 230 km/h, with 0-60 mph acceleration ranging from 6.9 seconds for the IS 300 RWD to 5.6 seconds for the IS 350 RWD. Fuel efficiency varied, with the IS 300 RWD consuming 11.0 litres per 100 km in the city and 7.6 on the highway.

The 2022 Hyundai Sonata offered a dual personality in performance. The base engine, a 2.5-litre four-cylinder, delivered 191 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque, while a turbocharged 1.6-litre engine provided 180 hp and 195 lb-ft. Both engines paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Sonata N Line, however, featured a 290-hp turbocharged 2.5-litre engine, an eight-speed wet dual-clutch automatic transmission, and sport suspension, appealing to those seeking a more spirited drive. All Sonatas were front-wheel drive, with no AWD option. The Sonata provided a smooth ride and competent handling, with a quiet cabin reminiscent of higher-end models.

The 2021 Lexus IS prioritized driver-centred design with an adjustable driver position and comfortable seats. The F Sport trim's bolstered seats were standard in IS 350 models, offering heating and ventilation. The IS used NuLuxe synthetic upholstery, which was eco-friendly and easy to clean. Storage was ample, with various compartments and a 305.8-litre trunk. The rear seats were comfortable for two but cramped for three, with limited legroom.

The 2022 Hyundai Sonata offered a spacious cabin with 2,956 litres of passenger space, classified as a "Full-size Car" by Natural Resources Canada. Front-seat headroom and legroom were class-leading, while rear-seat space was adequate for two adults. The Sonata's 453-litre trunk was spacious, accommodating a three-piece luggage set. The Remote Smart Parking Assist, available on the Ultimate grade, allowed the Sonata to park itself, impressing onlookers.

The 2021 Lexus IS featured a touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, alongside Lexus's connected services. A three-year trial of Lexus Enform Safety Connect and an eight-year subscription to Service Connect were included. The Mark Levinson 17-speaker audio system, available in the Ultra Luxury package, offered exceptional sound quality.

The 2022 Hyundai Sonata's infotainment varied by trim. Base models had an 8-inch touchscreen, while higher trims featured a 10.25-inch screen with navigation and a 12-speaker Bose audio system. The Bose system provided excellent sound quality, and smartphone connectivity was seamless.

The 2021 Lexus IS received a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA. It included Lexus Safety System+ 2.5, with features like pre-collision detection, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The IS also had blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a backup camera.

The 2022 Hyundai Sonata came with a comprehensive safety package, including forward collision avoidance, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. The NHTSA awarded it five stars for overall crash protection, while the IIHS gave it top "Good" ratings in crash tests. The Sonata's advanced safety features worked seamlessly, enhancing driver confidence.