2021 Nissan Sentra vs 2022 Hyundai Sonata

The 2021 Nissan Sentra, in its eighth generation, presented a bold and athletic exterior, a significant departure from its earlier, more conservative designs. The V-Motion grille and expressive headlights gave it a serious look, while the availability of vibrant paint colours and two-tone schemes added a touch of flair. Inside, the Sentra offered a spacious cabin with a well-positioned 8-inch infotainment touchscreen and a flat-bottomed steering wheel that enhanced comfort. The rear seats were roomy, though best suited for two passengers, and the trunk provided ample cargo space with a 60/40 split-folding rear seat.

In contrast, the 2022 Hyundai Sonata showcased a distinctive design with a wide grille and sloped rear roofline, which might not appeal to everyone. The interior was spacious, with 2,956 litres of passenger space, classifying it as a "Full-size Car" by Natural Resources Canada. The front seats offered excellent headroom and legroom, while the rear seats were adequate for two adults. The Sonata's trunk, at 453 litres, was spacious enough for a three-piece luggage set. The Remote Smart Parking Assist feature, available on the Ultimate grade, added a touch of modern convenience, allowing the car to park itself with the press of a button.

The 2021 Nissan Sentra was powered by a 2.0-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine, producing 149 horsepower and 146 pound-feet of torque. It featured front-wheel drive with an Xtronic CVT, offering adequate performance for city commuting. The Sentra's lightweight design, with curb weights ranging from 1,349 to 1,411 kilograms, contributed to its fuel efficiency, with consumption figures of 8.0 L/100 km city and 6.0 highway for the S and SV models. The suspension and steering provided tidy road manners, making it a fun drive despite its modest power output.

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 with 180 hp and 195 lb-ft was available for the Sport and Luxury trims. The Sonata N Line, however, stood out with its 290-hp turbocharged 2.5-litre engine, sport suspension, and tuned exhaust, delivering a thrilling driving experience. All engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, and the Sonata's ride and handling were competent, providing a smooth and quiet drive.

The 2021 Nissan Sentra's interior was thoughtfully designed, with well-placed features and a traditional gear selector. It offered ample storage options, including a large glove compartment and roomy door pockets. The Zero Gravity front seats provided comfort on long rides, and heated front seats were standard. The SR Premium grade added a power-adjustable driver's seat and a power-sliding glass moonroof, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2022 Hyundai Sonata's cabin was spacious, with top-class front-seat headroom and legroom. The rear seats were comfortable for two adults, and the absence of a driveshaft tunnel improved rear-seat space. The Sonata's trunk was generous, contributing to its classification as a "Full-size Car." The Remote Smart Parking Assist feature, available on the Ultimate grade, added convenience, allowing the car to park itself with the press of a button.

The 2021 Nissan Sentra offered a range of audio options, starting with a basic AM/FM/USB system in the S trim and upgrading to a premium Bose system in the SR Premium. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard across all trims, with a 7-inch touchscreen in the S and an 8-inch touchscreen in the SV and SR. While navigation was not available, smartphone connectivity provided access to navigation apps.

The 2022 Hyundai Sonata's infotainment system varied by trim, with the base SE featuring an 8-inch touchscreen and the N Line and Ultimate Hybrid upgrading to a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation. The Bose premium audio system, available on higher trims, delivered excellent sound quality. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, and the wireless charging feature added convenience for smartphone users.

The 2021 Nissan Sentra came equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including multiple airbags, a tire pressure monitoring system with Easy-Fill Tire Alert, and Nissan Safety Shield 360. This included intelligent forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and more. The Sentra received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS.

The 2022 Hyundai Sonata also offered a robust package of safety features, including forward collision avoidance assist, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot collision-avoidance assist. The Sonata received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and top "Good" ratings from the IIHS in all crash tests. The Sonata's advanced safety features worked seamlessly, providing a safe driving experience without false alarms.