2022 Hyundai Sonata vs 2022 Nissan Altima

The 2022 Hyundai Sonata had evolved significantly from its early days when it closely resembled the Honda Accord, lacking originality and quality. Over the years, Hyundai learned from its competitors, gradually improving the Sonata's design and quality while maintaining a competitive price. By the seventh generation, the Sonata had developed a distinctive look with a wide grille, rounded front fascia, and sloped rear roofline, which divided opinions on its aesthetics. Inside, the Sonata offered a functional and spacious cabin with clear gauges and average material quality. The Limited trim featured 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 unique N-brand sport seats, enhancing its appeal for those seeking a more aggressive style.

The 2022 Nissan Altima had undergone a transformation since its introduction in 1993, evolving from a bland design to a sportier look by the third generation. The sixth-generation Altima continued this trend with a low, wide stance, V-Motion grille, and a sharply sloped "floating" roofline. The SR Midnight Edition, with its gloss black accents and 19-inch wheels, further enhanced the Altima's sporty appearance. Inside, the Altima featured comfortable Zero Gravity front seats, a well-organized instrument panel, and high-quality materials, especially in higher trims. However, the rear shelf's height compromised rear visibility, and the trunk's metal bar supports could crush items if not packed carefully.

The 2022 Hyundai Sonata offered a range of performance options, starting with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 191 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque, providing a smooth and quiet ride. The turbocharged 1.6-litre engine, with 180 hp and 195 lb-ft, was available on the Sport and Luxury trims, offering adequate performance. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, with paddle shifters standard on the 1.6-litre turbo. The Sonata N Line stood out with its 290-hp, turbocharged 2.5-litre engine, sport suspension, and tuned exhaust, delivering a more thrilling driving experience. All Sonatas were front-wheel drive, lacking an all-wheel-drive option. The Sonata excelled in ride comfort, handling, and noise reduction, providing a serene cabin environment.

The 2022 Nissan Altima in Canada came with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 188 horsepower and 180 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). While acceleration was mediocre, the Altima's all-wheel-drive system was a notable feature for a midsize sedan. The Altima's suspension provided a smooth and composed ride, and the cabin was impressively quiet, thanks to Nissan's Active Ride Control. Despite the lack of strong performance, the Altima offered a refined driving experience with Infiniti-like levels of comfort.

The 2022 Hyundai Sonata boasted a spacious cabin with 2,956 litres of passenger space, classifying it as a "Full-size Car" by Natural Resources Canada. Front-seat headroom and legroom were top-notch, while rear-seat space was adequate for two adults. The 453-litre trunk was spacious, accommodating a complete set of rolling luggage. The Sonata's Remote Smart Parking Assist, available on the Ultimate grade, allowed the car to park itself, impressing onlookers during demonstrations.

The 2022 Nissan Altima offered comfortable seating for four, with a fifth seat suitable for short distances. Its dimensions placed it in the middle of its competitors, with a 437-litre trunk. The Altima's high rear shelf and sloping roofline compromised rear visibility, while the trunk's metal bar supports required careful packing to avoid crushing items. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Altima provided a competent and practical interior for daily use.

The 2022 Hyundai Sonata's infotainment features varied by trim level. Base models came with an 8-inch touchscreen, six speakers, and smartphone connectivity. Higher trims, like the N Line and Ultimate Hybrid, upgraded to a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation, a 12-speaker Bose audio system, and wireless charging. The Bose system impressed with its power and clarity, offering excellent value for the price.

The 2022 Nissan Altima featured a 7-inch advanced drive-assist display and an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Higher trims added navigation, remote engine start, and a nine-speaker Bose audio system. The Altima's tech included traffic sign recognition, an Around View Monitor, and ProPilot Assist, which helped with acceleration, steering, and braking. The tech worked flawlessly, providing a seamless user experience.

The 2022 Hyundai Sonata came equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including forward collision avoidance, lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Sonata received five stars from the NHTSA for overall crash protection and top "Good" ratings from the IIHS in all crash tests. The Sonata's front crash prevention systems earned a "Superior" rating, while its child-seat anchors received an "Acceptable" rating.

The 2022 Nissan Altima also offered a robust set of safety features, such as automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. The Altima received five stars from the NHTSA for overall crash protection and a "Top Safety Pick+" designation from the IIHS. The Altima's front crash prevention systems earned a "Superior" rating, while its child-seat anchors received a "Good+" rating.