2020 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid vs 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

The 2020 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid was a striking departure from its predecessors, garnering admiration from even those who weren't car enthusiasts. Its sleek, fastback profile and elegant design were a testament to Hyundai's transformation under the guidance of design chief Peter Schreyer. The Sonata's LED running lights, which seamlessly integrated into the chrome trim, were a standout feature, adding to its aerodynamic appeal. Inside, the Sonata Hybrid boasted a luxurious interior with big screens, ambient lighting, and high-quality materials, rivaling even some luxury brands.

In contrast, the 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class embraced a design philosophy of "sensual purity," with fluid, curvier forms reminiscent of the S-Class and C-Class. The E-Class featured a more aggressive front with squinted headlights and a trapezoid grille, while the rear echoed the W212's horizontal taillights. The interior was a showcase of opulence, with rich woods, aluminum, and carbon fiber accents. The cabin was a blend of modern technology and classic luxury, with features like metal speaker grilles, ambient lighting, and a digital instrument panel that replaced analog gauges.

The 2020 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid was powered by a 2.0-liter Atkinson cycle engine paired with a 51-hp electric motor, delivering a combined 192 hp. Its six-speed automatic transmission provided a more traditional driving experience compared to the CVTs found in most hybrids. The Sonata Hybrid excelled in fuel efficiency, with the Blue trim achieving an impressive 50 mpg city, 54 mpg highway, and 52 mpg combined. The driving experience was characterized by a silent interior, plush ride, and competent chassis, making it a comfortable choice for long journeys.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class introduced electrified inline-six powertrains, with the E450 model featuring a hybrid system that provided brief power boosts. The E450's 3.0-liter I6 engine produced 362 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, while the AMG E53 added a second turbo for a total of 429 hp and 384 lb-ft. The E-Class offered a range of driving experiences, from the brisk acceleration of the AMG models to the comfortable ride of the base E350. However, fuel economy was less impressive, with the AMG models achieving 25 mpg combined for the E53 sedan.

The 2020 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Limited trim featured solar panels that could generate extra driving range, enhancing its eco-friendly credentials. The interior offered spacious rear-seat legroom, a quiet cabin, and a generous 16 cubic feet of cargo space. The push-button gear selector and intuitive controls made for a user-friendly experience, while the Limited trim's digital dash and touchscreen added a touch of sophistication.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class provided a spacious cabin for four adults, with ample headroom and legroom. The coupe and convertible models offered varying levels of rear-seat comfort, while the wagon boasted significant cargo space. The E-Class featured a redesigned infotainment system with touchpads on the steering wheel, making it more user-friendly. However, mastering the dual screens required some learning. The E-Class sedan offered 13 cubic feet of trunk space, while the wagon provided up to 64 cubic feet with seats folded.

The 2020 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid's infotainment system was a highlight, with a soothing color scheme and intuitive interface. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Hyundai Blue Link, allowing remote operation and diagnostics. The digital key and live camera feeds for blind spots added convenience and safety. The Highway Driving Assist and head-up display further enhanced the driving experience, making the Sonata Hybrid feel like a more expensive vehicle.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class featured the MBUX system, which allowed for touch interaction and improved menu organization. Gesture controls, natural voice processing, and live camera feeds for navigation added to the system's appeal. The E-Class offered a range of optional features, including massaging seats and driving assists, which could move the car into adjacent lanes and slow down for curves. The instrument cluster's customizable displays added a futuristic touch to the driving experience.

The 2020 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and was a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS. It came standard with a suite of safety features, including lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. The Limited trim offered additional features like parking sensors and Highway Driving Assist.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class also received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and was a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS. It featured innovative safety technologies like Pre-Safe Sound and side collision protection. Standard safety features included forward automatic emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring, with additional driver-assist features available as options.