2020 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid vs 2021 Subaru Impreza

The 2020 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid was a striking departure from its predecessors, garnering admiration even from those who weren't car enthusiasts. Its long, elegant design, characterized by a sleek fastback profile and tailored body, was a testament to Hyundai's design evolution. The Sonata's transformation was akin to a leap from standard definition to a 4K VR experience, with its stunning LED running lights and aerodynamic enhancements like the black ducktail spoiler. Inside, the Sonata Hybrid boasted a luxurious interior that rivaled high-end brands, featuring big screens, ambient lighting, and premium materials, making it a standout in its class.

In contrast, the 2021 Subaru Impreza adopted a more conservative design approach, moving away from its previous bold styling choices. Both the sedan and hatchback versions featured sleek headlights and taillights, with subtle scalloping on the body sides for added flair. The Impreza's design was handsome yet understated, with specific styling touches for the Sport models, including 18-inch alloy wheels. The interior, while not the most exciting, was practical and functional, with model-specific enhancements like contrast stitching and leather-wrapped elements in higher trims, offering a refined yet straightforward cabin experience.

The 2020 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid was powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine running on the Atkinson cycle, producing 150 horsepower and 139 pound-feet of torque. Paired with a 51-hp electric motor and a 1.5-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion polymer battery, the total output was 192 hp. The Sonata Hybrid featured a six-speed automatic transmission, providing a more traditional driving feel compared to the CVTs found in most hybrids. Despite some minor transmission hesitations, the Sonata Hybrid offered a quiet and comfortable ride, with a soft suspension and light steering. The Blue trim level excelled in fuel efficiency, achieving 50 mpg city, 54 mpg highway, and 52 mpg combined, while the SEL and Limited trims offered slightly lower figures.

The 2021 Subaru Impreza came equipped with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder boxer engine, delivering 152 horsepower and 145 pound-feet of torque. Most models featured a CVT, with a five-speed manual available on select trims. The Impreza Sport offered model-specific suspension tuning and torque vectoring for improved handling. While the Impreza provided a solid and refined driving experience, it lacked the engagement of some competitors. The Sport trim's suspension offered a good balance between ride quality and handling, but the engine's power was modest, and the steering lacked communication, making it less of a driver's car compared to sportier alternatives.

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, with amenities like heated seats and manual side-window shades. Cargo space was generous at 16 cubic feet, and the trunk could be easily accessed via a hidden button. The Sonata's interior was thoughtfully designed, with a push-button gear selector and a slim center stack housing dual-zone climate controls. The Limited trim boasted a high-resolution digital dash and a 10-inch touchscreen with advanced software.

The 2021 Subaru Impreza provided reasonable legroom in both sedan and hatchback versions, though headroom was slightly below average. The sedan's trunk space was limited at 12.3 cubic feet, but the hatchback offered 20.8 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 55.3 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The Impreza featured a standard 60/40 split-folding rear seat and roof rails on higher trims. Premium and higher trims included an All-Weather Package with heated features, while the Limited trim added a power driver's seat and automatic climate control.

The 2020 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid's infotainment system on the Limited trim 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 feature and live camera feeds for blind spots added convenience and safety. The Sonata also offered advanced voice recognition and Highway Driving Assist, enhancing the driving experience with semi-automated capabilities and a polished head-up display.

The 2021 Subaru Impreza's base and Premium trims featured a 6.5-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while higher trims received an 8-inch screen. The Limited trim offered optional navigation and a Harman Kardon audio system. A secondary display provided additional information, though it seemed somewhat redundant. The Impreza's infotainment system was user-friendly, with large icons and straightforward menus, though it lacked advanced features for tech-savvy buyers.

The 2020 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with a four-star rating in the frontal crash test. It was a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS, with top ratings in six crash tests and standard safety features like emergency forward braking, lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. The Limited trim offered additional features like parking sensors and Highway Driving Assist.

The 2021 Subaru Impreza received a Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS, with a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. The Impreza's standard EyeSight safety suite included features like automatic emergency braking and lane-keep assist. Optional safety features included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, enhancing its safety credentials.