2020 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid vs 2020 Nissan Versa

The 2020 Nissan Versa marked a departure from its predecessor's "big car" styling, adopting a more refined and handsome design reminiscent of its larger siblings, the Maxima and Altima. The new Versa's styling was evocative without borrowing oversized elements, presenting a more mature and appealing look. Inside, the cabin shared similarities with the Nissan Kicks, offering ample space for a subcompact sedan. The interior featured a straightforward yet stylish design, with a two-tone theme and unique seat patterns. Despite some cost-cutting measures, such as harsh plastics and manual seat adjustments, the Versa's cabin was a significant improvement over its predecessor.

In contrast, the 2020 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid was praised for its stunning design, which drew admiration from onlookers. The Sonata's sleek, fastback profile and elegant body were a testament to Hyundai's design evolution under the guidance of Peter Schreyer and Luc Donckerwolfe. The Sonata Hybrid featured unique LED running lights, a wide grille, and a black ducktail spoiler, all contributing to its aerodynamic and visually striking appearance. Inside, the Sonata boasted a well-crafted interior with luxury-grade materials, big screens, and ambient lighting. The cabin was spacious and comfortable, offering a premium feel that rivaled more expensive vehicles.

The 2020 Nissan Versa was equipped with a revised 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine, producing 122 horsepower and 114 pound-feet of torque. This was an improvement over the previous generation's engine, which delivered 109 horsepower and 107 pound-feet of torque. The Versa offered a choice between a 5-speed manual transmission and a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), with the latter being standard on the SV and SR trims. The Versa's acceleration improved, making it more capable of reaching highway speeds. The CVT managed power effectively, and a Sport mode added liveliness to the driving experience. Fuel economy was decent, with the CVT achieving 32 mpg city, 40 highway, and 35 combined.

The 2020 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid, on the other hand, featured a 2.0-liter engine running on the Atkinson cycle, paired with a 51-hp electric motor and a 1.5-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion polymer battery. This combination produced a total of 192 horsepower and up to 151 pound-feet of torque. The Sonata Hybrid used a six-speed automatic transmission, providing a more traditional driving experience compared to the CVTs found in most hybrids. The Sonata Hybrid's ride was quiet and comfortable, with a soft suspension and light steering. Fuel efficiency was impressive, with the Blue trim achieving 50 mpg city, 54 highway, and 52 combined, while the SEL and Limited trims returned 45/51/47.

The 2020 Nissan Versa retained its predecessor's trunk size, offering 15 cubic feet of cargo space, one of the largest in its class. However, the new Versa lost 6 inches of rear legroom, making the backseat less accommodating for adults. The front seats provided ample legroom, even for taller drivers. The hatchback body style was no longer available, but the Versa remained a practical choice for personal commuting.

The 2020 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid excelled in interior space and functionality. The Limited trim featured solar panels that could generate extra driving range and power the air conditioning when parked. The rear seat offered generous legroom, with amenities like vents, manual side-window shades, and heated seats. Cargo space was ample at 16 cubic feet, and the trunk could be opened with a hidden button. The Sonata Hybrid's interior was thoughtfully designed, with a push-button gear selector, dual-zone climate control, and a wireless charging pad. The Limited trim boasted a high-resolution digital dash and a 10-inch touchscreen.

The 2020 Nissan Versa came equipped with a 7-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth connectivity, and Siri Eyes Free as standard features. The SV trim offered an upgraded NissanConnect system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as a digital instrument panel with a large color screen. This screen provided access to safety alerts, Bluetooth streaming audio, and fuel-economy stats, offering a user-friendly and tech-savvy experience.

The 2020 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid's infotainment system on the Limited trim was a standout feature, with a soothing color scheme and attractive typefaces. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Hyundai Blue Link were standard, allowing remote operation and diagnostics. The Sonata Hybrid also featured a digital key, live camera feeds for blind spots, and a hands-free trunk opening. The Highway Driving Assist and head-up display provided advanced driver assistance, while the voice recognition system was fast and intuitive.

The 2020 Nissan Versa included a range of standard driver-assistance features, such as automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, and automatic high beams. These features were part of a broader trend of making safety technologies accessible to all. However, the increased cost of repairs due to sensor-laden bumpers was a consideration for budget-conscious buyers. The Versa also came with a reversing camera, front- and side-impact airbags, and Nissan's Easy Fill Tire Alert.

The 2020 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though it received four stars in a frontal crash test. The regular Sonata was a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS, thanks to its top crash test ratings and standard emergency forward braking with pedestrian detection. The Sonata Hybrid included lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and a driver attention monitor as standard features. The Limited trim offered additional safety features like parking sensors and Highway Driving Assist.