2021 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid vs 2020 Nissan Versa

The 2020 Nissan Versa shed its previous "big car" styling quirks for a more refined and handsome appearance, drawing inspiration from its larger siblings, the Maxima and Altima. The design was evocative without borrowing oversized elements, presenting a more mature look. Inside, the cabin shared similarities with the Nissan Kicks, offering ample space for a subcompact sedan. The interior was straightforward yet stylish, featuring a two-tone theme with dark charcoal and grayish cream colors. The Versa came in three trims: S, SV, and SR, with the SV trim offering a balanced mix of features and price, including upgraded cloth fabric and an enhanced infotainment system. Despite some cost-cutting measures, such as harsh plastics and manual seat adjustments, the Versa made significant improvements over its predecessor.

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid, carried over from the 2020 model year, boasted a bold and aggressive design that stood out in the sedan market. While some might have found its styling polarizing, it was undeniably eye-catching. The test model featured a matte gray paint scheme, complemented by aerodynamic details like an integrated deck-lid spoiler. Inside, the cabin was more conventional and refined, with soft-touch surfaces and a modern, haptic bezel surrounding the vivid touchscreen infotainment system. The Sonata Hybrid offered three trims: Blue, SEL, and Limited, with the Limited trim featuring a solar panel roof, leather upholstery, and a larger touchscreen. The interior was comfortable and supportive, making it suitable for long trips.

The 2020 Nissan Versa was powered by 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 109 horsepower and 107 pound-feet of torque. The engine sent power to the front wheels through either a 5-speed manual or a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). The CVT, standard on the SV and SR trims, managed power well and offered a Sport mode for a livelier driving experience. The Versa's steering was responsive, and while the body leaned at higher speeds, it settled into turns with precision. Fuel economy was decent, with the CVT returning 32 mpg city, 40 highway, and 35 combined.

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid featured a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor and battery pack, delivering a combined 192 horsepower. Power was routed to the front wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission. The Limited trim included a solar panel roof, adding about two miles per day to the driving range. The Sonata Hybrid offered solid acceleration, with a Drive Mode toggle allowing drivers to select Eco, Sport, Custom, and Smart modes. The transition between battery and engine power was seamless, and the auto stop-start system was minimally intrusive. The Sonata Hybrid's driving dynamics were refined, with light yet precise steering and minimal body roll in turns.

The 2020 Nissan Versa retained the previous generation's trunk size, offering 15 cubic feet of space, one of the largest in its class. However, it lost 6 inches of rear legroom, making the backseat less suitable for carpooling or ridesharing. The front seats provided ample legroom, even for taller drivers, making it a comfortable personal commuter car.

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid provided 16 cubic feet of trunk space, matching the conventionally-powered Sonata and surpassing the Camry Hybrid. The cabin offered plenty of legroom for front passengers and decent rear-seat space, accommodating four adults comfortably. The sloping roofline resulted in a low rear door opening, but once inside, rear headroom was adequate. Front passengers had access to cargo pockets and a center console, with a wireless charging pad in the Limited trim.

The 2020 Nissan Versa came standard with a 7-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth connectivity, Siri Eyes Free, and a hands-free text-messaging assistant. The SV trim featured the upgraded NissanConnect system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The digital instrument panel offered a range of displays, including safety alerts and fuel-economy stats, providing a familiar yet modern interface.

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid came standard with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with the Limited trim offering a 10.25-inch screen with navigation and real-time traffic updates. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, though CarPlay only occupied two-thirds of the larger screen. The touchscreen layout was intuitive, with crisp graphics on the Limited model. The SEL and Limited trims included a wireless charging pad, and the Limited featured a head-up display, though its adjustability was limited for taller drivers.

The 2020 Nissan Versa added standard driver-assistance features, including automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, and automatic high beams. Other safety features included a reversing camera, front- and side-impact airbags, and Nissan's Easy Fill Tire Alert.

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid came with a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance features, such as forward-collision avoidance, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The Limited trim included a head-up display, 360-degree surround-view parking monitor, and parking sensors. The Sonata Hybrid earned a 2021 IIHS Top Safety Pick and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.