2021 Hyundai Sonata vs 2020 Subaru WRX

The 2020 Subaru WRX, originally a performance variant of the Subaru Impreza, evolved into its own model by 2015. By 2020, it retained its aggressive styling with a wider stance, lower front splitter, rear deck spoiler, and functional air intake. The WRX's cabin, though practical, was considered somewhat pedestrian for a new car in 2021. Trim levels included Base, Premium, and Limited, each offering various features from 17-inch alloy wheels and a 6.5-inch touchscreen to leather upholstery and a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat. The WRX STI added even more performance-oriented features like 19-inch alloy wheels and Recaro sport bucket seats.

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata, redesigned for 2020, presented a bold and distinctive look. The N Line version enhanced this with larger air intakes, gloss black accents, and 19-inch aluminum alloy wheels. The rear featured a subtle gloss black lip spoiler and a reworked bumper with a four-outlet exhaust system. Inside, the Sonata N Line offered sport front seats with Nappa leather bolsters and Dinamica suede inserts, red stitching, and aluminum pedal covers. A panoramic sunroof added to the spacious feel of the cabin.

The 2020 Subaru WRX was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter boxer-four engine, producing 268 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. It came with a six-speed manual transmission or an optional CVT. The manual transmission provided a 50:50 front:rear torque distribution, while the CVT offered a 45:55 split. The WRX STI featured a more powerful 2.5-liter turbocharged engine with 310 hp and 290 lb-ft of torque, along with Brembo brakes and a stiffer suspension. The WRX excelled in cornering with precise steering and minimal body lean, though it had a stiff ride and noticeable road noise.

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata N Line was equipped with a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 290 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque. It featured an eight-speed wet dual-clutch automatic transmission with paddle shifters and launch control. The Sonata N Line offered multiple driving modes, including Normal, Sport, Sport+, and Custom. It had a sport-tuned suspension, larger brakes, and 19-inch wheels with performance tires. The car handled well on winding roads, with minimal body roll and a comfortable ride quality. Fuel economy was rated at 27 mpg combined, though real-world driving yielded 23.7 mpg.

The 2020 Subaru WRX offered excellent visibility with its simple sedan layout, large windshield, and slanted hood. The cabin featured a straightforward dash layout with easy-to-use controls and ample storage. Front-row seating provided plenty of head- and legroom, while rear-seat space was adequate for adults on short trips. The WRX had 12 cubic feet of cargo space, comparable to other sports cars.

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata N Line had heated front sport seats with Dinamica suede inserts for comfort and lateral support. Rear-seat space was similar to the Elantra N Line, with added rear air conditioning vents and a USB port. The Sonata's trunk offered 16 cubic feet of space, with a 60/40-split folding rear seat for added utility. The Smart Trunk hands-free release feature was convenient, though the lack of an interior handle could be inconvenient.

The 2020 Subaru WRX came with a 6.5-inch or 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring the Starlink interface, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The system was user-friendly and provided essential tech features without being overwhelming. Additional digital displays in the instrument panel and atop the dash offered key driver information.

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata N Line featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with navigation, wireless smartphone charging, and a Bose premium sound system. It included HD Radio, SiriusXM, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a three-year subscription to Blue Link connected services. However, the lack of a tuning knob and occasional touch-sensing issues were drawbacks. The Sonata also offered Hyundai Digital Key for Android users and a calming Sounds of Nature feature.

The 2020 Subaru WRX came standard with front- and side-impact airbags, traction control, and a tire-pressure monitoring system. The optional EyeSight suite included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, automatic high beams, and adaptive cruise control. The WRX earned top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA.

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata N Line included Hyundai’s SmartSense ADAS, featuring adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assistance, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, driver-attention warning, and automatic high beams. Additional features included Rear Occupant Alert, Safe Exit Warning, and Highway Drive Assist. The standard Sonata received high safety ratings, though the N Line had not been separately rated by the NHTSA or IIHS at the time of review.