2021 Hyundai Sonata vs 2020 Toyota Corolla

The 2020 Toyota Corolla, with its redesigned exterior, was not initially celebrated for its aesthetics, often compared to a peculiar alien visage. However, when equipped with the SE or XSE trim and adorned in the Celestite paint color, the Corolla presented a more appealing compact sedan profile. The interior saw significant improvements, with Toyota replacing the previously cheap materials with soft-touch surfaces, enhancing the perceived quality. Despite these upgrades, the transmission shifter reminded drivers of the Corolla's economy car roots, lacking the solid feel found in competitors like Hyundai or Kia. The Corolla's pricing started at $19,600, with the XSE trim reaching up to $28,800, offering various trims and a hybrid option for those prioritizing fuel efficiency.

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata, redesigned for the previous model year, offered a bold and distinctive look that was polarizing among consumers. The N Line version further enhanced the Sonata's appeal with functional and stylistic changes, such as larger air intakes and gloss black accents, giving it a stealthy performance-oriented appearance. Inside, the Sonata N Line featured sport front seats with premium materials and a panoramic sunroof, adding to its upscale feel. The interior was designed for both comfort and style, with thoughtful touches like red stitching and aluminum pedal covers. The Sonata's design aimed to balance performance enhancements with a refined aesthetic, making it a standout in its class.

The 2020 Toyota Corolla offered a range of engine options, starting with a 1.8-liter 4-cylinder engine producing 139 horsepower for the L, LE, and XLE trims. The SE and XSE trims provided a more spirited driving experience with a 169-hp, 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine and a sophisticated CVT with paddle shifters. The Corolla's driving dynamics were well-tuned, offering a smooth and stable ride thanks to its independent rear suspension. However, the Corolla XSE's powertrain struggled with acceleration, particularly when more dynamic driving was desired. Fuel economy was a strong point, with the XSE trim achieving an EPA rating of 31 mpg city, 38 highway, and 34 combined, though real-world testing showed slightly lower figures.

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata N Line was equipped with a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering an impressive 290 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque. This power was managed by an eight-speed wet dual-clutch automatic transmission with paddle shifters and a launch control system. The Sonata N Line offered multiple driving modes, enhancing its versatility. The car's performance was further bolstered by a sport-tuned suspension, larger brakes, and 19-inch wheels with performance tires. The Sonata N Line excelled in handling, providing a responsive and engaging driving experience, while maintaining a comfortable ride quality. Fuel economy was rated at 27 mpg combined, with real-world testing showing slightly lower results due to spirited driving conditions.

The 2020 Toyota Corolla, despite being classified as a compact car, offered a surprisingly spacious interior, officially rated as a midsize car by the EPA. However, the lack of rear air-conditioning vents and USB charging ports made it less comfortable for rear passengers, especially during hot weather. The front seats were comfortable, with the driver's seat offering power adjustments, but the low seating position was not favored by all. Storage space was limited, with small cupholders and a trunk capacity of 13.1 cubic feet, which was adequate for most needs but lacked a handle for easy closing.

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata N Line provided a comfortable and well-appointed interior, with heated front sport seats that balanced comfort and support. Rear passengers benefited from air conditioning vents and a USB port, enhancing comfort compared to the Elantra N Line. The Sonata's interior materials were of high quality, though the hard plastic front seatback panels could be uncomfortable for taller passengers. The trunk offered a generous 16 cubic feet of space, with a 60/40-split folding rear seat for added versatility. The Smart Trunk feature allowed for hands-free access, though closing the trunk required touching the lid.

The 2020 Toyota Corolla featured the Entune 3.0 infotainment system, with Apple CarPlay compatibility but lacking Android Auto. The system was user-friendly, with a high-mounted touchscreen and familiar controls. Higher trims offered additional features like advanced voice recognition, HD Radio, and a JBL premium sound system. The Corolla's infotainment system included several free trial services, but Android users might find the lack of compatibility limiting.

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata N Line came equipped with a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Standard features included navigation, wireless smartphone charging, and a Bose premium sound system. The system supported both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though it lacked a WiFi hotspot. The absence of a tuning knob was a drawback, and the voice recognition system was not always reliable. The Sonata N Line also offered Hyundai Digital Key for Android users, adding convenience for those with compatible devices.

The 2020 Toyota Corolla was equipped with Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) 2.0, offering a suite of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) including pedestrian and cyclist detection, road-sign recognition, and Lane Tracing Assist. The system generally operated with refinement, though the lane-departure warning alert was considered irritating. The Corolla received a 5-star frontal-impact rating from the NHTSA and was named a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS.

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata N Line featured Hyundai’s SmartSense ADAS, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assistance. Additional features like Rear Occupant Alert and Safe Exit Warning enhanced safety. The Sonata's Highway Drive Assist provided a smooth and accurate driving experience, building driver confidence. While the N Line had not been rated by the NHTSA or IIHS at the time of review, the standard Sonata's high safety ratings suggested strong performance.