2021 Honda Civic vs 2022 Hyundai Sonata

The 2021 Honda Civic, with its long history of segment-defining models, continued to be a standout in the compact car segment. Over the years, Honda introduced various iterations that set new standards, such as the dramatic 1984 model and the futuristic 2006 version. By 2021, the Civic was available in sedan, hatchback, and performance-tuned Type R formats, though the coupe and Civic Si were on hiatus. The Civic sedan, particularly in the Touring trim with Cosmic Blue Metallic paint, offered a blend of style and practicality. Its design, while polarizing, had become familiar on the roads, and the interior, though showing signs of age, still featured quality materials and thoughtful detailing.

In contrast, the 2022 Hyundai Sonata had evolved from its early days of mimicking the Honda Accord to establishing its own identity. The seventh-generation Sonata, redesigned for 2020, boasted a distinctive look with a wide grille and sloped rear roofline. Inside, the Sonata offered a spacious cabin with functional design and average material quality. The Limited trim featured leather seats, though the tan upholstery was not universally appealing. For those seeking a sportier option, the Sonata N Line provided aggressive styling and unique interior touches, transforming the Sonata's appearance and adding personality to the cabin.

The 2021 Honda Civic offered two engine options. The base LX and Sport trims came with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 158 horsepower and 138 pound-feet of torque, paired with a CVT. However, the turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine, standard on EX, EX-L, and Touring trims, delivered 174 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque, providing a more spirited driving experience. Despite the CVT's drawbacks, such as a droning sound and unsophisticated gear shifting, the Civic's fuel economy was impressive, averaging 34.8 mpg on a test loop.

The 2022 Hyundai Sonata presented a dual personality in performance. The base engine, a 2.5-liter four-cylinder, produced 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque, while the turbocharged 1.6-liter engine offered 180 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Sonata N Line, however, stood out with its 290-hp turbocharged 2.5-liter engine, sport suspension, and tuned exhaust, offering a more dynamic driving experience. All Sonatas were front-wheel drive, and the ride quality was smooth, with a quiet cabin reminiscent of higher-end models.

The 2021 Honda Civic sedan, though low to the ground, provided a comfortable interior with eight-way power adjustment for the driver's seat. The rear seats offered excellent thigh support, though the lack of rear air conditioning vents was a drawback. The Civic's trunk was spacious, with 15.1 cubic feet of cargo space, slightly reduced in the Touring trim due to the premium sound system.

The 2022 Hyundai Sonata's cabin was among the most spacious in its class, with 104.4 cubic feet of passenger space. Front-seat headroom and legroom were generous, though rear-seat space was adequate for two adults. The Sonata's 16-cubic-foot trunk was ample, and the Remote Smart Parking Assist feature added convenience, allowing the car to park itself with the push of a button.

The 2021 Honda Civic's technology offerings varied by trim. The base LX trim featured a 5-inch LCD screen and basic connectivity, while the Sport trim added a 7-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Higher trims offered additional features like HD Radio, SiriusXM, and a premium audio system, though the voice recognition system was unsophisticated.

The 2022 Hyundai Sonata's infotainment technology improved with each trim level. The base SE trim included an 8-inch touchscreen, while higher trims featured a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation, a Bose audio system, and wireless device charging. The SEL trim added features like Highway Driving Assist and a panoramic sunroof, enhancing the overall tech experience.

The 2021 Honda Civic came equipped with Honda Sensing, a suite of advanced driving assistance systems, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and lane-keeping assistance. However, the LaneWatch system, which monitored the right lane, had limitations. The Civic earned a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA.

The 2022 Hyundai Sonata offered a comprehensive safety package, with features like automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot collision-avoidance assist. The Sonata received five-star ratings from the NHTSA for overall crash protection, though the IIHS had not rated the 2022 model. The 2021 Sonata, structurally similar, received top ratings in crash tests and front crash prevention.