2021 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid vs 2021 Honda Civic

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid carried over the bold design introduced in the previous model year, making it a standout in the sedan market. Its exterior, with a matte gray paint scheme and aerodynamic details, was designed to catch the eye, while the interior offered a more conventional and refined experience. The cabin featured soft-touch surfaces and a modern infotainment system, providing comfort and support for both front and rear passengers. The Sonata Hybrid was available in Blue, SEL, and Limited trims, with the Limited offering unique features like a solar panel roof and leather upholstery.

In contrast, the 2021 Honda Civic, known for its segment-defining models, continued to impress with its 10th-generation design. The Civic sedan, available in multiple trims, offered a spacious interior comparable to older midsize cars. The Touring trim, with its Cosmic Blue Metallic paint and 18-inch wheels, provided a stylish appearance. Inside, the Civic's cabin featured quality materials and thoughtful design, though the infotainment system showed its age with a maximum screen size of 7 inches. Despite this, the Civic remained a trendsetter with its adventurous design and practicality.

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid was equipped with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor, delivering a combined 192 horsepower through a six-speed automatic transmission. The Limited trim featured a solar panel roof, adding to its driving range. The Sonata Hybrid offered solid acceleration and a smooth transition between battery and engine power. Its driving dynamics were refined, with precise steering and minimal body roll, making it a comfortable and responsive ride.

The 2021 Honda Civic offered two engine options: a 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 158 horsepower and a turbocharged 1.5-liter engine producing 174 horsepower. The turbocharged engine, available in higher trims, provided ample power and a satisfying driving experience. However, the continuously variable transmission (CVT) was a drawback, with its droning noise and lack of responsiveness. Despite this, the Civic excelled in fuel economy, achieving 34.8 mpg on a test loop, surpassing EPA estimates.

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid boasted a generous 16 cubic feet of trunk space, making it one of the larger options among midsize hybrid sedans. The cabin offered ample legroom for front passengers and decent rear-seat space, though the sloping roofline made entry slightly challenging. The interior featured convenient storage options, including door pockets and a center console with a wireless charging pad.

The 2021 Honda Civic sedan, despite its low seating position, provided a roomy interior with excellent thigh support and a comfortable backrest for rear passengers. The front seats offered power adjustment, though the passenger seat lacked height adjustment. The Civic's center console was highly practical, with ample storage space and thoughtful design. The trunk offered 15.1 cubic feet of space, slightly reduced in the Touring trim due to the premium sound system.

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. The system supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though CarPlay only occupied two-thirds of the screen. The Limited trim also featured a head-up display, though its adjustability was limited for taller drivers.

The 2021 Honda Civic's technology offerings varied by trim. The base LX trim had a 5-inch LCD screen, while the Sport trim upgraded to a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Higher trims offered additional features like HD Radio, SiriusXM, and a premium audio system. The Touring trim included navigation and voice recognition, though the system required specific prompts for effective use.

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid came equipped with a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance features, including forward-collision avoidance, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The Limited trim added a head-up display and parking sensors. The Sonata Hybrid earned top safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA.

The 2021 Honda Civic featured Honda Sensing, a collection of advanced driving assistance systems, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assistance, and automatic emergency braking. The Civic offered LaneWatch for blind-spot monitoring, though it was limited to the right side. The Civic earned a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA.