2021 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid vs 2021 Lexus ES

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid, a continuation of the bold design introduced in the 2020 model year, stood out in the sedan market with its aggressive styling. Despite some comparisons to the more upscale Honda Accord Hybrid and the similarly performing Camry Hybrid, the Sonata Hybrid's unique look, especially with its matte gray paint and aerodynamic features, made it a head-turner. Inside, the cabin offered a mix of conventional and modern elements, with soft-touch surfaces and a high-tech cockpit featuring a vivid touchscreen infotainment system. The seats were noted for their comfort and support, making long trips enjoyable for both front and rear passengers.

In contrast, the 2021 Lexus ES expanded its lineup with the new ES 250 series, offering a choice between a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with AWD and a 3.5-liter V6 with FWD. The ES 350 F Sport Black Line Special Edition, with its striking design elements and limited production, added a touch of exclusivity. The interior, with its black and white contrast, showcased Lexus's commitment to quality materials and high design. The ES's dramatic grille and overall aesthetic were complemented by features like sport-bolstered seats and a well-appointed cabin, ensuring comfort and style for all passengers.

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid featured a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor, delivering a combined 192 horsepower to the front wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission. The Limited trim's solar panel roof added a unique touch, contributing to the vehicle's overall driving range. The Sonata Hybrid impressed with its solid pickup and responsive performance, offering various drive modes like Eco, Sport, Custom, and Smart. The transition between battery-only and engine modes was seamless, and the driving dynamics were refined, with precise steering and solid braking.

The 2021 Lexus ES 350, powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine, produced 302 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, managed by an eight-speed automatic transmission. The F Sport trim, with its adaptive damping suspension, offered additional Sport+ and Custom driving modes. Lexus claimed a 0-60 mph time of 6.6 seconds, though the ES 350 F Sport felt quicker during testing. The car's driving dynamics were unexpectedly competent, with a firm ride and flat cornering stance, though it was not an outright sports sedan. The ES 350 F Sport provided genuine driving enjoyment, especially in Sport modes, despite some interior noise and steering response limitations.

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid offered 16 cubic feet of trunk space, one of the largest among midsize hybrid sedans. The cabin provided ample legroom for front passengers and decent rear-seat space, accommodating four adults comfortably. However, the sloping roofline resulted in a low rear door opening, requiring occupants to duck when entering. Front passengers benefited from cargo pockets and a center console, while the wireless charging pad added convenience.

The 2021 Lexus ES, with its daring interior layout, provided comfort and utility. The ES 350 F Sport's sport-bolstered front seats offered 10-way power adjustment, heating, and ventilation, while rear-seat passengers enjoyed good legroom and amenities like rear air conditioning vents. The trunk, at 13.9 cubic feet, was smaller than expected, but the hands-free power trunk added convenience. Storage was plentiful, though configured with nooks and crannies rather than large bins.

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid came standard with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with the Limited trim upgrading to a 10.25-inch screen with navigation. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, though CarPlay only occupied two-thirds of the larger screen. The intuitive layout and crisp graphics enhanced the user experience, while features like a wireless charging pad and head-up display added modern conveniences.

The 2021 Lexus ES featured a touchpad interface that required attention to operate, though dynamic voice command technology offered an alternative. The optional 12.3-inch widescreen display, while impressive, was not a touchscreen. Standard features included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and connected services, with a 10-speaker premium sound system. The available 17-speaker Mark Levinson system promised superior audio quality.

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 360-degree surround-view parking monitor. The Sonata Hybrid earned top safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA, ensuring peace of mind for drivers.

The 2021 Lexus ES included the Lexus Safety System 2.0, offering features like forward-collision warning, lane-keeping assistance, and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard on most trims. The ES received top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, though some ADAS features required manual adjustments for optimal performance.