2021 Nissan Altima vs 2021 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid carried forward 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 features, was designed to catch the eye, though some found the styling reminiscent of a catfish. Inside, the cabin was more conventional, offering a refined atmosphere with soft-touch surfaces and a modern infotainment system. The seats were praised for their comfort, making long trips enjoyable for both front and rear passengers. The Sonata Hybrid was available in three trims: Blue, SEL, and Limited, each offering a range of features from basic comforts to high-tech amenities like a solar panel roof and a larger touchscreen in the Limited trim.

The 2021 Nissan Altima showcased a strong family identity with its V-Motion grille and sleek, aerodynamic profile. Its design was modern yet slightly old-fashioned due to its stance, but features like LED lighting and alloy wheels kept it contemporary. The Altima's fit and finish were exceptional, with a choice of nine exterior colors, some of which were premium options. Inside, the dashboard was uncluttered, and the standard 8-inch touchscreen was well-placed for safety and convenience. As you moved up the trim levels, the interior materials improved, offering more luxurious touches like stitching on the dash and seats.

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. This power was routed to the front wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission. The Limited trim featured a solar panel roof, adding about two miles per day to the driving range. The Sonata Hybrid offered solid acceleration, with a Drive Mode toggle allowing drivers to switch between Eco, Sport, Custom, and Smart modes. The transition between battery-only and engine power was seamless, and the auto stop-start system was minimally intrusive. The steering was light yet precise, and the brakes provided solid stopping power with a refined pedal feel.

The 2021 Nissan Altima offered a choice between two powertrains. Most models came with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 182 horsepower, paired with a CVT and available in both FWD and AWD configurations. The AWD system could send up to 50% of torque to the rear wheels when needed. The standout option was the VC-Turbo engine in the SR VC-Turbo trim, delivering 248 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque. This engine used variable compression technology for power on demand while maintaining efficiency. The Altima's suspension was sport-tuned in the VC-Turbo model, and the electric-powered steering provided decent feedback.

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 for a weekend trip. The sloping roofline resulted in a low rear door opening, but once inside, headroom was adequate. Front passengers had access to cargo pockets and a center console, while the wireless charging pad was conveniently located at the bottom of the center stack.

The 2021 Nissan Altima featured Nissan’s Zero Gravity front seats, praised for their comfort on long drives. Upper trims offered power adjustment, memory, leather, and heating for the seats. The front cabin included ample storage options, such as a large glovebox, center console bin, and door pockets. The second row was roomy for two adults, with a 60/40 split-folding design for trunk access. The trunk itself offered 15.4 cubic feet of space.

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid came standard with an 8-inch touchscreen, while the Limited trim featured a 10.25-inch screen with navigation and real-time traffic updates. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, though CarPlay only occupied two-thirds of the larger screen. The infotainment system was intuitive, with crisp graphics on the Limited model. The SEL and Limited trims included a wireless charging pad, and the Limited also had a head-up display, though its adjustability was limited for taller drivers.

The 2021 Nissan Altima included standard tech features like Nissan Intelligent Key, remote engine start, and Bluetooth. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard on all but the S model. The base touchscreen was 7 inches, with an 8-inch NissanConnect screen on other trims. Higher trims offered additional USB ports, SiriusXM radio, and a Bose audio system. The VC-Turbo engine included Active Noise Cancellation, and Nissan Door to Door Navigation was available on upper trims.

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid came 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, 360-degree parking monitor, and parking sensors. The Sonata Hybrid earned a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and was a 2021 IIHS Top Safety Pick.

The 2021 Nissan Altima featured Nissan Safety Shield 360, standard on SV and above, with features like automatic emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert, and blind-spot warning. ProPilot Assist was available for highway driving assistance. The Altima also offered an Intelligent Around View Monitor on upper trims. It received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick + rating from the IIHS.