2021 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid vs 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid, a continuation of the eighth-generation Sonata introduced in 2020, maintained its bold and distinctive styling. In a market where sedans were increasingly adopting aggressive designs, the Sonata Hybrid managed to stand out with its unique appearance. While some might have found its catfish-like styling off-putting, it was undeniably eye-catching. The test model featured a striking matte gray paint, complemented by details like an integrated deck-lid spoiler and aerodynamic strakes in the taillights. Inside, the cabin was more conventional yet refined, with soft-touch surfaces and a modern haptic bezel surrounding the vivid touchscreen infotainment system. The seats were comfortable and supportive, making long trips enjoyable for both front and rear passengers.

In contrast, the 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback aimed to capture a significant share of the dwindling hatchback market. With its production in Indiana, it was one of the few compact cars still made in the U.S. The Civic Hatchback shared its front-end design with the Civic sedan but featured a unique grille pattern and wheel designs. From the rear, it presented a different vehicle profile, although it still suffered from a somewhat stubby appearance. Inside, the Sport Touring trim offered sophisticated digital instrumentation and infotainment displays, enhancing its modern appeal. The cabin featured handsome metal honeycomb dashboard detailing and high-quality controls, although the CVT shifter operation was slightly janky. Overall, the Civic Hatchback was more appealing than many of its remaining rivals, though it had room for improvement.

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid was equipped with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor and a battery pack, delivering a combined 192 horsepower 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 car often started in battery-only mode, with seamless transitions to the engine. The steering was light yet precise, and the brakes provided solid stopping power with a refined pedal feel.

The 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback offered two engine options. The LX and Sport trims featured a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 158 horsepower, while the EX-L and Sport Touring trims boasted a turbocharged 1.5-liter engine with 180 horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque. The turbo engine's peak torque was available from 1,700 to 4,500 rpm, making it accessible for most driving situations. The Civic Hatchback was front-wheel drive, with a choice of CVT or six-speed manual transmission in certain trims. The CVT worked well with the turbo engine, while the manual transmission offered a delightful driving experience. The Civic Hatchback provided a firm yet comfortable ride, with responsive steering and brakes. However, it was not designed for aggressive driving on winding roads, as the suspension and brakes were more suited for daily driving.

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid offered 16 cubic feet of trunk space, matching the conventionally-powered Sonata and surpassing the Camry Hybrid. 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 passengers to duck when entering. The front passengers had access to cargo pockets in the doors and a center console, with a convenient tray for small items.

The 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback excelled in functionality, with a generous 24.5 cubic feet of trunk space and an innovative two-piece cargo shade. The back seat featured a 60/40-split folding design, although the load floor was not flat. All seating positions were comfortable, with sufficient legroom, though the front passenger seat lacked a height adjuster. The driver enjoyed an eight-way power-adjustable seat, and both front seats were heated. The Civic Hatchback offered black fabric seats in lower trims and black leather upholstery in higher trims, with automatic climate control standard across the lineup.

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid came standard with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, 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 touchscreen layout was intuitive, with crisp graphics on the Limited model. The stereo included a traditional volume knob, and the SEL and Limited trims offered a wireless charging pad and a head-up display (HUD). However, the HUD's adjustability was limited for taller drivers.

The 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback featured a new infotainment system, with a 7-inch touchscreen in lower trims and a 9-inch display in the Sport Touring trim. The top-tier system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, wireless smartphone charging, navigation, and a 12-speaker Bose audio system. Physical knobs for sound system controls addressed previous criticisms, and a small shelf below the display provided stability for touchscreen operation. The Civic Hatchback also included digital instrumentation, with a 10.2-inch display panel in the Sport Touring trim.

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid came standard with a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance features, including forward-collision avoidance, lane-departure warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. The Limited trim added a head-up display, 360-degree surround-view parking monitor, and front and rear parking sensors. The Sonata Hybrid earned a 2021 IIHS Top Safety Pick and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.

The 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback was equipped with the Honda Sensing collection of safety features, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning. New features included low-speed following capability and Traffic Jam Assist, though these were only available with the CVT. Blind-spot and rear cross-traffic warning systems were limited to higher trims. The Civic Hatchback earned a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS, with improved driver aids and new frontal-impact airbags.