2021 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid vs 2022 Volkswagen Jetta

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. While some found its catfish-like appearance off-putting, it was undeniably eye-catching, especially with the matte gray paint and aerodynamic details. Inside, the Sonata Hybrid offered a refined cabin with soft-touch surfaces and a modern infotainment system. The seats were comfortable for long journeys, and rear passengers enjoyed ample space. The Sonata Hybrid was available in Blue, SEL, and Limited trims, with the Limited featuring a unique solar panel roof and a host of luxury features.

In contrast, the 2022 Volkswagen Jetta maintained its status as a best-seller for the brand, despite subtle exterior updates that required a keen eye to notice. The Jetta's design was purposeful, with chrome accents and new wheel designs adding a touch of flair. Inside, the Jetta offered a driver-centric cabin with ergonomic controls and comfortable seating for four adults. The interior updates included a new rhombus pattern on cloth seats and contrast stitching for a premium feel. The Jetta's technology suite was enhanced with a Digital Cockpit and an intuitive infotainment system, making it a practical choice for tech-savvy drivers.

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid was powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor, delivering a combined 192 horsepower. This setup provided solid acceleration and a smooth transition between battery and engine power. The Sonata Hybrid featured a Drive Mode toggle with Eco, Sport, Custom, and Smart modes, allowing drivers to tailor their driving experience. The steering was light yet precise, and the brakes offered a refined pedal feel, making for an enjoyable driving experience.

The 2022 Volkswagen Jetta, equipped with a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, produced 158 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. While the Jetta felt quicker than its predecessor, its standout feature was its impressive fuel economy, achieving up to 46.9 mpg on the highway. The Jetta offered a choice between a six-speed manual and an eight-speed automatic transmission. However, its powertrain was marred by a touchy throttle and turbo lag, leading to a less refined driving experience. The Jetta's drive modes included Eco, Normal, Sport, and Custom, but the steering feedback was detached, and the overall dynamics were underwhelming.

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid boasted a spacious 16 cubic feet of trunk space, making it one of the larger options among midsize hybrid sedans. The cabin provided ample legroom for front passengers and decent rear-seat space, accommodating four adults comfortably. The sloping roofline did pose a challenge for rear entry, but once inside, headroom was adequate. The front cabin featured convenient storage options, including door pockets and a center console.

The 2022 Volkswagen Jetta, despite its compact size, offered generous passenger space for four adults, with the option to seat five. The front seats provided good support, though the inclined edge of the seat cushion might not suit everyone. The cabin was driver-focused, with controls for climate, audio, and seat functions easily accessible. Storage options included door pockets, a center console bin, and a sunglass holder, though the center storage bin lacked a latch.

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

The 2022 Volkswagen Jetta received a technology upgrade with the Digital Cockpit instrument cluster. The SEL trim featured a 10.25-inch display with customizable views and widgets. The infotainment system varied by trim, with the SEL offering an 8-inch MIB3 system with navigation, wireless connectivity, and premium audio. While the touchscreen was responsive, the voice activation system was less intuitive, often requiring manual input for navigation.

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 a 360-degree parking monitor. The Sonata Hybrid earned top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, though the base headlights received a "Marginal" score.

The 2022 Volkswagen Jetta featured IQ.Drive, Volkswagen's suite of driver-assistance technologies. Standard features included blind-spot monitoring and forward-collision warning, with additional options available through the Driver Assistance package. The Jetta's safety features were customizable via the touchscreen, though crash safety ratings for the 2022 model were not yet available. The 2021 Jetta received high safety ratings, with some shortcomings in headlight performance.