2021 Lexus IS vs 2021 Hyundai Sonata

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata, redesigned for the 2020 model year, presented a bold and distinctive appearance. Its broad grille and tapered tail made it instantly recognizable. The N Line version enhanced this look with functional and stylistic changes, such as larger air intakes, gloss black side mirrors, and bold 19-inch aluminum alloy wheels. The interior featured sport front seats with premium Nappa leather bolsters, red stitching, and dark chrome accents, creating a sporty yet refined atmosphere. A panoramic sunroof added to the sense of space and luxury.

In contrast, the 2021 Lexus IS showcased an athletic and elegant design. Its stance and proportions gave it a sense of motion even when stationary. The fast roofline and distinctive window kick-up added to its sporty look. The new spindle grille with diamond mesh and narrow headlights provided an assertive front-end appearance. Inside, the dash was tastefully simple, with a retro hi-fi feel to the center stack. The interior matched the exterior's boldness with high-quality materials and a modern aesthetic, though the analog clock felt outdated.

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata N Line was powered by a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 290 horsepower at 5,800 rpm and 311 pound-feet of torque from 1,650 to 4,000 rpm. It featured an eight-speed wet dual-clutch automatic transmission with paddle shifters and a launch control system. The car offered Normal, Sport, Sport+, and Custom driving modes, along with an Active Sound Design engine note enhancement system. The sport-tuned suspension, larger brakes, and 19-inch wheels with performance tires contributed to its impressive handling and ride quality. The EPA estimated fuel economy at 27 mpg combined, though real-world driving yielded 23.7 mpg.

The 2021 Lexus IS offered multiple engine options. The IS 300 RWD had a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four with 241 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The IS 300 AWD featured a 3.5-liter V6 with 260 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque. The IS 350 models, both RWD and AWD, had the same V6 but tuned to 311 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. RWD models came with an eight-speed automatic transmission, while AWD models had a six-speed automatic. The IS 350 RWD accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 5.6 seconds. Fuel economy varied, with the IS 300 RWD rated at 25 mpg combined and the IS 350 AWD at 22 mpg combined.

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata N Line featured heated front sport seats with Dinamica suede inserts for comfort and lateral support. The front passenger seat had a manual height adjuster. Rear-seat passengers had air conditioning vents and a USB port, though legroom and thigh support were limited. The trunk offered 16 cubic feet of space, with a 60/40-split folding rear seat for added utility. The Smart Trunk hands-free release feature was convenient, though the lack of an interior handle meant getting hands dirty when closing the trunk.

The 2021 Lexus IS provided a driver-centered focus with easily adjustable, comfortable, and supportive seats. The F Sport trim's bolstered seat included heating and ventilation. The IS used NuLuxe synthetic upholstery, which was eco-friendly and easy to clean. Storage space was ample, with various compartments and cupholders. The second row was comfortable for two but cramped for three, with legroom dependent on front-seat adjustments. The trunk had 10.8 cubic feet of space and included a temporary spare tire.

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata N Line came with a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Standard features included navigation, wireless smartphone charging, and a Bose premium sound system. The system supported HD Radio, SiriusXM, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a three-year subscription to Blue Link connected services. However, it lacked a WiFi hotspot and a tuning knob, which affected user experience. The Hyundai Digital Key was standard but only compatible with Android devices.

The 2021 Lexus IS featured a touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Lexus Enform Safety Connect, Service Connect, WiFi, and Remote were included with free trial periods. The Navigation Package added Dynamic Navigation and Destination Assist for three years. The Mark Levinson 17-speaker audio system was a recommended option for audiophiles. The system included a CD player and provided superb sound quality.

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata N Line was equipped with Hyundai’s SmartSense ADAS, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assistance, blind-spot warning, and more. It also featured Rear Occupant Alert, Safe Exit Warning, and Highway Drive Assist. The standard Sonata had high safety ratings, though the N Line had not been separately rated by NHTSA or IIHS at the time of review.

The 2021 Lexus IS came with Lexus Safety System+ 2.5, which included a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, road-sign recognition, adaptive cruise control, and intelligent high beams. Additional features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, a backup camera, and LED lighting. The IS had not been rated by IIHS or NHTSA, but previous generations had good safety ratings.