2021 Hyundai Sonata vs 2021 Subaru WRX

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata, redesigned for the 2020 model year, presented a bold and distinctive look that was immediately recognizable. The N Line version further enhanced this design with functional and stylistic changes, such as a restyled front fascia with larger air intakes, gloss black side mirrors, and bold 19-inch aluminum alloy wheels. The rear featured a subtle gloss black lip spoiler and a reworked bumper with a four-outlet exhaust system, giving the car a stealthy yet appealing appearance. Inside, the Sonata N Line boasted sport front seats with premium Nappa leather bolsters and Dinamica suede inserts, red stitching, aluminum pedal covers, and dark chrome accents, all contributing to a sporty and upscale feel.

In contrast, the 2021 Subaru WRX had a more adolescent aesthetic, often compared to a rebellious teenager within the Subaru family. While the standard WRX looked tamer than the racier WRX STI, it still featured a wedge-like front end and a very short trunk lid, giving it a speedy appearance even when stationary. The WRX's interior, however, felt dated, with a function-first cockpit that sacrificed fit and finish. Hard plastics were prevalent, contributing to its less refined reputation compared to competitors like the VW GTI and Honda Civic Si. The WRX came in Base, Premium, and Limited trims, with the Limited offering leather upholstery, a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, and adaptive steering-responsive LED headlights.

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 rpm to 4,000 rpm. This engine was paired with a new eight-speed wet dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT) with paddle shifters, rev-matching, and a launch control system. The Sonata N Line offered multiple driving modes, including Normal, Sport, Sport+, and Custom, and featured an Active Sound Design (ASD) engine note enhancement system. The car's sport-tuned suspension, larger brakes, and 19-inch wheels with performance tires contributed to its impressive handling and driving dynamics. Despite being front-wheel drive, the Sonata N Line managed to minimize understeer and provided a comfortable yet engaging driving experience. The EPA estimated its fuel economy at 27 mpg in combined driving, though real-world testing yielded 23.7 mpg.

The 2021 Subaru WRX, on the other hand, was equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder boxer engine, producing 268 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. Buyers could choose between a six-speed manual transmission or a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The WRX's manual transmission, however, was criticized for its vague clutch feel, making the CVT a more practical option despite not being ideal for driving enthusiasts. The WRX featured Vehicle Dynamics Control with Active Torque Vectoring, which helped modulate torque distribution and apply slight braking on the inside wheels during cornering. This, combined with well-weighted steering, made the WRX a joy to drive on winding roads. However, its stiff ride quality was less comfortable compared to rivals like the Civic Si and GTI.

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata N Line offered heated front sport seats with Dinamica suede inserts, providing a balance between comfort and lateral support. The front passenger seat had a manual height adjuster, making it comfortable for both front-seat occupants. Rear-seat passengers, however, found the Sonata N Line only slightly more accommodating than the Elantra N Line, with rear air conditioning vents and a USB port being the primary differentiators. The Sonata's trunk volume measured a roomy 16 cubic feet, and the 60/40-split folding rear seat expanded utility when needed. The Smart Trunk hands-free release feature was a convenient addition, though the lack of an interior handle on the trunk lid was a minor inconvenience.

The 2021 Subaru WRX, with its conventional sedan layout, offered up to 12 cubic feet of cargo space. While this was more than the Civic Si coupe but less than the sedan, it fell significantly short of the VW GTI's cargo capacity. The WRX's interior packaging felt dated, with limited in-door bottle holders and a center console design that could obstruct shifting motions. However, the WRX provided a commanding and comfortable driving position with excellent visibility. The rear seats were spacious enough to accommodate four adults comfortably, highlighting the advantages of a sedan layout over a coupe or sports car.

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata N Line came equipped with a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Standard features included navigation, wireless smartphone charging, a Bose premium sound system, HD Radio, SiriusXM satellite radio, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a three-year subscription to Blue Link connected services. However, the lack of a WiFi hotspot and a tuning knob for the infotainment system were notable drawbacks. The infotainment system's touch-sensitive controls could be inadvertently activated, and the voice recognition technology was not always reliable. The Sonata N Line also featured Hyundai Digital Key, which allowed Android users to unlock and start the car using their smartphone.

The 2021 Subaru WRX came standard with a 6.5-inch touchscreen running Subaru's Starlink infotainment system, with a 7-inch touchscreen available on higher trims. Both screens supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and had a sensible layout with easy-to-use controls, despite their dated graphics. The Limited trim offered an option package that included navigation and a Harman Kardon premium stereo, which provided excellent sound quality. However, the WRX's infotainment system, introduced in 2015, felt outdated compared to more modern systems.

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata N Line was equipped with Hyundai’s SmartSense collection of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS). This comprehensive package included adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, forward-collision warning with pedestrian and cyclist detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, lane-centering assistance, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, driver-attention warning, and automatic high-beam headlights. Additional features included a Rear Occupant Alert system, Safe Exit Warning, and Highway Drive Assist. The standard Sonata rated high for occupant protection, though specific ratings for the N Line were not available at the time of review.

The 2021 Subaru WRX did not come standard with the latest safety features. Subaru's EyeSight system, which included adaptive cruise control, emergency automatic braking, and lane-departure warning, was available only on the Premium and Limited trims with the CVT. Adaptive high beams, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and reverse automatic braking were optional on the Limited trim. All WRX trims came standard with a tire-pressure monitoring system and traction control.