2021 Hyundai Sonata vs 2021 Toyota Prius

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 with functional and stylistic changes, such as a reworked front fascia with 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 comfortable environment. A panoramic sunroof added to the spacious feel of the cabin.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota Prius retained its familiar boomerang-shaped hood and roofline, a design that had become synonymous with the model. Despite its aerodynamic efficiency, the styling was not universally praised. The interior was equally unconventional, with a central strip of displays and a dashboard that wrapped dramatically into the door panels. The Prius offered a range of trims, including the L Eco, LE, XLE, 2020 Edition, and Limited, with options for front-wheel drive or an electronic all-wheel-drive system. The Prius was a five-door hatchback, providing significant utility with cargo space ranging from 24.6 to 27.4 cubic feet behind the rear seats.

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata N Line was equipped with 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. This power was managed by an eight-speed wet dual-clutch automatic transmission with paddle shifters, rev-matching, and a launch control system. The car featured Normal, Sport, Sport+, and Custom driving modes, along with an Active Sound Design engine note enhancement system. The Sonata N Line also boasted improved engine and transmission mount stiffness, faster rack-mounted electric steering, larger brakes, and a sport-tuned suspension. It delivered a dynamic driving experience, especially on winding roads, and maintained a comfortable ride quality. The EPA estimated fuel economy at 27 mpg combined, though real-world testing averaged 23.7 mpg.

The 2021 Toyota Prius focused on fuel efficiency, with the L Eco version achieving an EPA-rated 56 mpg combined. Other front-drive models earned 52 mpg, while AWD-e versions managed 49 mpg. The Prius paired a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine with a 53-kilowatt electric motor, producing a total of 121 horsepower. The car offered Eco, Normal, and Power driving modes, as well as an EV Mode for electric-only driving at low speeds. The Prius excelled in urban and low-speed driving conditions, where its fuel efficiency was maximized. The TNGA platform provided a lower center of gravity, enhancing handling on curvy roads, though the car's performance was limited by its powertrain and tires designed for fuel economy.

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata N Line featured heated front sport seats with Dinamica suede inserts, providing a balance of comfort and lateral support. The rear seats offered adequate space, with rear air conditioning vents and a USB port enhancing passenger comfort. The trunk provided 16 cubic feet of space, with a 60/40-split folding rear seat for additional utility. The Smart Trunk hands-free release feature was a convenient addition, though the lack of an interior handle for closing the trunk was a minor inconvenience.

The 2021 Toyota Prius offered more interior space than expected, with comfortable seating for up to five people. The test vehicle included an eight-way power driver’s seat, heated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The rear seats provided sufficient foot room, legroom, and headroom, though the lack of air-conditioning vents was a drawback. Cargo space varied by trim, ranging from 24.6 to 27.4 cubic feet behind the rear seats, and up to 50.7 cubic feet with the seats folded down.

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 satellite radio, 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 could be frustrating for users. The Hyundai Digital Key, compatible only with Android devices, allowed for keyless entry and engine start.

The 2021 Toyota Prius featured a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with stereo-volume and tuning knobs, and shortcut buttons for main functions. Standard equipment included Bluetooth, SiriusXM satellite radio, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. Higher trims offered a 10-speaker JBL premium sound system, navigation, and a natural voice recognition system, paired with an 11.6-inch portrait-style touchscreen. However, the sound quality was subpar, and the digital instrumentation displays were dated.

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata N Line was equipped with Hyundai’s SmartSense collection of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS), including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assistance, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, and more. The N Line also featured a Rear Occupant Alert system, Safe Exit Warning, and Highway Drive Assist. The Sonata had not been rated by the NHTSA or IIHS at the time of review, but the standard model received high marks for occupant protection.

The 2021 Toyota Prius came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 (TSS 2.0), which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, lane-centering assist, automatic high-beam headlights, and road-sign recognition. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. Safety Connect services were also standard, offering automatic collision notification, emergency assistance, and more. The Prius had not been rated by the NHTSA, but the IIHS gave it favorable marks, though it did not achieve a Top Safety Pick rating.