2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI vs 2021 Hyundai Sonata

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 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, red stitching, aluminum pedal covers, and dark chrome accents, all contributing to a sporty and upscale feel.

The 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI, a continuation of a legacy that began with the 1983 Rabbit GTI, maintained its status as a quintessential hot hatch. The GTI featured subtle enhancements over the regular Golf, such as red GTI badges, a red horizontal strip connecting the headlights, and painted brake calipers. The car's lowered stance, stainless-steel exhaust tips, and gloss black side mirrors and lip spoiler added to its sporty look. Inside, the GTI offered a sporty yet quality feel with red ambient lighting, a race-inspired flat-bottomed steering wheel, and heated front sport seats available in Clark plaid cloth or leather, depending on the trim level.

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. This engine was paired with an eight-speed wet dual-clutch automatic transmission, featuring paddle shifters, rev-matching, and a launch control system. The car offered multiple driving modes, including Normal, Sport, Sport+, and Custom, and featured an Active Sound Design engine note enhancement system. The Sonata N Line's sport-tuned suspension, larger brakes, and 19-inch wheels with performance tires contributed to its impressive handling and ride quality. Despite its front-wheel-drive layout, the car handled well with minimal understeer and provided a comfortable ride on various road surfaces. The EPA estimated fuel economy at 27 mpg combined, though real-world driving yielded 23.7 mpg.

The 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI was equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The test model featured a DSG seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, though a six-speed manual was also available. The GTI's performance was highlighted by its four-wheel independent suspension, DCC adaptive damping, and variable-ratio steering, providing excellent handling and a sporty driving experience. However, the performance-oriented setup resulted in a rough ride on ordinary roads. The GTI's fuel economy was rated at 24 mpg city, 32 mpg highway, and 27 mpg combined with the DCT, and 23 mpg city, 30 mpg highway, and 26 mpg combined with the manual transmission. The car required regular unleaded fuel but performed best with premium.

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata N Line offered heated front sport seats with Dinamica suede inserts for comfort and lateral support. The front passenger seat featured a manual height adjuster, enhancing comfort for both front occupants. Rear-seat passengers had adequate space, though the legroom and thigh support were not significantly better than the smaller Elantra N Line. The Sonata's interior storage was practical, with a roomy 16-cubic-foot trunk and a 60/40-split folding rear seat. The Smart Trunk hands-free release feature added convenience, though the lack of an interior handle on the trunk lid was a minor drawback.

The 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI excelled in form and function, with its compact hatchback design offering 17.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and 24.8 cubic feet with the seats folded flat. The GTI's dimensions made it easy to maneuver in tight spaces, and its sharp steering and tight turning circle further enhanced its practicality. Inside, the GTI provided clever storage options, including large front door pockets and well-sized cupholders. The mechanical handbrake, while a bit of a throwback, added to the car's sporty character.

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata N Line featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel paired with 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 radio were minor inconveniences. The infotainment system's Sounds of Nature feature provided ambient noise tracks for a calming driving experience. Hyundai Digital Key, which worked only with Android devices, allowed for keyless entry and engine start.

The 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI came with the VW MIB touchscreen infotainment system, with S models featuring a 6.5-inch screen and SE and Autobahn models an 8-inch screen with navigation. The system supported Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and MirrorLink, and included Bluetooth hands-free and streaming audio. SE models offered a three-month trial to SiriusXM with 360L. Volkswagen Car-Net provided remote access, safe and secure features, and a hotspot portal, with the option to add a data plan from Verizon or T-Mobile. The GTI also featured LED daytime running lights, fog lights, and taillights, with adaptive front lighting and dynamic cornering lights on higher trims.

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, driver-attention warning, and automatic high-beam headlights. Additional features included Rear Occupant Alert, Safe Exit Warning, and Highway Drive Assist. The standard Sonata received high safety ratings, though specific ratings for the N Line were not available at the time of review.

The 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and top “Good” scores from the IIHS, except for an “Acceptable” score in the small overlap front passenger side test and a "Poor" rating for the base Halogen headlights. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, and multiple airbags. The Autobahn trim added adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, park distance control, park assist, and high-beam control. The GTI's sharp handling also contributed to its safety by potentially avoiding collisions.