2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI vs 2021 Hyundai Sonata

2021 Hyundai Sonata
2021 Hyundai Sonata
$23,950MSRP
Overview
Overview
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2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI
2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI
$28,695MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Hyundai Sonata
$23,950MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI
$28,695MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

Overview

MSRP

$23,950

MSRP

$28,695

Average price

$19,773

Average price

$24,912

Listings

1450

Listings

59

Ratings & Reviews

User Reviews
User Reviews

Expert reviews

8.5 out of 10

Expert reviews

7.8 out of 10
Pros
  • Stylish design
  • Multiple powertrain options
  • Impressive technology
Cons
  • All-wheel drive not available
  • Underwhelming base engine
Pros
  • Manual transmission available
  • Great handling
  • Fun to drive
Cons
  • Poor ride quality
  • Not much cargo space
  • Outdated technology

2021 Hyundai Sonata Reviews Summary

In a shrinking car market, the traditional sport sedan is increasingly rare. Designed and developed for people who prefer on-pavement performance but need passenger and cargo practicality, only a handful of dedicated non-premium sport sedans still exist, and most of those barely qualify for membership in the club. Enter the new 2021 Hyundai Sonata N Line, which addresses both performance and practicality in a compelling midsize package and at a bargain price.

2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI Reviews Summary

Now in its last year of production before a major makeover, the 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI five-door hatchback embodies the benefits (and drawbacks) of the hot hatch formula. The quick, nimble, and stylish compact delivers impressive performance—but what does it sacrifice?
No video found

Popular Features & Specs

Engine

2.5L 191 hp I4

Engine

2.0L 228 hp I4

Drive Train

FWD

Drive Train

FWD

Seating Capacity

5

Seating Capacity

5

Horsepower

191 hp @ 6100 rpm

Horsepower

228 hp @ 5000 rpm

MPG City

27

MPG City

23

MPG Highway

37

MPG Highway

30
2021 Hyundai Sonata
2021 Hyundai Sonata
$23,950MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI
2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI
$28,695MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Hyundai Sonata
$23,950MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI
$28,695MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

Overview

MSRP
$23,950
$28,695
Average price
$19,773
$24,912
Listings

Ratings & Reviews

User reviews
4.9
5.0
Expert reviews

8.5 out of 10

Read full review

7.8 out of 10

Read full review
Pros & cons
Pros
  • Stylish design
  • Multiple powertrain options
  • Impressive technology
Cons
  • All-wheel drive not available
  • Underwhelming base engine
Pros
  • Manual transmission available
  • Great handling
  • Fun to drive
Cons
  • Poor ride quality
  • Not much cargo space
  • Outdated technology
Summary
In a shrinking car market, the traditional sport sedan is increasingly rare. Designed and developed for people who prefer on-pavement performance but need passenger and cargo practicality, only a handful of dedicated non-premium sport sedans still exist, and most of those barely qualify for membership in the club. Enter the new 2021 Hyundai Sonata N Line, which addresses both performance and practicality in a compelling midsize package and at a bargain price.
Now in its last year of production before a major makeover, the 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI five-door hatchback embodies the benefits (and drawbacks) of the hot hatch formula. The quick, nimble, and stylish compact delivers impressive performance—but what does it sacrifice?
Video
No video found

Popular Features & Specs

Engine
2.5L 191 hp I4
2.0L 228 hp I4
Drive Train
FWD
FWD
Seating Capacity
5
5
Horsepower
191 hp @ 6100 rpm
228 hp @ 5000 rpm
MPG City
27
23
MPG Highway
37
30
Look and feel
2021 Hyundai Sonata
8/10
2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI
8/10

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.

Performance
2021 Hyundai Sonata
9/10
2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI
7/10

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.

Form and function
2021 Hyundai Sonata
8/10
2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI
8/10

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.

Technology
2021 Hyundai Sonata
7/10
2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI
8/10

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.

Safety
2021 Hyundai Sonata
9/10
2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI
8/10

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.

Cost Effectiveness
2021 Hyundai Sonata
10/10
2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI
8/10

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2021 Hyundai Sonata is 8.5 out of 10, while the 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI scores 7.8 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the 2021 Hyundai Sonata is the recommended choice, offering a more comprehensive package of design, performance, technology, and safety features.

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2021 Hyundai Sonata is 8.5 out of 10, while the 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI scores 7.8 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the 2021 Hyundai Sonata is the recommended choice, offering a more comprehensive package of design, performance, technology, and safety features.

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By: CarGurus + AI

At CarGurus, our team of experienced automotive writers remain at the heart of our content operation, conducting hands-on car tests and writing insightful guides that are backed by years of industry experience. To complement this, we are harnessing AI to make our content offering more diverse and more helpful to shoppers than ever. To achieve this, our AI systems are based exclusively on CarGurus content, ratings and data, so that what we produce is both unique to CarGurus, and uniquely helpful to car shoppers.

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