2021 Hyundai Sonata vs 2022 Lexus IS

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, red stitching, aluminum pedal covers, and dark chrome accents, along with a standard panoramic sunroof that added to the car's spacious feel.

In contrast, the 2022 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance carried forward the legacy of the original 2008 Lexus IS F with a similar recipe of a powerful V8 engine and rear-wheel drive. The new IS 500 featured a 5.0-liter V8 engine producing 472 hp and 395 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The car's design included a raised hood to accommodate the V8 engine, angled quad exhaust outlets, and exclusive 19-inch lighter-weight wheels. Inside, the IS 500 maintained the same interior as the IS 350 F Sport, with quality materials and a comfortable layout for four passengers. The addition of a wide touchscreen display for the infotainment system improved usability, although the touchpad on the center console remained a point of contention.

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 rpm to 4,000 rpm. This power was delivered to the front wheels through an eight-speed wet dual-clutch automatic transmission with 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 also boasted significant improvements in engine and transmission mount stiffness, faster rack-mounted electric steering, larger brakes, and a sport-tuned suspension. On the road, the Sonata N Line demonstrated impressive handling, responsive steering, and stout brakes, making it a joy to drive on winding roads. The EPA estimated fuel economy at 27 mpg in combined driving, though real-world testing yielded 23.7 mpg.

The 2022 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance, on the other hand, featured a 5.0-liter V8 engine producing 472 hp at 7,100 rpm and 395 lb-ft of torque at 4,800 rpm. The car weighed 11 pounds less than the RC F coupe and 143 pounds less than the GS F sedan, with a weight distribution of 56% over the front wheels and 44% over the rear wheels. The IS 500 came with an eight-speed Sport Direct Shift automatic transmission and a limited-slip differential, offering driving modes such as Eco, Normal, Sport S, and Sport+. The car's adaptive variable suspension and Yamaha rear performance damper provided a comfortable ride and greater stability. Lexus claimed a 0-60 mph time of 4.4 seconds. Despite its added weight, the IS 500 handled well on public roads, offering a thrilling driving experience with a seductive engine note. However, fuel economy was less impressive, averaging 17.7 mpg during testing.

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata N Line featured heated front sport seats with Dinamica suede inserts, providing a balance between comfort and lateral support. The front passenger seat included a manual height adjuster, enhancing comfort for both front-seat occupants. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed air conditioning vents and a USB port, though legroom and thigh support were not significantly better than the 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 2022 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance offered a comfortable and well-ventilated cabin, with effective air conditioning and seat ventilation systems. The front seats provided excellent thigh support and a snug yet comfortable fit, while the rear seats were adequate for adults of average height. Rear air conditioning vents were included, but smartphone charging for rear passengers was absent. Storage space was limited, with the center console touchpad taking up valuable space and a small 10.8-cubic-foot trunk. The control layout was user-friendly, with buttons, knobs, and clear lettering, making the infotainment system easy to use.

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 radio were notable omissions. The infotainment system's design occasionally led to accidental touch activations, and the voice recognition technology was not always reliable. The Sonata N Line also featured Hyundai Digital Key, which worked only with Android devices.

The 2022 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance addressed previous ergonomic flaws with a touchscreen infotainment display, separate climate and stereo controls, and a home screen displaying two types of content. The dynamic voice command system was outstanding, handling queries and commands accurately. Standard features included an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, SiriusXM satellite radio, connected services, and a WiFi hotspot. The IS 500 Premium added a 10.3-inch touchscreen, navigation system, and a 17-speaker Mark Levinson premium audio system, delivering impressive sound quality.

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-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 Rear Occupant Alert, 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 2022 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance came with Lexus Safety System+ 2.5 (LSS+ 2.5), a comprehensive package of safety features including lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assistance, and low-speed automatic braking. While some features were helpful, others could be irritating in certain situations. The IS 500 earned the highest overall rating of “Top Safety Pick+” from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and a five-star overall rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), though it received a four-star frontal-impact collision rating for the driver and front passenger.