2021 Hyundai Sonata vs 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata, redesigned for the 2020 model year, presented a bold and distinctive look that was unmistakably a Sonata. 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, all under a standard panoramic sunroof.

In contrast, the 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class offered a variety of body styles, including coupe, convertible, sedan, and station wagon. The AMG E53 Cabriolet, in particular, stood out with its matte-finish paint, premium leather, and carbon fiber trim. Priced at $85,400, the E53 convertible could reach an MSRP of nearly $110,000 with options. The car's design purity was evident, especially with the AMG styling, larger wheels, and a convertible top. Inside, the E53 Cabriolet featured high-resolution digital displays, glow-in-the-dark air vents, Burmester speaker grilles, and luxurious leather, creating an ambiance of pure luxury.

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 an eight-speed wet dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT) with paddle shifters, rev-matching, and a launch control system. The car offered Normal, Sport, Sport+, and Custom driving modes, along with an Active Sound Design (ASD) engine note enhancement system. The Sonata N Line also featured 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. The EPA estimated fuel economy at 27 mpg in combined driving, though real-world testing yielded 23.7 mpg.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG E53 Cabriolet featured a 3.0-liter turbo-six engine with EQ Boost mild-hybrid technology, producing 429 horsepower and 384 pound-feet of torque. The engine's power was delivered through an AMG Speedshift nine-speed automatic transmission and AMG Performance 4Matic+ variable AWD system. The car could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds. The E53 Cabriolet also had an AMG-tuned air suspension and performance exhaust system, with optional 20-inch wheels and summer performance tires. The car's dual personality allowed it to be a quiet and cushy cruiser or a firm and responsive performer on winding roads. The E53 Cabriolet's AWD system, heated wiper blades, and multiple camera viewing angles made it suitable for year-round driving.

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata N Line featured heated front sport seats with Dinamica suede inserts, offering a balance of comfort and lateral support. The front passenger seat had a manual height adjuster, and the rear seats included air conditioning vents and a USB port. The Sonata's interior storage was generous, though the center console design was somewhat inelegant. The trunk offered 16 cubic feet of space, with a 60/40-split folding rear seat for added utility. The Smart Trunk hands-free release feature was convenient, though the lack of an interior handle on the trunk lid was a minor inconvenience.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG E53 Cabriolet was a true four-passenger convertible with comfortable seats and an Aircap system to reduce cabin turbulence. The front seats featured heating, rapid-heating, and a neck-warming Airscarf system. Sun-reflective leather and ventilated front seats were available for hot weather, while the triple-layer acoustic soft top kept the cabin cool and quiet. The test car included multi-contour front seats with massage and an Air Balance interior fragrance system. The trunk offered 9.5 cubic feet of space with the top raised, but this was reduced by half when the top was dropped.

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, 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, it lacked a WiFi hotspot and a tuning knob, which could be frustrating. The infotainment system offered Sounds of Nature for relaxation and Hyundai Digital Key for Android devices.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class featured the MBUX infotainment system with two 12.3-inch screens—a touchscreen and a digital instrument cluster. The system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, WiFi service, and an augmented reality video overlay for navigation. A head-up display and a Burmester surround-sound audio system were also available. The MBUX system was user-friendly, though the digital assistant could be accidentally activated. In a convertible, wind noise could affect the digital assistant's performance.

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 Sonata N Line's safety rating was based on the standard Sonata's performance in crash tests.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class included standard forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and pop-up rollbars for rollover protection. Mercedes Pre Safe and Pre Safe Sound were also standard, preparing the cabin and occupants for a collision and protecting ears from loud noises. Active Parking Assist, a surround-view camera system, and rain-sensing wipers with Magic Vision Control were included. The optional Driver Assistance Package added adaptive cruise control, Active Steering Assist, front automatic braking for cross traffic, Evasive Steering Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist, Active Blind Spot Assist, Active Emergency Stop Assist, and Pre Safe Plus.