2021 Hyundai Sonata vs 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI

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 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 performance-oriented appearance. Inside, the Sonata N Line boasted sport front seats with premium Nappa leather bolsters and Dinamica suede inserts, red stitching, aluminum pedal covers, and dark chrome accents, all complemented by a standard panoramic sunroof.

In contrast, the 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI, though claiming all-new body panels, retained a familiar look that might not be immediately distinguishable from its predecessor. The new GTI was longer and lower, with a stable silhouette and a short wheelbase for nimble handling. The front end featured a subtle honeycomb-patterned air intake and a signature red accent line running between the LED headlights. Aerodynamic improvements included redesigned side-view mirrors and underbody paneling. The GTI came with red brake calipers and varying wheel sizes depending on the trim, with the top-spec Autobahn trim featuring 19-inch wheels. The GTI was available in staple colors like silver, black, and white, with additional fun colors like Atlantic Blue Metallic and Kings Red Metallic.

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 (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 featured significant improvements in engine and transmission mount stiffness, faster rack-mounted electric steering, larger front and rear brakes, and a sport-tuned suspension. It rode on 19-inch wheels with 245/40 all-season or summer performance tires. The car delivered a thrilling driving experience, especially on winding mountain roads, with excellent handling, responsive steering, and stout brakes. The EPA estimated fuel economy at 27 mpg combined, though real-world driving yielded 23.7 mpg.

The 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI, powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, produced 241 horsepower at 5,000 rpm and 273 pound-feet of torque at 1,750 rpm. This engine was paired with either a six-speed manual transmission or a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DSG) with paddle shifters. The GTI featured a retuned suspension with a lighter front assembly and stiffer rear springs. Various drive modes allowed for Eco, Comfort, or Sport settings, and a standard electronic torque-sensing limited-slip differential worked with the electronic stability control (ESC) to reduce understeer. The top-tier Autobahn trim included the DCC adaptive damping system, capable of 200 adjustments per second. The GTI delivered a smooth and powerful driving experience, with excellent handling and a comfortable ride. The EPA estimated fuel economy at 28 mpg combined for both transmission options.

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata N Line featured heated front sport seats with Dinamica suede inserts for comfort and lateral support. The front passenger seat had a manual height adjuster, and rear-seat passengers enjoyed air conditioning vents and a USB port. The interior offered generous storage space, though the center console design was somewhat inelegant. The trunk provided 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 meant getting hands dirty when closing the trunk.

The 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI, known for its practicality, offered 19.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat, expandable to 34.5 cubic feet with the 60/40 split-folding rear seat. The driver-centric interior featured a center stack angled toward the driver and a unique “light and sight” panel for adjusting headlights and defogging settings. Rear-seat legroom was surprisingly generous, making the GTI comfortable for a family of four.

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, the lack of a tuning knob and the placement of the volume control knob were frustrating. The infotainment system offered Sounds of Nature for stress relief, and the Hyundai Digital Key allowed for smartphone-based unlocking and starting, though it was only compatible with Android devices.

The 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI featured a 10.25-inch digital driver information display with customizable gauge layouts and ambient lighting profiles. The infotainment system included an 8.25-inch touchscreen in the S trim and a 10-inch touchscreen with navigation in the SE and Autobahn trims. Standard features included Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and Bluetooth connectivity. The SE and Autobahn trims came with a 9-speaker Harmon Kardon sound system. Volkswagen’s Car-Net system offered various features, some at additional costs, such as Remote Access, Safe and Secure, and Hotspot. Optional features included Plus Nav, Plus Speech, and Plus Online Radio, all at low annual fees.

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 had not been crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS at the time of review.

The 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI featured IQ.Drive, which included adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear traffic alert. However, IQ.Drive was only available on automatic GTIs. All trims came with Park Distance Control, and the Autobahn trim included Park Assist for automatic parking. The GTI had not been crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS at the time of review.