2021 Hyundai Sonata vs 2022 Volkswagen Passat

2021 Hyundai Sonata
2021 Hyundai Sonata
$23,950MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2022 Volkswagen Passat
2022 Volkswagen Passat
$27,575MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Hyundai Sonata
$23,950MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2022 Volkswagen Passat
$27,575MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

Overview

MSRP

$23,950

MSRP

$27,575

Average price

$19,820

Average price

$19,704

Listings

1410

Listings

284

Ratings & Reviews

User Reviews
User Reviews

Expert reviews

8.5 out of 10

Expert reviews

6.0 out of 10
Pros
  • Stylish design
  • Multiple powertrain options
  • Impressive technology
Cons
  • All-wheel drive not available
  • Underwhelming base engine
Pros
  • Fuel-efficient
  • Spacious
  • Impressive stereo
Cons
  • Sluggish performance
  • Uncomfortable driving position
  • Outdated technology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.

2022 Volkswagen Passat Reviews Summary

First came the Dasher in 1974, then the Quantum in 1982, then the Passat in 1990. None became household names like the Honda Accord or Toyota Camry, partly because the Passat and its progenitors appealed to a small contingent of Americans seeking European design, engineering, and driving dynamics in a car often characterized as a bargain-priced Audi. But in the midsize sedan segment, a reputation for reliability and efficiency, not design or handling, is king.

Tired of compromise, Volkswagen "Americanized" the Passat for the 2011 model year, moving production to a new factory in Chattanooga, Tennessee. The car's blandly attractive design, huge interior, big trunk, and soft ride seemed to be just what U.S. customers wanted, along with a ”Made in the USA” label. But those potential buyers had moved on to SUVs, and the new Passat alienated some of the VW faithful. The Dieselgate scandal didn't help the Passat, either.

VW nailed the car's coffin shut when the family car segment began to wither rapidly. So now, the Passat departs the U.S. market, effectively replaced by the Tiguan and Atlas SUVs and leaving the Jetta to serve people who still want a sedan wearing a VW logo on its grille.

No video found

Popular Features & Specs

Engine

2.5L 191 hp I4

Engine

2.0L 174 hp I4

Drive Train

FWD

Drive Train

FWD

Seating Capacity

5

Seating Capacity

5

Horsepower

191 hp @ 6100 rpm

Horsepower

174 hp @ 5200 rpm

MPG City

27

MPG City

24

MPG Highway

37

MPG Highway

36
2021 Hyundai Sonata
2021 Hyundai Sonata
$23,950MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2022 Volkswagen Passat
2022 Volkswagen Passat
$27,575MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Hyundai Sonata
$23,950MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2022 Volkswagen Passat
$27,575MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

Overview

MSRP
$23,950
$27,575
Average price
$19,820
$19,704
Listings

Ratings & Reviews

User reviews
4.9
4.8
Expert reviews

8.5 out of 10

Read full review

6.0 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
  • Fuel-efficient
  • Spacious
  • Impressive stereo
Cons
  • Sluggish performance
  • Uncomfortable driving position
  • 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.

First came the Dasher in 1974, then the Quantum in 1982, then the Passat in 1990. None became household names like the Honda Accord or Toyota Camry, partly because the Passat and its progenitors appealed to a small contingent of Americans seeking European design, engineering, and driving dynamics in a car often characterized as a bargain-priced Audi. But in the midsize sedan segment, a reputation for reliability and efficiency, not design or handling, is king.

Tired of compromise, Volkswagen "Americanized" the Passat for the 2011 model year, moving production to a new factory in Chattanooga, Tennessee. The car's blandly attractive design, huge interior, big trunk, and soft ride seemed to be just what U.S. customers wanted, along with a ”Made in the USA” label. But those potential buyers had moved on to SUVs, and the new Passat alienated some of the VW faithful. The Dieselgate scandal didn't help the Passat, either.

VW nailed the car's coffin shut when the family car segment began to wither rapidly. So now, the Passat departs the U.S. market, effectively replaced by the Tiguan and Atlas SUVs and leaving the Jetta to serve people who still want a sedan wearing a VW logo on its grille.

Video
No video found

Popular Features & Specs

Engine
2.5L 191 hp I4
2.0L 174 hp I4
Drive Train
FWD
FWD
Seating Capacity
5
5
Horsepower
191 hp @ 6100 rpm
174 hp @ 5200 rpm
MPG City
27
24
MPG Highway
37
36
Look and feel
2021 Hyundai Sonata
8/10
2022 Volkswagen Passat
7/10

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata, redesigned for the 2020 model year, presented a bold and distinctive look that was immediately recognizable. The N Line treatment further enhanced its appeal 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 interior featured sport front seats with premium Nappa leather bolsters, red stitching, and dark chrome accents, creating a sporty yet refined atmosphere. The panoramic sunroof added a sense of spaciousness, making the cabin feel roomier.

In contrast, the 2022 Volkswagen Passat Limited Edition aimed to commemorate the model's legacy with exclusive features and a unique Racing Green paint color. The interior boasted Mauro Brown leather upholstery, fake wood trim, and special seat tags, giving it an upscale feel. Despite its age, the Passat's design had aged gracefully, and the freshening for the 2020 model year helped extend its shelf life. However, the interior was a mix of inexpensive plastics and outdated technologies, such as the 6.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system and small driver information display.

Performance
2021 Hyundai Sonata
9/10
2022 Volkswagen Passat
6/10

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata N Line was equipped with a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 290 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque. This power was managed by 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'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 on winding roads, and the suspension effectively minimized body roll and excess motion. The EPA estimated fuel economy at 27 mpg in combined driving, though real-world testing yielded 23.7 mpg.

The 2022 Volkswagen Passat, powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, generated 174 horsepower and 206 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed automatic transmission drove the front wheels, and the car prioritized fuel efficiency with a tendency to upshift quickly. The Passat's ride quality was generally smooth, but it could feel jittery on city streets and over road surface anomalies. The car's handling on twisty mountain roads revealed traditional German traits, with a flat cornering attitude and accurate steering. The EPA estimated fuel economy at 28 mpg in combined driving, but real-world testing showed an impressive 30.7 mpg. The Passat's 18.5-gallon fuel tank allowed for long distances between refueling stops.

Form and function
2021 Hyundai Sonata
8/10
2022 Volkswagen Passat
7/10

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 had a manual height adjuster, making it comfortable for both front-seat occupants. However, the rear seats were not significantly more accommodating than those in the smaller Elantra N Line, with limited legroom and thigh support. The Sonata offered generous interior storage space and a roomy 16-cubic-foot trunk with a 60/40-split folding rear seat. The Smart Trunk hands-free release feature was convenient, though the lack of an interior handle for closing the trunk was a drawback.

The 2022 Volkswagen Passat excelled in interior space, offering ample room for five adults. The front seats had eight-way power adjustment, but the inability to separately adjust the bottom cushion angle affected comfort. The rear seats provided exceptional legroom and comfort, with air conditioning vents and USB ports for added convenience. Storage space was good, though some areas were lined with hard plastic, causing items to slide and make noise. The Passat's 15.9-cubic-foot trunk was spacious, but it lacked underfloor trays or side bins for securing items. The remote keyless entry fob allowed for easy trunk access without touching the exterior paint.

Technology
2021 Hyundai Sonata
7/10
2022 Volkswagen Passat
6/10

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 voice recognition technology was mostly accurate, and the Sounds of Nature feature provided ambient noise tracks for relaxation. Hyundai Digital Key was standard but only compatible with Android devices.

The 2022 Volkswagen Passat's infotainment system featured a 6.3-inch screen with App-Connect smartphone connectivity, SiriusXM satellite radio, and Bluetooth for two paired devices. The R-Line and Limited Edition trims added HD Radio, navigation, and a Fender premium audio system. The voice recognition system worked well for simple commands but struggled with more complex ones. The Car-Net connected service plans offered additional features, including a WiFi hotspot. The Fender audio system was a standout feature, providing excellent sound quality.

Safety
2021 Hyundai Sonata
9/10
2022 Volkswagen Passat
4/10

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata N Line was equipped with Hyundai's SmartSense collection of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS). This comprehensive package included 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's standard model received high safety ratings, though the N Line's specific ratings were not available at the time of review.

The 2022 Volkswagen Passat SE included standard forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, automatic rear braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, and adaptive cruise control. The R-Line trim added automatic high-beam headlights, while the Limited Edition featured adaptive headlights, front and rear parking sensors, and a park-assist system. The lane-keeping assistance system was inconsistent, and the reverse automatic braking system was overly sensitive. The Passat received a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with a three-star rating for frontal-impact collision protection. The IIHS gave the top-trim headlights a "Good" rating and "Good" ratings in all crash tests.

Cost Effectiveness
2021 Hyundai Sonata
10/10
2022 Volkswagen Passat
6/10

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 2022 Volkswagen Passat scores 6.0 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the 2021 Hyundai Sonata is the clear winner, offering a more powerful engine, better technology, and a comprehensive suite of safety features. The Sonata's sporty driving dynamics and modern interior make it a more appealing choice for consumers.

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 2022 Volkswagen Passat scores 6.0 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the 2021 Hyundai Sonata is the clear winner, offering a more powerful engine, better technology, and a comprehensive suite of safety features. The Sonata's sporty driving dynamics and modern interior make it a more appealing choice for consumers.

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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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