2021 Lexus ES vs 2022 Hyundai Sonata

The 2021 Lexus ES expanded its lineup with the introduction of the ES 250 series, featuring a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and standard all-wheel drive, priced similarly to the ES 350 with a 3.5-liter V6 and front-wheel drive. The ES 250 and ES 350 were available in Standard, F Sport, Luxury, and Ultra Luxury trims. Additionally, the ES 300h hybrid offered improved fuel economy at a premium. Lexus made blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert standard on most trims, and introduced a limited-production Black Line Special Edition for the ES 350. The ES 350 F Sport Black Line Special Edition boasted features like triple-beam LED headlights, adaptive suspension, and a striking black and white interior, with a price tag of $54,070. The F Sport trim added unique styling elements, while the Black Line Special Edition featured exclusive black accents and a limited production run of 1,500 units. The ES's design, characterized by its dramatic grille and sleek lines, was particularly appealing in the F Sport trim, and the interior's high-quality materials and design reinforced its Lexus identity.

The 2022 Hyundai Sonata, in its seventh generation, showcased a distinctive design with a wide grille, rounded front fascia, and sloped rear roofline. While its appearance was subjective, the Sonata's interior offered a functional and spacious cabin with seating for five. The Limited trim featured comfortable leather seats, though the tan upholstery was not universally appealing. The Sonata N Line catered to those seeking a sportier look, with a body kit, gloss black accents, and dual exhaust outlets. Inside, the N Line boasted dark chrome trim, red stitching, and sport seats with premium leather bolsters. The Sonata's cabin was spacious, with ample front-seat headroom and legroom, though rear-seat space was average. The 16-cubic-foot trunk was generous, and the Remote Smart Parking Assist feature added convenience, allowing the car to maneuver into tight spots via the key fob.

The 2021 Lexus ES 350 was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 302 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission driving the front wheels. It offered Normal, Eco, and Sport driving modes, with Sport+ and Custom modes available with the adaptive damping suspension. The ES 350 accelerated to 60 mph in 6.6 seconds, with an EPA fuel economy rating of 25 mpg combined, though real-world testing averaged 22.9 mpg. The ES 350 F Sport felt quicker than its official acceleration time suggested, with a firm ride, flat cornering stance, and overall athleticism. However, it was not an outright sports sedan, as the Lexus IS models filled that role.

The 2022 Hyundai Sonata offered a range of engine options, starting with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 191 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque, available on SE and SEL trims. A turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine with 180 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque powered the SEL Plus and Limited trims. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, with paddle shifters standard on the 1.6-liter turbo. The Sonata N Line featured a 290-horsepower turbocharged 2.5-liter engine, an eight-speed wet dual-clutch automatic transmission, and sport suspension, offering a more aggressive driving experience. All Sonatas were front-wheel drive, and the ride was smooth and quiet, with competent handling.

The 2021 Lexus ES featured a daring interior layout, with sport-bolstered front seats offering 10-way power adjustment, heating, and ventilation. The NuLuxe synthetic leather provided excellent comfort, and rear-seat passengers enjoyed good foot and legroom, with rear air conditioning vents and an available power rear window sunshade. Visibility was excellent, though storage was oddly configured, with nooks and crannies rather than large bins. The trunk offered 13.9 cubic feet of space, with a hands-free power trunk option.

The 2022 Hyundai Sonata's cabin offered 104.4 cubic feet of passenger space, classifying it as a "Large Car" by the EPA. Front-seat headroom and legroom were top-notch, while rear-seat space was adequate for two adults. The 16-cubic-foot trunk was spacious, accommodating a complete set of rolling luggage. The Remote Smart Parking Assist feature allowed the Sonata to maneuver into tight spots via the key fob, though it was more of a novelty than a necessity.

The 2021 Lexus ES featured a touchpad interface that required attention to operate, though climate and stereo controls were separate and easily accessible. The dynamic voice command technology was excellent, allowing users to bypass the touchpad. The optional 12.3-inch widescreen display was impressive, though not a touchscreen. Standard features included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, SiriusXM, HD Radio, and connected services. A 10-speaker premium sound system was standard, with a 17-speaker Mark Levinson system available.

The 2022 Hyundai Sonata's infotainment technology varied by trim, with base SE models featuring an 8-inch touchscreen, six speakers, and smartphone integration. Higher trims upgraded to a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation, a 12-speaker Bose audio system, and wireless device charging. The SEL trim included the Tech package as standard, with features like Highway Driving Assist and a panoramic sunroof. Pairing an iPhone via Bluetooth was seamless, and the Bose audio system provided excellent sound quality.

The 2021 Lexus ES came standard with Lexus Safety System 2.0, which included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, adaptive cruise control, road-sign recognition, and automatic high-beam headlights. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard on most trims. The ES received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

The 2022 Hyundai Sonata featured a comprehensive safety package, with automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, driver-attention warning, and more as standard. Higher trims added features like blind-spot collision-avoidance assist and rear cross-traffic alert. The Sonata received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though the IIHS had not rated the 2022 model. The 2021 Sonata received top ratings in crash tests and crash prevention.