The 2021 Sonata gets a new wheel and tires along with additional features across the trim levels
Spacious interior
Interior lacks premium offering
A new N Line performance trim joins the Sonata lineup this year
Multiple engine options
The N Line comes powered by a 290-horsepower turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine
Impressive cargo space
The SEL, SEL Plus, and the Limited get a standard passenger alert system
Specs & Features
$23,950
price
191 hp @ 6100 rpm
horsepower
181 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm
torque
8-Speed Shiftable Automatic
transmission
2.5L 4cyl FWD 8A
engine
-
basic warranty
Overview
Getting a revamp in 2020, the 2021 Hyundai Sonata enters into its second year of the seventh generation with a fresh trim lineup and additional features. The Sonata Sedan is mostly carry forward from its 2020 model year. This year, we have a performance N Line that joins the Sonata's trim lineup with an all-new turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that churns out 290 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque. The N Line (reviewed separately), boasts exclusive features like enhanced handling, a black-painted grille, dual exhaust pipes, and sporty front seats with red accent stitching. Sonata's base model comes at a starting price of $23,700, and the range-topping Limited starts at $33,950. Compared to most cars in the segment, Sonata's price is still on the lower side.
Buying Advice
Right from the base model, the 2021 sonata offers an array of standard features. However, if a recommendation is to be made among the available trims then we shall opt for the SEL that offers tempting features that are hard to ignore. With a unique cabin style, the SEL reveals a distinctive look. Additionally, it gets a convenience package that offers features like a panoramic sunroof, a bigger instrument console, and a wireless charging system.
The Sonata interior comes fitted with the latest features and leather upholstery. However, the base trim comes with cloth upholstery on the seats. Mechanically, the Sedan shared most of its powertrain cues with its cousin Kia K5. The cabin and trunk area are spacious enough to accommodate five people comfortably. Although the base Sonata gets lots of standard features the higher trims like SEL Plus and Limited get more advanced features. This makes it compete against popular Sedans like Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, and Mazda 6. With the SEL trim, you can avail yourself of a Convenience package that adds features like a power-adjustable driver's seat, heated front seats, blind-spot monitoring, and dual-zone automatic climate control.
Features
9.0/10
The 2021 Hyundai Sonata comes in five trim levels: SE, SEL, SEL Plus, Limited, and the N Line. There's also a hybrid version of the Sonata that has been reviewed separately. A standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine powers the Sonata with 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque. The N Line is the performance version of the Sonata equipped with features from SEL Plus trim along with the Tech package.
Trim
SE
SEL
SEL Plus
N Line
Limited
MSRP
$23,700
$25,800
$28,300
$33,300
$33,950
Key Features
8-inch touchscreen
Hands-free trunk opener
Wireless charging pad
Panoramic sunroof
Digital key feature
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Heated mirrors
Digital instrument cluster
12-speaker premium Bose sound system
Automated remote parking system
LED headlights
Blind-spot monitor
Rear charge-only USB port
N Line-specific design detailing
Surround-view parking camera
Adaptive cruise control
Power-adjustable driver's seat
Simulated leather and faux-suede upholstery
Unique 19-inch wheels
Head-up display
Lane-keeping and lane-centering assist
Keyless entry and ignition
Hyundai Digital key
Sport-tuned steering and suspension
10.25-inch touchscreen display
The range-topping Limited gets a larger 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system along with various premium interior equipment. The trim also gets standard 18-inch wheels with wider tires than the SEL. Other features include the ambient interior lighting, ventilated front seats, heated steering wheel, and power-adjustable passenger seats.
Which Trim should you buy?
Right from the base model, the 2021 sonata offers an array of standard features. However, if a recommendation is to be made among the available trims then we shall opt for the SEL that offers tempting features that are hard to ignore. With a unique cabin style, the SEL reveals a distinctive look. Additionally, it gets a convenience package that offers features like a panoramic sunroof, a bigger instrument console, and a wireless charging system.
Engine and Performance
5.0/10
There are two engine choices with the 2021 Sonata, a 2.5L naturally aspirated 4-cylinder producing 191 hp and 181 lb-ft of torque, available on base SE and SEL trims. The SEL Plus and Limited trims get a 1.6-liter turbocharged engine that churns out 190 hp and 190 lb-ft of torque. Both the engine comes paired with an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission that sends power to the front wheels.
2021 Hyundai Sonata Sedan engine bay
The N Line gets power from a 290 horsepower Turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that offers impressive torque of 311-pound feet. The N Line gets dedicated 19-inch wheels with wider summer tires compared to the SEL Plus trim. The N Line is more into the performance side, so it gets sport-tuned suspension and steering.
Models
2021 Hyundai Sonata
2021 Honda Accord
2021 Toyota Camry
2021 Mazda 6
MSRP
$23,700
$24,770
$24,970
$24,325
Engine
2.5L NA Inline-4
1.5L turbocharged I4
2.5L NA Inline-4
2.5L Inline-4
Drivetrain
FWD
FWD
FWD
FWD
Transmission
8-Speed automatic
CVT
8-Speed automatic
6-Speed automatic
Power
191hp @ 6,100rpm
192hp @ 5,500rpm
203hp @ 6,600rpm
187hp @ 6,000rpm
Torque
181lb-ft @ 4,000rpm
192lb-ft @ 1,600rpm
184lb-ft @ 5,000rpm
186lb-ft @ 4,000rpm
0-60 MPH
7.9 secs
7.6 secs
7.6 secs
7.1 secs
Quarter Mile
15.9 secs
15.9 secs
15.7 secs
N/A
Top Speed
150 mph
115 mph
135 mph
131 mph
When it comes to the acceleration, the 2021 sonata sprints to 60 MPH in 7.9 seconds, keeping it close to the rivals that also score similar timings. However, the sonata is tuned to offer a top speed of 150 MPH which is far greater than rivals like Camry and Mazda 6. The higher trims like SEL Plus and Limited are capable of doing the sprint in 7.3 seconds. The sporty N Line model manages to take just 6 seconds to go from zero to 60 mph.
How well does the 2021 Hyundai Sonata handle?
Unlike the previous generation models, the new 2021 Sonata is fun to drive with better suspension and aerodynamics. The car is stable while cornering as well. The steering is pretty responsive and offers decent feedback. While driving in the city, the Sedan feels smooth and stable. The base engine might not feel peppy as the 1.6-liter engine that comes fitted in the SEL Plus and Limited. Handy features like adaptive cruise control and smart lane assist bring more life to the ride quality.
The cabin remains quiet and calm even when driving at high speeds. The driving modes understand your driving behavior and optimize the system as per the conditions. The wheels are large enough to take over any kind of terrain. The higher trims get 18-inch wheels with all-season tires. The upgraded suspension absorbs road bumps effectively and the creature's comfort inside the cabin does the rest of the job to keep the passengers occupied comfortably.
2021 Hyundai Sonata Braking Performance
The 2021 Hyundai Sonata comes with 12-inch ventilated front discs and 11.8-inch rear discs. The braking on the new Sonata is buttery smooth. The Sedan comes equipped with a four-wheel anti braking system and automatic emergency braking. The car manages to stop at a distance of 121 feet, which is still shorter than the Accord.
2021 Hyundai Sonata Sedan brake rotor
Models
2021 Hyundai Sonata
2021 Honda Accord
2021 Toyota Camry
2021 Mazda 6
Brake Rotors: Front (inches)
12.0
11.5
12
N/A
Brake Rotors: Rear (inches)
11.8
11.1
11.1
N/A
Curb Weight (lbs)
3120
3373
3241
3437
60-0 (feet)
121
120
127
127
With a curb weight of 3120 pounds, the Sonata is a bit lighter than its competitors like Mazda 6, Toyota Camry, and Honda Accord. Sonata’s larger brake rotors allow it to stop at a perfect distance of 121 feet. Also, the braking performance is further enhanced by various safety aids that come as standard as well as optional on higher trim levels.
Fuel Economy
6.0/10
The 2021 Sonata Sedan comes with highly efficient powertrain options. The base 2.5-liter engine offers an EPA-rated fuel economy of 28 mpg in the city and 38 mpg on the highway. The models with turbocharged engines offer 31 mpg on the highways. There is a very minor difference in the fuel economy offered by the non-turbo engine and turbo engine. The hybrid sonata returns around 50 mpg in the city and 54 mpg on the highways.
Models
2021 Hyundai Sonata
2021 Honda Accord
2021 Toyota Camry
2021 Mazda 6
MPG (City)
28
30
29
26
MPG (Highway)
38
38
41
35
MPG (Combined)
32
33
34
29
Fuel Capacity (Gallons)
14.8 gallons
14.8 gallons
15.8 gallons
16.4 gallons
Range (City/Hwy/Combined) (mi)
414/562/473 miles
444/562/488 miles
458/647/537 miles
426/574/475 miles
When compared to the rivals, the Sonata offers nothing exceptional in terms of fuel economy. However, the fun fact is that performance is not sacrificed on behalf of the fuel economy. The Sonata engines are well optimized to offer best-in-class fuel economy without taking a toll on the driving dynamics. With 14.8 gallons of the fuel tank, you can drive the Sonata to 414 miles in cities and 562 miles on highways.
Interior
8.0/10
The Sonata interior remains the same as the previous 2020 model year. The front seats come with cloth upholstery on the base SE with manually adjustable seating. The SEL trim gets an 8-way power-adjustable driver seat along with heated seats with premium cloth upholstery. The higher trims get dual-zone automatic climate control along with multiple air vents in the rear seating row.
Priced at $28,300, the SEL Plus offers similar leather upholstery with notable inserts. The Limited trim offers power lumbar seats and leather upholstery. The SEL trims can be coupled with a Convenience package that adds a leather-wrapped steering wheel, rear climate control, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, and wireless charging pad. The center console comes with a slide-open compartment that is sufficient for storing small bags. The interior offers multiple small storage spaces that can easily fit bottles, cups, and magazines.
Models
2021 Hyundai Sonata
2021 Honda Accord
2021 Toyota Camry
2021 Mazda 6
Seating Capacity
5
5
5
5
Front Row (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in)
40/57.9/46.1
37.5/58.3/42.3
38.3/57.7/42.1
38.4/55.9/42.2
Second Row (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in)
38.4/56.1/34.8
37.2/55/40.4
37.6/55.7/38
37.1/55.1/38.7
Cargo Capacity (ft3)
16.0 cu-ft
15.1 cu-ft
15.1 cu-ft
15.4 cu-ft
Compared to the rivals, the Sonata offers better space in the cabin. Be it the legroom, headroom, or shoulder room, passengers have encountered fewer problems in occupancy. With a cargo capacity of 16 cubic feet, the Sedan offers best in class space compared to other cars in the market. However, the wheel arches restrict some wider items to get into the trunk easily. Some of the notable interior features of 2021 Sonata are:
Blue Link connectivity and remote services
Power-adjustable driver's seat
Heated front seats
Dual-zone automatic climate control
Ambient interior lighting
Leather-wrapped steering wheel
Panoramic sunroof
Rear climate vents
Auto-dimming rearview mirror
Wireless charging pad for smartphone
12-speaker premium Bose sound system
What’s there to keep you entertained?
The 2021 Hyundai Sonata gets an upgraded 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The infotainment is user-friendly and offers responsive operation. The SEL Plus gets a larger 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster. There's plenty of control mounted on the steering wheel and on the driver's side, making it convenient for the driver.
For music, you get a 6-speaker audio system as standard on base trims. The range-topping Limited trim gets a 12-speaker Bose premium audio system. You can expect the best possible audio output from the speakers. Some of the notable infotainment features are:
Apple CarPlay
Android Auto
12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
Bluetooth handsfree with wireless audio streaming
Head up display
Bose premium audio system with 12 speakers
Multiple devices connectivity
8" or 10.25" touchscreen infotainment system
SiriusXM radio
Exterior
8.0/10
The Hyundai Sonata received a complete redesign last year, and the new 2021 model year returns essentially unchanged. The seventh-generation boasts LED headlights along with DRLs. The front fascia gets unique grille styling in angular shape. The new grille design reflects the sporty nature of the Sonata.
A new N Line model is joining the Sonata lineup, revealing several performance packages and N Line-specific treatments inside-out. The base model gets 16-inch alloy wheels while the SEL Plus gets 19-inch wheels that are absolute fun. The rear gets 'C' shaped taillights that run through the trunk. The N-Line gets the technology package of the SEL Plus along with several fresh pieces of equipment.
Models
2021 Hyundai Sonata
2021 Honda Accord
2021 Toyota Camry
2021 Mazda 6
Curb Weight (lbs)
3120
3373
3241
3437
Length (in)
192.9
192.2
192.1
192.7
Width (in)
73.2
73.3
72.4
72.4
Height (in)
56.9
57.1
56.9
57.1
Ground Clearance (in)
5.3
5.8
5.7
6.5
Wheelbase (in)
111.8
115.8
111.2
111.4
All the competitors get somewhat similar dimensions and wheelbase, except the Accord offering a wheelbase of 115.8 inches. However, the Honda Accord is longer and offers better cabin space compared to the Sonata. The Sonata continues to reflect the brand's ideology of a distinctive look and essential fitments. Some of the significant exterior features include:
Shark fin roof antenna
18-inch machine-cut alloy wheels with black inserts
LED headlamps with DRLs
Angular designed front grille
Swooping bonnet with no cutlines
Boomerang taillamps with full-length LED strip
Sloping coupe-like roofline
Safety
8.0/10
The 2021 Sonata has scored five-star ratings overall in the crash tests conducted by NHTSA. However, in the frontal crash test, the car scored four out of five-star ratings. The IIHS has also recognized the Sedan as the Top Safety Pick. The range-topping Limited gets additional safety features like a surround-view camera system and a blind-spot monitor. Some of the notable safety features of the 2021 Hyundai Sonata include:
Forward collision mitigation with pedestrian detection
Adaptive cruise control
Lane-keeping assist
Driver attention warning
Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist
Rear Occupant Alert
Competition
9.0/10
2021 Hyundai Sonata vs. 2021 Honda Accord
The Honda Accord is a well-balanced sedan that offers one of the premium cabins in the segment. The Accord has been a top-rated sedan for a while now and it is hard to point any drawback here. However, with the recent upgrade, the seventh-generation Sonata is highly recommended for its driving trait and an array of safety aids on offer.
2021 Hyundai Sonata vs. 2021 Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry has been a renowned sedan in the segment for ages. It has got decent handling and fuel economy as well. On the other hand, the Sonata comes with an array of essential features that are available as standard and boasts of better handling and engine performance compared to the Camry. The interior of both the cars is impressive enough but the Sonata grabs the extra point in terms of trunk space and warranty on offer.
2021 Hyundai Sonata vs. 2021 Mazda 6
The Mazda 6 is a distinguished and fun-to-drive sedan. It is no different in this model year as well. It has got sporty design traits that make the Sonata's base model have a stand against it. However, the Sonata N Line is the best model that can compete against the Mazda 6 in terms of performance. As far as pricing and value are concerned, the Sonata is still a better deal against the Mazda 6.
Final Verdict
7.5/10
The Hyundai Sonata is stylish and turns out to be a value-for-money car in multiple ways. With a feature-rich trim lineup, the 2021 Sonata excels in few areas such as looks, infotainment system, warranty cover, and advanced safety aids. When it comes to performance, the Sonata brings a minor correction to the table without much engagement. However, in terms of features, space, and safety features, the Sedan is worth the money.
Pros - ["The ride was nice, smooth but you still could feel the road a bit. It's a nice balance.", "The car looks are pretty nice. It's a sedan but with a little character - particularly the headlights."]
Cons - ["The original stock Pirelli tires. They're aweful for anyplace that has rain somewhat regularly.", "The Digital Key. For three years this gimick was hit or miss, in the last 2 months updates were made to my phone and the app and it worked much more reliably but when far from home I wouldn't depend on it."]
In the three years, nearly 30,000 miles I had the 2021 Hyundai Sonata SEL I had no issues. The styling of the bright Calypso Red car is what got my interest in it. Driving it made me want to get it.
The SEL with it's 180hp Turbo it's not winning any races but it's plenty to deal with rush hour traffic. Inside the car is comfortable with still a bit of a sporty feel. That nice interior - particu...
