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. 

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.

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. 

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.

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. 

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. 

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. 

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.

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. 

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

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. 

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

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

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. 

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.