
The Sonata has fewer rivals but more intense competition among family four-doors.
Some comes from the new Kia K5, the handsome and snappy sedan that shares all but its look with the Sonata.
The Camry has become sportier in this generation, and it’s the only one of the affordable mid-size sedans to still offer a V-6.
The Volkswagen Passat lineup is polar-opposite in many ways to the Sonata; it has very conservative, traditional styling and a straightforward interior that verges on stark—and probably the most spacious back seat in this class.
The Nissan Altima sits somewhere in the middle, with a sharp exterior but somewhat dull cabin design, but it’s a strong value at the base end of its lineup.
The Honda Accord probably offers the best combination of performance, driving enjoyment, and interior comfort—plus some great safety credentials.
The Camry, K5, and Altima now distinguish themselves further with available all-wheel drive.
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Quick Specs | |||||
The 2021 Hyundai Sonata wears luxury threads in pricey models, but all versions get excellent safety and warranty coverage. |
The 2021 Kia K5 gives the automaker a new look and a new family-sedan identity. |
The 2020 Honda Accord is one of the best sedans available, a must-drive for any shopper. |
The 2020 Nissan Altima is a handsome sedan with a great-looking price. |
The 2020 Toyota Camry has more personality than ever thanks to a new TRD version. |
The 2020 VW Passat’s new-look exterior comes for free; it’s the same price or less than the outgoing version. |
MSRP From | |||||
$23,950 | $23,590 | $24,270 | $24,300 | $24,425 | $22,995 |
Gas Mileage | |||||
23 MPG City / 54 MPG Hwy | 24 MPG City / 38 MPG Hwy | 22 MPG City / 47 MPG Hwy | 25 MPG City / 39 MPG Hwy | 22 MPG City / 53 MPG Hwy | 23 MPG City / 34 MPG Hwy |
Engine | |||||
Regular Unleaded I-4 | Intercooled Turbo Regular Unleaded I-4 | Intercooled Turbo Regular Unleaded I-4 | Regular Unleaded I-4 | Regular Unleaded I-4 | Intercooled Turbo Regular Unleaded I-4 |
EPA Class | |||||
Large Cars | Large Cars | Large Cars | Midsize Cars | Midsize Cars | Midsize Cars |
Style Name | |||||
SE 2.5L | LX Automatic FWD | LX 1.5T CVT | 2.5 S Sedan | L Automatic (SE) | 2.0T S Automatic |
Drivetrain | |||||
Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
Passenger Capacity | |||||
5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
Passenger Doors | |||||
N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Body Style | |||||
Sedan | Sedan | Sedan | Sedan | Sedan | Sedan |
Transmission | |||||
Automatic w/OD | Automatic w/OD | CVT w/OD | CVT w/OD | Automatic w/OD | Automatic w/OD |
Detailed Spec Comparison | |||||
2021 Hyundai Sonata vs. 2021 Kia K5 | 2021 Hyundai Sonata vs. 2020 Honda Accord | 2021 Hyundai Sonata vs. 2020 Nissan Altima | 2021 Hyundai Sonata vs. 2020 Toyota Camry | 2021 Hyundai Sonata vs. 2020 Volkswagen Passat |