2021 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid vs 2021 Subaru WRX

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid carried over the bold design introduced in the previous model year, making it a standout in the sedan market. Its catfish-like styling was polarizing, yet undeniably eye-catching, especially with the matte gray paint and aerodynamic details. Inside, the Sonata Hybrid offered a refined cabin with soft-touch surfaces and a high-tech cockpit. The layout was logical, with a vivid touchscreen infotainment system surrounded by a modern haptic bezel. The seats provided comfort and support for long journeys, and rear-seat passengers enjoyed ample space.

In contrast, the 2021 Subaru WRX maintained a more adolescent aesthetic, though it appeared tamer than its racier sibling, the WRX STI. Its wedge-like front end and short trunk lid gave it a speedy appearance, even when stationary. The interior, however, felt dated, with a function-first cockpit that sacrificed fit and finish. Hard plastics were prevalent, contributing to its less mature reputation compared to competitors like the VW GTI and Honda Civic Si. Despite this, the WRX offered a commanding driving position and decent rear-seat space for a compact sedan.

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid featured a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor, delivering a combined 192 horsepower to the front wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission. The Limited trim's solar panel roof added about two miles per day to its range. The Sonata Hybrid impressed with its solid pickup and refined driving dynamics, offering a smooth transition between battery and engine power. The steering was light yet precise, and the brakes provided solid stopping power with a refined pedal feel.

The 2021 Subaru WRX, on the other hand, boasted a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder boxer engine, producing 268 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. It offered a choice between a six-speed manual transmission and a CVT. The manual transmission, however, was let down by a vague clutch, while the CVT, though not ideal for enthusiasts, kept the revs in the powerband effectively. The WRX's Vehicle Dynamics Control with Active Torque Vectoring enhanced cornering precision, but its stiff ride was less comfortable compared to rivals like the Civic Si and GTI.

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid provided 16 cubic feet of trunk space, one of the largest among midsize hybrid sedans. The cabin offered ample legroom for front passengers and decent rear-seat space, accommodating four adults comfortably. However, the sloping roofline resulted in a low rear door opening, requiring occupants to duck when entering. Front passengers benefited from cargo pockets and a center console tray for storage.

The 2021 Subaru WRX, with its conventional sedan layout, offered 12 cubic feet of trunk space. While it surpassed the Civic Si coupe, it fell short of the sedan and the VW GTI's cargo capacity. The WRX's interior packaging felt dated, with limited in-door bottle holders and a center console that could obstruct shifting. Despite this, the WRX provided a comfortable driving position and decent rear-seat space for four adults.

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid came standard with an 8-inch touchscreen, while the Limited trim featured a 10.25-inch screen with navigation and real-time traffic updates. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, though CarPlay only occupied two-thirds of the larger screen. The intuitive layout and crisp graphics enhanced the user experience, and the Limited trim included a wireless charging pad and head-up display, though the latter had limited adjustability for taller drivers.

The 2021 Subaru WRX offered a 6.5-inch touchscreen with Subaru's Starlink infotainment system, with a 7-inch screen available on higher trims. Both screens supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with a sensible layout and easy-to-use controls. The Limited trim's option package included navigation and a Harman Kardon premium stereo, providing solid sound quality. However, the WRX's tech felt dated compared to more modern systems.

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid came equipped with a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance features, including forward-collision avoidance, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The Limited trim added a head-up display, 360-degree parking monitor, and parking sensors. The Sonata Hybrid earned a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and was a 2021 IIHS Top Safety Pick.

The 2021 Subaru WRX lacked standard safety features, with Subaru's EyeSight system available only on CVT-equipped Premium and Limited trims. Adaptive high beams, blind-spot monitoring, and reverse automatic braking were optional on the Limited trim. All WRX models included a tire-pressure monitoring system and traction control.