2021 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid vs 2022 Lexus ES

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid, a continuation of the bold design introduced in the 2020 model year, stood out in the sedan market with its aggressive styling. Despite its catfish-like appearance, which might not appeal to everyone, the Sonata Hybrid was designed to catch the eye with features like a matte gray paint scheme, integrated deck-lid spoiler, and aerodynamic taillight strakes. Inside, the cabin offered a more conventional and refined atmosphere, with soft-touch surfaces and a modern haptic bezel surrounding the vivid touchscreen infotainment system. The seats were comfortable and supportive, making long trips enjoyable for both front and rear passengers.

In contrast, the 2022 Lexus ES maintained its reputation as an elegant sedan with a sleek, almost fastback roofline and the distinctive Lexus spindle grille. While the exterior was attractive, it wasn't overly flashy. The interior, particularly in the F Sport model, featured bold two-tone leather seating and a layered dashboard with precise assembly. However, the asymmetrical design of the dash gave it a jumbled appearance. The inclusion of a small analog chronometer added a touch of heritage but also contributed to the cluttered look. Overall, the ES offered a blend of sporty and traditional elements, appealing to a mature audience.

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid was equipped with 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 featured a solar panel roof, adding about two miles per day to the driving range. The Sonata Hybrid offered solid acceleration, with a Drive Mode toggle allowing drivers to switch between Eco, Sport, Custom, and Smart modes. The transition between battery-only and engine power was seamless, and the auto stop-start system was minimally intrusive. The Sonata Hybrid impressed with its refined driving dynamics, precise steering, and solid braking performance.

The 2022 Lexus ES came in three models, each with distinct powertrains. The ES 250 AWD featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower, achieving 0-60 mph in 8.6 seconds. The ES 350 boasted a 3.5-liter V6 engine with 307 horsepower, reaching 0-60 mph in 6.6 seconds. The ES 300h hybrid combined a 176-hp four-cylinder engine with a 39-hp electric motor for a total of 215 horsepower, achieving 0-60 mph in 8.1 seconds. While the ES 250 AWD offered standard all-wheel drive, it felt underpowered for a luxury sedan. The ES 350 provided a more engaging driving experience, and the ES 300h excelled in fuel economy. Overall, the ES delivered smooth and predictable handling, though the ES 250's performance was less impressive.

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid offered 16 cubic feet of trunk space, comparable to its conventionally-powered counterpart and larger than many midsize hybrid sedans. The cabin provided 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 lower their heads when entering. Front passengers enjoyed cargo pockets in the doors and a center console with a wireless charging pad.

The 2022 Lexus ES featured 13.9 cubic feet of trunk space, with a pass-through behind the center armrest for long items. The ES 250 and ES 350 offered fold-flat rear seats, expanding cargo capacity for larger items. The sedan's lower center of gravity and ground clearance contributed to better handling compared to its SUV counterpart, the Lexus RX. Inside, the ES provided ample storage with big bottle pockets, cupholders, and a spacious center console. The dash layout was functional, with a prominent volume knob for the audio system, catering to mature drivers.

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid came standard with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, 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 touchscreen layout was intuitive, with crisp graphics on the Limited model. The SEL and Limited trims included a wireless charging pad, and the Limited also had a head-up display, though its adjustability was limited for taller drivers.

The 2022 Lexus ES offered an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. Upper trims upgraded to a 12.3-inch screen with a Mark Levinson 17-speaker audio system and navigation. The ES used a touchpad interface for infotainment, which was an improvement over the previous mouse setup but still challenging on rough roads. A 10-inch head-up display was standard on upper trims, providing critical information in the driver's line of sight. The ES also featured a Panoramic View Monitor with Intuitive Parking Assist, enhancing safety and convenience.

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

The 2022 Lexus ES also ranked highly in safety, receiving a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA. The Lexus Safety System+ 2.5 included a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and Intelligent High Beam Control. Additional safety features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and 10 airbags. The ES also offered three years of Lexus Enform Safety Connect service.