Hyundai Sonata VS Volkswagen Passat
Hyundai Sonata
Likes
- Update brings modern exterior
- Double 12.3-inch cabin displays
- Great performance and dynamics for the class
Dislikes
- No Sonata station wagon
- Only one version - the N Line
- No hybrid or EV variant
Volkswagen Passat
Likes
- Roomy interior
- Confident and powerful on road
- Great tech
Dislikes
- Classic Euro seats ... aka hard on the backside
- Missing some charging ports in rear
- Expensive servicing costs
Summary
Hyundai Sonata
The Hyundai Sonata N Line is a sedan. Not a hatchback, not a fastback, nor a coupe and definitely not an SUV.
And even though only a handful of people in Australia buy the Sonata N Line each year it’s been updated with a completely different look and new technology, making it an outstanding car in many ways.
The thing is, because we’re obsessed with SUVs in Australia most people will never know how good this sedan is - unlike you.
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So, let me congratulate you for making it this far. There’s probably so few of you I could possibly congratulate all of you in person. In an afternoon.
The big question is, though, is the Sonata N Line fit for Aussie families? Well, it scores well, but maybe not where it counts…
Let’s see what’s new and what the Sonata N Line can do.
| Safety rating | |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | 2.5L turbo |
| Fuel Type | — |
| Fuel Efficiency | 8.1L/100km |
| Seating | 5 seats |
Volkswagen Passat
I'm calling it - the Volkswagen Passat is the forgotten hero of station wagons.
It's surprisingly large while retaining the creature comforts and understated styling of old-world glamour.
Then enters the R-Line. A badge that diehard Volkswagen enthusiasts know is synonymous with sporty performance and handling.
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However, it can be overlooked for its more affordable rivals, the Mazda6 and Skoda Octavia wagons.
But does affordability take it out of the running for the family market? Or is this the answer for the drivers who don't want to compromise on performance but still have a kid (or three) to throw in the back?
I've been hauling my little family of three around town this week to see what the big blue wagon could do.
| Safety rating | |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | 2.0L turbo |
| Fuel Type | Premium Unleaded Petrol |
| Fuel Efficiency | 8.1L/100km |
| Seating | 5 seats |
Verdict
Hyundai Sonata7.8/10
The updated Sonata N Line looks beautifully modern from its new face to the refreshed cockpit, while remaining a ‘driver’s car’ with good dynamics, and a sporty engine.Â
The Sonata isn’t an ideal family car, however. This is down to a lack of practicality. Although the cabin is fairly roomy, if that roofline wasn’t so coupe-like and cabin storage was better, and the boot had a large hatch opening, and the ride height was more elevated then it would be a great family car. Oh, I’ve just described an SUV.
Note: CarsGuide attended this event as a guest of the manufacturer, with meals provided.
Volkswagen Passat8/10
I so enjoyed driving the Volkswagen Passat 206TSI R-Line. It's a roomy wagon that should fit a lot of different types of families. It still has sporty performance that will entice even the most reluctant family car buyer, so don't be turned off by its large proportions! I really like the comfort, convenience and handling of this one, so it gets an easy 8.0/10 from me.
My kid thought the blue colour was cool and loved having so many things to play with in the back seat. His only complaint was about the heavier doors but he still managed. He gives it an 8.0/10, too.
Design
Hyundai Sonata
So, we’ve established that the Sonata N Line is a sedan and that means if you’re still reading this you are, a) A Sonata owner looking to trade the old one in for this new one, b) Driving another type of sedan such as a Toyota Camry or Volkswagen Passat and looking to update your trusty steed with one from Hyundai or c) Not in the market for an SUV.
Whatever the reason, sedans lend themselves to being sleek and sophisticated in their styling just by being lower to the ground than SUVs and generally longer than sports cars.
The Sonata N Line is long at 4.91m end-to-end. That’s only 8.0cm shorter than the gigantic Hyundai Palisade which has eight seats. I know… it bends the mind.
This new Sonata N Line looks even wider than the previous version, too, with that broad flat bonnet meeting the Seamless Horizon LED strip.
Fact is the Sonata N Line is 1.86m across - exactly the same as the previous version. Remind me never to wear a 'seamless horizon' T-shirt on days I’m feeling rotund.Â
If you look closely at the photos you can see the hidden LED headlights flanking the large, dark and low-set grille.
The rear of the new Sonata looks so different from the previous version, too, with its boot lid spoiler and LED tail-lights.Â
The menacing body kit comes with the N Line grade and accentuates the sporty nature of this car. It’s a good thing it has an engine to back up the looks, but more on that later.
Inside, the Sonata has been given the new 12.3-inch curved screens and a digital climate control display, while the steering wheel is new and adorned with the Hyundai 'Morse Code' badge (the letter H is four dots in Morse Code). It’s a premium and modern looking cockpit topped off with suede and leather leather N Line sports seats.
Volkswagen Passat
The Passat is a large car and stands at 4708mm long, 1832mm wide and 1504mm high. The boxier rear and long nose make these proportions feel even larger.
The 2023 model doesn't see much change, if any, to the previous iteration. The exterior features the classic VW sharp pleat that runs the length of the body, slim-line LED lights and pronounce grille with lots of chrome accents found throughout.
It looks shiny, new and stylish, but not garish. You'd be proud to be seen in this.
The interior is also classically VW – sharp, a little pared back and hosting easy to see buttons and dials. The adjustable ambient lighting elevates the cabin space, as does the black headliner (R-Line exclusive).
An interesting feature is the directional air vents, the slatted design is carried the entire length of the dash which accentuates the width of the car. It all looks seamless and well thought out.
Practicality
Hyundai Sonata
Sedans might be sleek and sophisticated but practicality is not typically their strength because their low height means passenger access isn’t as easy as it is with an SUV, but mainly because the cargo carrying ability is limited by the relatively small boot opening.
Still, the Sonata N Line does have a big 480-litre boot and cabin storage has been improved thanks to the gear shifter being relocated to the steering column and freeing up space in the centre console for stowing items and a wireless phone charger.
Rear legroom is also good. I’m 189cm tall and I can sit behind my driving position with space to spare. Headroom back there is also good thanks to contoured heading which has a ‘carved out’ section for extra space.
Along with the wireless phone charger there are two Type-C USB ports up front and another two for the second row.
There are four cupholders (two up front and two in the second row) and decent sized bottle holders in the doors.
This lack of practicality compared to an SUV or even a station wagon means the Sonata N Line really isn’t the perfect family car.
Volkswagen Passat
A very practical family wagon with all passengers enjoying ample head and legroom.
The amenities in both rows are very good. The seats are fairly comfortable but the lumbar support isn't awesome. The massage function on the driver's side is a nice novelty but not strong enough to be called a massage. Think of it as gently stretching.
For storage, you get a decently sized middle console, dedicated phone tray, cooled glove box, drink bottle holders in each door and two cupholders.
There are plenty of charging options available for the front with two USB-C ports and a 12-volt socket. Bonus having the wireless Apple CarPlay (and Android Auto), as it's one less cable you have to worry about.
In general, I like how easy the tech is to use. The 9.2-inch touchscreen multimedia system looks great and is responsive.
It's easy to get all the connections going and you can pull the built-in satellite navigation directions through to the 10.25-inch digital instrument panel. I did miss having a head-up display this week but the info on the instrument panel is displayed clearly.
The back seat gets a couple of cupholders in the fold-down armrest and drink bottle holders in each door. It also has directional air vents with climate control, reading lights and one USB-C port for charging. However, I would have liked to have seen another charging port, to limit sibling squabbles.
There are ISOFIX child seat mounts on the outboard seats plus three top tether anchor points.
The backseat is wide enough to fit three child seats side by side if needed, and there's plenty of room for front passengers when a 0-4 rearward facing child seat is installed.
The windows are wide and offer good visibility but I really like the 142mm ground clearance. It was super easy for my six-year old to climb in and out.
The only thing he mentioned he didn't like was how heavy the doors were to operate. I don't mind this because they feel solid but they do swing wide, so be wary of letting any wild kids just hop out themselves in a crowded car park. You may get (or inflict) some dings.
The boot is a great size at 650L, with all seats in use, but if you pop down the backseats, that jumps up to 1780L.
The back seat also split-folds 40/20/40, which opens up your storage options. I enjoyed using the powered tailgate with kick function, it's handy on the grocery run.
Price and features
Hyundai Sonata
Hyundai offers one type of Sonata in Australia, so there’s not a lot of choice. Actually there’s no choice: it’s the petrol version of the Sonata in the sporty N Line grade or nothing.
But if I were to choose one Sonata this would be the one, even if at a list price of $55,500 it’s quite expensive and about $3500 more than the previous Sonata N Line.
In return for the almost $56K price you’re getting a lot of standard features, including a mountain of new equipment for this updated model.
So, new for this 2024 Sonata are dual 12.3-inch curved screens for media and driving instruments, the digital climate control display, there’s a column-mounted gear shifter, LED ambient lighting and a hands-free boot lid. That’s in addition to proximity unlocking, sat nav, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and a 12-speaker Bose sound system.
There’s also suede and Nappa leather seats, a leather steering wheel, sunroof, dual-zone climate control, heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, LED headlights and the LED strip which wraps around the front of the Sonata.
Hyundai calls it the 'Seamless Horizon', which sounds beautifully poetic and leads us nicely into the Design section of this review.
Volkswagen Passat
The 206 TSI R-Line is top of a (small) two-model line-up. Our example has been finished in 'Lapiz Blue', a colour exclusive to the R-Line. Otherwise, expect a sea of monochromatic colour options.
We say top model but it's not necessarily a massive jump up in specifications from the 162 TSI Elegance, you're paying for the engine performance on this one.
This R-Line will cost you $67,790, before on-road costs. That's a $4K price hike from the 2022 model with no discernible upgrades.
And that price tag still puts it well above its closest rivals, with the Octavia RS 180 TSI being $53,090 and the Mazda6 Atenza at $52,140 (all before on-road costs).
However, you won't be disappointed with the features list with Nappa leather-appointed seat trim, R-Line stitched detailing on the floor mats and seats, electric and heated front seats, massage function on the driver's seat, a panoramic sunroof as well as wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto all coming as standard.
The R-Line also enjoys 19-inch alloy wheels, a full-sized spare, heat insulating tinted glass, 65 per cent light reducing rear privacy glass and 30-way adjustable ambient lighting in the cabin.
Under the bonnet
Hyundai Sonata
The Sonata N Line comes with a 2.5-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder engine making 213kW and 422Nm, which is plenty of oomph, and it all goes to the front wheels through an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
So no, there’s not a diesel version nor an all-wheel drive version, but this sporty engine suits the Sonata N Line perfectly.
That said a hybrid variant would be good seeing it’s 2023.
Volkswagen Passat
The R-Line has a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder turbo-petrol powertrain with a maximum output of 206kW/350Nm.
That puts its engine specs 44kW up on the Elegance model and you feel that difference when you put your foot down.
The six-speed auto transmission provides surprisingly smooth shifting in most settings. The grunty engine combined with the all-wheel drive creates a sporty and purposeful driving experience.
Efficiency
Hyundai Sonata
As we were saying above there’s no hybrid variant of the Sonata N Line and there should be. Actually there is, but Hyundai says it isn't available for the Australian market.
So, this turbo-petrol four-cylinder is all we have and according to Hyundai it uses 8.1L/100km on the combined cycle.
When we tested it at the launch our trip computer was reporting exactly 8.1L/100km, but the roads were clear, the traffic was nowhere to be seen, so you can expect that consumption to climb higher if you’re commuting around the city.
Volkswagen Passat
That powerful engine does cost you a little bit with efficiency. The official combined fuel figure is 8.1L/100km and real-world testing saw my figure at 8.6L.
Not too bad for the type of driving I did this week, which was a combo of open-road and urban. I wasn't scared of putting my foot down but I would expect to see a double-digit figure in an urban setting.
This has a 66L fuel tank and based on the official combined figure, you should be able to get around 815km driving range, which is great.
Driving
Hyundai Sonata
The Sonata N Line’s performance matches its sporty looks. That turbo-petrol engine is responsive and provides great acceleration, the transmission shifts fast and the steering is nicely weighted and accurate.Â
Add to this better rigidity in the car’s structure in this updated model and a feeling of stability thanks to this being a sedan with a low centre of mass and you have a dynamic and enjoyable vehicle in your hands.
Sure it doesn't have the sky-high visibility that comes from the pilot’s seat of an SUV, but the Sonata N Line is for those who like to drive but still want the practicality of four doors, back seats and a boot.
Volkswagen Passat
The performance of this is to be commended. Powerful but poised, there's a sense of performance in reserve when you put your foot down and while still fun, it's not unbridled power.
It inspires confidence, the lower centre of gravity and firm steering meaning you tackle corners with minimum roll. You can accelerate out of a corner a little earlier than you might normally in this.
The cabin is nice and quiet with some road noise at higher speeds but not enough to intrude on chatting.
Despite suspension that feels sporty, aka stiff, the ride comfort is very good, with back seat passengers also feeling the comfort. There's not a lot of jostling in this.
Let's talk parking. It is a large car but you don't feel those dimensions when you park it.
It's very forgiving to manoeuvre with the front and rear parking sensors, crisp 360-degree view camera and tight 11.7m turning circle!
And if you're not confident it has a self-parking feature.
Safety
Hyundai Sonata
The Sonata N Line hasn’t been tested by ANCAP, but it does have an extensive armoury of safety tech including AEB (which also works at intersections) able to detect pedestrians, cyclists, other cars and now motorbikes.
There’s blind spot warning which pulls you back into your lane and lane keeping assistance, plus rear cross-traffic alert with braking, as well.
A rear occupant alert will remind the driver there are passengers in the back seat and 'Safe Exit Assist' will protect children from opening the door into moving traffic.
Along with all this, which Hyundai bundles together in its 'Safety Sense' package as standard on the Sonata N Line, there are also side airbags protecting the rear passengers and plenty of airbags in the front for the driver and passenger.
Volkswagen Passat
This has a good list of safety features with the following being standard: LED daytime running lights, lane departure alert, lane keeping aid, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, 360-degree view reversing camera with dynamic guidelines, front and rear parking sensors, driver fatigue alert, and adaptive cruise control (with stop/go function).
I like the Emergency Assist feature which will provide multiple visual and sound alerts if there's no steering wheel activity detected. If there's still no driver input, the car will slow down and ultimately come to a complete stop.
The Passat's maximum five-star ANCAP safety rating has just expired and at the time of writing was yet to be retested.
The 2023 Passat has nine airbags, including side airbags for the rear outboard seats, as well as curtain airbags covering both rows.
There are three top tethers across the rear row and ISOFIX child seat mounts on the outboard positions.
Ownership
Hyundai Sonata
The Sonata N Line is covered by Hyundai’s five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty.Â
Servicing is recommended annually or every 10,000km. There’s no capped price serving but you can buy a 'Lifetime' or a five-year plan that work out to be between $350-$400 on average a year.Â
Volkswagen Passat
The Passat comes with a market standard five-year/unlimited km warranty, and roadside assistance is included for one year (through Allianz Insurance) if you get your car serviced at a VW centre.
There is a three- or five-year capped price servicing plan that can be pre-purchased and will save you money compared to the pay-as-you go option. Servicing averages $620 though, which is expensive for the class.
Servicing intervals are reasonable at every 12 months or 16,500km – whichever occurs first.