Hyundai Sonata Vs Lexus ES 350: The Silent Luxury Sedan You won’t regret Buying

Many sedans in Nigeria have been associated with being used by Yahoo boys, but the Hyundai Sonata and Lexus ES 350 maintain a level of respect and are mostly considered office or official cars.

In Nigeria, it is really challenging to get a vehicle that would never cause you concern. There is always one student in every class who will never be seen making noise or getting into trouble with anyone. Similar to this, we have automobiles that, despite all the issues cars face in Nigeria, would never cause you trouble in this life, no matter what you do with them.

Both the Hyundai Sonata and the Lexus ES350 are good sedans in their respective categories, offering distinct qualities and features. Here’s a closer look at each one:

Hyundai Sonata Overview:

• The Hyundai Sonata is known for its stylish design, modern features, and affordability.
• It offers a comfortable and well-equipped interior with user-friendly technology, making it a great value for its price.
• The Sonata’s engine options provide a balance between fuel efficiency and performance, with available turbocharged engines for those seeking more power.
• Hyundai has been focusing on improving build quality and overall refinement in recent years, which has elevated Sonata’s standing in the midsize sedan segment.
• The Sonata is a practical and stylish option for individuals and families who want a comfortable and feature-rich sedan without breaking the bank.

Lexus ES350 Overview:

• The Lexus ES350 is a luxury sedan that prioritizes a refined and comfortable driving experience.
• It offers a smooth and powerful V6 engine that delivers excellent acceleration and serene ride quality.
• The interior of the ES350 is known for its high-quality materials, meticulous attention to detail, and advanced technology features.
• Lexus places a strong emphasis on comfort and luxury, making the ES350 an excellent choice for those who value a premium driving experience.
• The brand’s reputation for reliability and customer service adds to the appeal of the ES350, making it a popular choice in the luxury sedan market.

Quick Lexus ES 350 Summary

CT, IS, GS, LS, RC, AND LC. Yes, that list of letters looks like something you’d read when getting your eyes tested by an optometrist, but they are actually all Lexus models.

Ok, you may have known that already, but did you know that those are just their initials? They actually have full names, too; Compact Touring, Intelligent Sport, Grand Sport, Luxury Saloon, Racing Coupe, Luxury Coupe.

And so this review isn’t just on the new-generation Lexus ES, but on the Elegant Sedan, which made it to Nigeria a few years passed. This is the seventh generation of a model that has been part of the Lexus line-up since the very beginning, way back when the luxury arm of Toyota first stepped onto the world stage in 1989.

Quick Hyundai Sonata Summary

Hyundai cars will reach the top 3 categories in the Nigerian car market. It’s exciting, considering this brand was first introduced into the Nigerian market only 20 years back. The brand has gradually been learning and constantly adapting to the competitive market of Nigeria, especially the Hyundai Sonata. Today, they have made substantial growth, which is one reason why Hyundai cars like the Sonata and Elantra are becoming household names, most companies buy them in bulk for their staff.

But, there’s still a good chunk of the population that prefers good old telly, and the shape of car most of us grew up with. Yes, many regular TV voters and sedan fans will be in the same camp, but that’s okay.

So if you’re considering a sedan like the Hyundai Sonata, you’re not alone. And like most mainstream brands, Hyundai is committed to building a range of cars to suit everyone. This commitment is so strong that you can choose between two mid-size sedans in the Hyundai stable, with the Sonata vying for your attention alongside the i40.

Hyundai Sonata Vs Lexus ES350 Verdict

The new Hyundai Sonata gets big marks for the Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the Premium’s sweet turbo engine and the fact that both variants have full-size spare tyres and run on regular fuel. Oh, and Hyundai’s five-year warranty.

The ES300h is outstanding in terms of ride comfort, refinement and value. If you’re looking for a true driver’s car then a Lexus RCF is probably a better tree to bark up, but if you’re looking to ferry passengers in a serene, prestigious and fuel-efficient way, then look no further.

Hyundai Sonata Vs Lexus ES350 Design

• Hyundai Sonata

For 2018, the Sonata has been completely restyled ahead of the A-pillar to bring it in line with more recent models like the i30 and Kona. This means the new cascading corporate grille, sleeker headlights which are mounted lower due to a reshaped bonnet, bumper and front guards. 

The rear end has been similarly sharpened, with new rear quarter panels and tail lights, while the number plate has been moved from between the lights to within the bumper. The boot lid has also been reprofiled to accentuate the Sonata’s fastback roof profile.

On the inside, there’s an updated dash with metallic buttons under the multimedia unit, and both versions get bespoke steering and alloy wheel designs.

• Lexus ES350

The Lexus ES350 is known for its sophisticated and elegant design, which reflects the brand’s commitment to luxury, comfort, and style. The design elements of the ES350 create a harmonious blend of aesthetics and functionality. The front grille of the ES350 features the signature Lexus spindle grille design. It’s often bold and intricately crafted, giving the car a distinctive and upscale look. The ES350’s body often features sleek and flowing lines that convey a sense of elegance and dynamism. The smooth lines contribute to the car’s aerodynamic efficiency.

The roofline is gently sloped towards the rear, creating a coupe-like silhouette. This design element enhances the car’s visual appeal while also optimizing aerodynamics. The ES350 offers a range of wheel designs and sizes, allowing buyers to customize the appearance of their vehicle according to their preferences.

The interior of the ES350 is characterized by high-quality materials, including premium leather upholstery, real wood accents, and metal trim pieces. These materials contribute to a luxurious and upscale atmosphere. The dashboard is often designed with a horizontal layout, creating a sense of spaciousness and openness. The centre console is typically equipped with a prominent infotainment screen and well-organized controls.

The seats are designed for comfort, often featuring ergonomic contours and supportive cushioning. Ventilated and heated seats are commonly available for enhanced comfort. The ES350 often offers ambient lighting options that allow drivers to personalize the cabin’s illumination to suit their mood or preference.

Hyundai Sonata Vs Lexus ES350 Efficiency

• Hyundai Sonata

The Sonata Premium’s new automatic knocks 0.7L/100km off its official combined figure, which now stands at 8.5L/100km.  The Active’s simpler but less peppy drivetrain is still the better of the two, with an unchanged 8.3L/100km combined.

Neither figure may appear particularly frugal, but this would be offset to a large degree by the fact that both engines still deliver their best sipping regular old 91RON unleaded fuel. 

Considering 91 is a full 13.2c/L cheaper than premium 95RON on average across Sydney this week, the Sonata goes some way toward balancing key rivals’ lower windscreen sticker numbers at the hip pocket.

• Lexus ES 35

This is the point of a hybrid, right? To save fuel? The electric motor can power the car at low speeds around car parks or in bumper-to-bumper traffic, and I found that after 104km of both urban and open road usage, my fuel economy in the Sport Luxury was 5.4L/100km.

Lexus’ official combined fuel economy figure for both the Luxury and Sports Luxury is 4.6L/100km.