Hyundai Sonata vs Volkswagen Polo

What's the difference?

VS
Hyundai Sonata
Hyundai Sonata

$38,990 - $52,990

2024 price

Volkswagen Polo
Volkswagen Polo

$30,790 - $41,790

2026 price

Summary

2024 Hyundai Sonata
2026 Volkswagen Polo
Safety Rating

Engine Type
Turbo 4, 2.5L

Turbo 3, 1.0L
Fuel Type
Unleaded Petrol

Premium Unleaded Petrol
Fuel Efficiency
8.1L/100km (combined)

5.4L/100km (combined)
Seating
5

5
Dislikes
  • No Sonata station wagon
  • Only one version - the N Line
  • No hybrid or EV variant

  • Too expensive, not enough kit for the money
  • Some turbo/DCT lag
  • Firm ride on less-than-smooth roads
2024 Hyundai Sonata Summary

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.

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.

View full pricing & specs
2026 Volkswagen Polo Summary

The Volkswagen Polo is about to turn 30 in Australia but, by 1996, it was already 21-years and three generations old in Europe.

As the least-expensive jumping-on point for the brand here today (RIP VW Up!), the Polo has deftly juggled affordability with the premium pricing that its German engineering demands.

But, at nine-years old, and in an era of newer, hybrid and electric vehicle (EV) and often cheaper alternatives from China and elsewhere, is the ageing Polo as convincing?

We test the mid-spec CityLife to find out.

View full pricing & specs

Deep dive comparison

2024 Hyundai Sonata 2026 Volkswagen Polo

Change vehicle