Overview & Reviews

The Hyundai Sonata is a comfortable and likable midsize sedan that proves Hyundai can build cars that are not just easy on the pocketbook, but easy to live with as well. Like most vehicles in the midsize sedan class, the Sonata offers front-wheel drive, numerous safety features and a choice of trim levels that include sporty and plush variants. Setting the Sonata apart, however, is Hyundai's lower pricing and outstanding warranty coverage.

For the most part, the Sonata has kept getting better. The current model, in particular, is the most competitive to date. In addition to the strong value proposition, this Hyundai adds a few things previously not seen in this conservative nameplate -- namely, daring styling and sporty driving dynamics. Newer pre-owned Sonatas are also a solid choice, but models prior to 2006 remain a risky used-car proposition.

Current Hyundai Sonata
Although it's classified as a full-size family sedan by the EPA, the Hyundai Sonata still competes in the midsize segment. It's available in GLS, SE and Limited trim levels. Even the base car comes well equipped, while the SE features sporty suspension tuning and the Limited pampers its passengers with more luxurious features.

The standard engine on every Sonata trim level is a 2.4-liter direct-injected inline four-cylinder rated at 190 horsepower and 179 pound-feet of torque, while the dual-exhaust SE with the same engine makes 192 hp and 181 lb-ft. A 2.0-liter turbocharged engine generating 274 hp and 269 lb-ft of torque is available on SE and Limited models. All Sonatas come with a six-speed automatic as standard.

Whether serving family car or commuter car duty, the Hyundai Sonata is a nice place to be thanks to its spacious cabin, comfortable seating, solid build quality and quiet highway ride. In reviews we've found that the Sonata provides spirited acceleration as well as responsive handling, with a slightly firm but still comfortable ride. Fuel mileage is also impressive, with 30 mpg being a realistic number for conservative drivers in mixed conditions. Our only notable gripes concern the relative lack of rear seat headroom for adults and a somewhat rough ride for the SE model. Overall the Sonata is rather impressive and deserves serious consideration from those shopping for a family sedan.

Used Hyundai Sonata Models
The current Hyundai Sonata represents the fifth generation in the car's lineage, and was introduced in the 2011 model year. That following year, the Sonata picked up the Blue Link telematics service and a higher-resolution navigation system display. A manual transmission was available for the Sonata GLS for these first two years, but was discontinued after that.

These Sonatas produced prior to 2014 differ in a number of minor ways. Styling was ever so slightly different, while they lack standard driver-selectable steering effort and the availability of certain features like xenon headlights and a blind-spot monitoring system. Also, the 2.4-liter engine made 198 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque (200 hp and 186 lb-ft for the SE) versus the current car's somewhat lower ratings.

The previous, fourth-generation Hyundai Sonata was produced from 2006-'10 and is really the only other version worth considering as a used Sonata. Initially, three trim levels were offered: GL, GLS and LX. The sophomore year saw a shuffling of the trim levels to the current format. Most notably, the sporty SE version debuted, wearing 17-inch alloy wheels and foglights.

Originally, the 2.4-liter four-cylinder produced 162 hp and was standard on the GL and GLS trims. A five-speed manual was standard (GL only for 2006) and a four-speed automatic was optional with this engine. Optional on the GLS and standard on the LX, SE and Limited was a 235-hp version of the 3.3-liter V6, matched to a five-speed automatic transmission. For 2008, the four-cylinder became standard on all trim levels and the V6 became optional. That year also saw a few more standard features added to the SE and Limited trims.

The biggest changes occurred in 2009 when engine outputs were increased (175 hp for the inline-4 and 249 hp for the V6) and the interior was spiffed up with a new dash and higher-quality materials. There were also two notable additions to the features lists -- a standard auxiliary audio jack and an optional touchscreen navigation system.

Prior to that, the cabin had respectable build and materials quality along with a precise feel to the controls. But it wasn't nearly as top-notch and had odd placement of the audio and climate controls -- the former was placed too high and the latter too low. Beyond that, the spacious cabin remained unchanged, and although the exterior had a few nips here and tucks there, you'd be hard-pressed to tell the difference between Sonatas of this generation.

At the time, we found that the fourth-generation Hyundai Sonata prioritized ride comfort over precise handling. It smothered bumps well and delivered a luscious highway ride, but with its significant body roll and vague steering, it wasn't particularly fun to drive.

Power from the efficient four-cylinder engine was competitive, and although the V6 wasn't quite as potent as those in rival sedans, it still got the job done while returning good fuel economy. Inside, soft, high-quality plastics were plentiful, and the overall design was eye-pleasing.

Pre-2006 Sonatas remain a risky used-car proposition even though depreciation means they can be found at a bargain-basement price. Only in recent years have we seen the kind of build quality and structural integrity that might portend long-term durability.

Nevertheless, the previous (third) generation Hyundai Sonata was originally introduced for 1999 with a vastly improved appearance, far better engines and significant improvements made in noise and ride quality versus its lamentable predecessors. The base car featured a 138-hp 2.4-liter four-cylinder and the GLS had a 159-hp 2.5-liter V6. These numbers may be different from what you'll find elsewhere, since Hyundai misstated its horsepower ratings prior to 2002, giving the Sonata 11 more horses than it actually had. As such, you'd be best to stick with Sonatas from 2002 or later, which were characterized by even nicer styling, a better interior and a legitimately more potent V6.

The second-generation Sonata was introduced for 1995 and offered improved fit and finish compared to its predecessor, but that's not saying much. It now had dual airbags, but no more power under the hood. For instance, the V6 only produced 5 more horses than the four-cylinder. For 1997, the Sonata was restyled dramatically, but not necessarily for the better. All in all, we'd avoid this car.

The same goes for the original Hyundai Sonata, first launched in 1989 to give Hyundai a player in the midsize family sedan game. Aggressively priced but sloppily built and saddled with weak, unrefined powertrains, the boxy first-generation Sonata did little to change the public's perception of Hyundai cars as cheap in more ways than price.

User Reviews:

• 

  Sure is nice. - 2014 Hyundai Sonata
  By cravey - May 26 - 3:48 am

  I picked up a 2014 GLS after several rides in a friends 2013. All the current tech gizmos are there including butt warmers and a hi-res backup camera. The ride is comfortable and secure, handling is very good. Visibility is only average as the seating seems a bit low. The transmission has an "Eco" setting which works great on the highway but is annoying around town; regular mode delivers 25 mpg anyway in a 50/50 mix.

• 

  What A Vaule - 2009 Hyundai Sonata
  By ZeusCharles - May 23 - 5:50 pm

  Big car size. Comfortable Ride. Appealing Interior. Decent 4 cyclinder performance. Attractive Dash. Huge trunk. No matter how I worked the numbers I could not justify a Malibu, Accord, or Camry. At least it is assembled in America with 50% U.S. parts. Yes depreciation is tougher, but 60,000 bumper to bumper warranty and $3000 less all up front more than makes up for it since I drive cars to over 100,000.

• 

  4000 Miles - ALL Perfect - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By Gerrard - May 21 - 2:10 am

  4000 miles and not a glitch. Great experience. The Looks still get heads turning, and strangers asking about this new LEXUS

• 

  Basically Pleased - 2007 Hyundai Sonata
  By Brent & Kathy - May 18 - 7:30 am

  We looked & tested many different cars. Serious about a Camry when we tested this one. Great car for the money. We have not gotten the promised MPG though and that is disappointing. We purchased for fuel economy. Our larger, heavier Buick LeSabre (V6) gets as good of mileage as the Sonata and it is loaded to the gills.

• 

  Great Car - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By Great Car by Ryan - May 17 - 2:03 am

  Traded in a gas guzzling Ram 1500. Was originally looking for an Accord. At first impression I didnt think it was even a Hyundai. Ride is smooth, responsive and quiet. Styling is impressive with overall excellent quality and construction. Has a great warranty to boot. Honda and Toyota definately have some competition now.

• 

  "A TEN IN MY BOOK" - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By FRANK - May 17 - 12:53 am

  This is the second sonata I purchased with even better quality than 05 model. I bought the 06 4 cylinder GL model that drives like the V6. Others could not beat the ride, price-value, style or 5yr 60,000 bumper to bumper warranty.

• 

  standard stuff - 2006 Hyundai Sonata
  By scott - May 16 - 9:36 pm

  The Santa Fe was my 1st new purchase and very happy with it. At my age I wanted something sporty and nice looking. I love my new Sonata, has everything I liked and was able to custom it for me, such as sharp chrome rims and a spoiler, and it gets lots of looks. The comfort is as good as the santa fe but the mileage is even better. but once again theres no lighting for the door lock buttons.

• 

  Hyundai Sonata The Winner - 2009 Hyundai Sonata
  By RocketScientist - May 16 - 2:16 pm

  Just purchased after reviewing and test driving the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord. My impressions: Solid well built car, great amenities, nice ride. Before buying I read the reviews about the car being a rattle-trap on bumpy roads, well my driveway is about 150 yards of dirt washboard and the car didnt rattle excessively while traversing it. Yes with the very tight suspension you can feel the road irregularities, the car however never feels out of control. And it really feels and sounds solid. My other car is a Merc-Benz S420 and the sounds in the driveway are comparable. I would recommend this car to anyone needing reliable basic transportation at a value price. Paid $200 under invoice.

• 

  what a pile! - 2011 Hyundai Sonata
  By mike_b4 - May 15 - 8:47 pm

  what started off as a great looking, good fuel economy and decent performer has morphed into a money pit. this car was purchased new in 2011 and currently has 73k/miles; it has been serviced only at the dealer and highway driven. the cars stereo screen went out about a year ago and since it was over their "select" electronic warranty, i would have to replace it - cost $800 installed. on top of this slap to the face, the new part would have a 1 yr/12k warranty. if the original factory piece went out after 1 year, then why wouldnt the new one? now the shifter doesnt recognize the vehicle is in park all of the time when you park it. not covered & cost over $300 for a non essential part.

• 

  2016 Sonata Limited 2.4 L all options - 2016 Hyundai Sonata
  By Mike - May 15 - 3:26 am

  Im in a unique position because I bought the 2016 Sonata for myself and my wife got a 2016 Camry XLE a week earlier. Im very familiar with both. Im glad I got the Sonata, its much better (more comfortable) than the Camry and my wife has been driving those since 1994 so I know that car well. There are many things that I dont use but I knew that going in. The moon roof is only usable at night or late in the afternoon due to the sun. The lane departure warnings (where the car watches the lines in the road and beeps if I cross them) is annoying most of the time so I have that turned off. I would definitely turn it on if on a long highway trip where I might be tempted to get tired and drift. The blind side monitor is great (the outside mirror lights up if someone is in either blind spot). Dynamic cruise control is of little use to me because if the traffic is that heavy, I dont want to be on cruise control anyway. So why did I pay for so may things that I have little use for? To get the what matters most - automatic emergency breaking. Thats what is supposed to stop the car if someone stops in front of me and I dont see them or if a kid runs in front of the car and I dont see him. My guess is that within 10 years AEB will be as mandatory as seat belts on all new cars. I like a big car that moves over the road with no noise and I got that with the Sonata. Its not rated as a large car but it feels that way to me. Its hard to believe that this has a 2.4 liter engine. The car moves as effortlessly on the highway as 5 liter V8 cars that Ive owned. I drove this for a month in Phoenix over the very nice freeways that they have during low volume traffic (weekends, etc). Those people seem to have one speed that they all drive at (80 mph) and the Sonata did that with no wind or road noise and the tach was hovering at about 2100 rpm. Mixed mileage is about 30 or 31 but if I keep it at 65mph on the highway, Ill get over 40 mpg. The GPS is a little better than the one in the Camry but giving it directions by voice is a hit or miss proposition and to type a destination, you have to be stopped. Mine has memory seats which is great if on a long trip and my wife does some of the driving. I have it set so that the seat does NOT move back when I turn the car off. All in all, this is probably the best car I ever owned and Im very particular.