Hyundai’s sweet-looking midsize sedan hits a high note
The new-generation Hyundai Sonata deserves more than a passing glance and a shrug as buyers head over to the utility vehicle side of the showroom.
Connoisseurs of the traditional family four-door — and there are still thousands of them out there despite soft sales and category abandonment by some major automakers — would be well served to check out what Hyundai has wrought with this latest model.
The sloped hood and widened grille, with its thin ribbons of chrome, give the car an athletic presence. At the opposite end, a thin LED band extends across the rear deck between the brake lights and tapers into an integrated spoiler. This is what sweating the details looks like.
The Sonata is the first Hyundai model to be built on a new platform that’s claimed to be stronger and more capable of absorbing energy from collisions. The suspension has been revised with the aim of providing an improved ride and greater steering precision.
Although the Sonata appears somewhat larger, there are no significant changes in length, or width. The distance between the front and rear wheels, however, has increased by a couple of inches and the roofline is lower by nearly an inch. Trunk space remains the same as before.
The interior is also where Hyundai seems bent on proving that it’s serious about creating an upscale environment. The standard eight-inch screen rises partially above the dashboard, while the same panel area frames the optional 12.3-inch screen.
A similarly sized LCD gauge cluster behind the steering wheel (also optional) contains other key info and can be configured to suit driver preferences. For the transmission, clearly marked pushbuttons have replaced the traditional shift lever.
Serving as the base engine is a new 2.5-liter four-cylinder that produces 191 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque. Optional is a carryover 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that makes 180 horsepower and 195 pound-feet.
An eight-speed automatic transmission with available steering-wheel paddle shifters is standard. The previous turbo 1.6 was connected to a seven-speed automatic.
Fuel economy for the non-turbo engine is estimated at 29 mpg in the city, 37 on the highway and 33 combined.
Although both engines make adequate power, you get more muscle from the class-leading Honda Accord and Toyota Camry sedans with either of their base or available engines. To counter that, Hyundai says it’s readying the Sonata N, which gets a 275-horsepower turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder. As well, new Sonata hybrid models — plug-in as well as non-plug-in — are expected to be available within the next few months.
At an estimated base price of $ 24,000, including destination fees, the base Sonata SE keeps the content level to a minimum, but does include numerous active-safety features such as lane- keeping assist and a system that warns if the driver is not paying sufficient attention. Autonomous emergency braking is also standard.
The SEL comes with dual- zone climate control, power- adjustable driver’s seat, hands- free trunk release and fancier interior trim. The SEL Plus adds upgraded suede and leatherette seat covers, the 12.3- inch gauge cluster and 18- inch alloy wheels ( 16s are standard).
The top- of- the- line Sonata Limited comes with a panoramic sunroof, leather upholstery, navigation, Bose- brand audio and Remote Smart Parking Assist. This feature uses a phone app to remotely start, park and un- park the Sonata, which is especially handy in tight spots.
It’s obvious that Hyundai has invested considerable time, effort and expense to build a sedan with class- leading style and content. If this doesn’t get utility- vehicle shoppers at least thinking twice about returning to their sedan roots, then perhaps nothing will.