Newly refreshed Sonata a serious mid-size contender

By Jim Prueter
MotorwayAmerica.com

(March 21, 2018) While sedan sales continue to decline in favor of utility vehicles, mid-sized family sedans like the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry received major redesigns for 2018 in an attempt to attract buyers back and stop the bleeding. However, designers at Hyundai elected to go with a mid-cycle refresh instead. But, this refresh is about as close to a redesign as you can get without changing the engines.

The last release of the Sonata was launched for the 2015 model year, but it failed to catch the attention of the buying public; sales were lackluster at best. Hyundai is hoping this refreshed version will grab shoppers and bolster Sonata sales.

To keep pace with Accord and Camry, most of Sonata’s changes are cosmetic but still bold with a new cascading grille, restyled headlights and lower front fascia. Most everything from the windshield forward is new. The rear of the Sonata has also been reworked with a new trunklid, rear bumper and taillights. The overall look is sharper and certainly more contemporary than the outgoing Sonata.



For 2018, the Sonata is available in seven trim levels: SE, Eco, SEL, Sport, Limited, Sport 2.0T and Limited 2.0T. Hyundai supplied me with the mid-grade SEL, a new trim level for 2018, with a starting price of just $23,700. It’s equipped with features that most shoppers are looking for in a sedan, including active and passive safety features such as blind spot detection with rear cross-traffic alert and lane change assist, and rearview backup camera. Push-button start and a proximity key, power driver’s seat, heated front seats, and a USB port for rear passengers are all standard on the SEL. A 7.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.

Hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions of the 2018 Sonata will be introduced later this year.

Unfortunately, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning and lane keep assist are optional and only standard on the Limited 2.0T trim level. They aren’t even available on the SE, Eco or Sport models. We think they should be standard across all trim levels.

Inside, the cabin is mostly a carryover from the previous Sonata but that’s a good thing. We think the layout of the instrument panel is one of the best in its class. Most of the interior trim is hard plastic but it’s nicely grained with metal trim. It won’t wow anyone but it’s attractive and especially functional.

What really stands out is how intuitive all the operating controls are, with large knobs and buttons and an easy to use infotainment system. With narrow pillars and upright windows, visibility is excellent.



Significant but less visible changes include mechanical enhancements that have improved the Sonata’s handling and braking performance, but ride quality seems to have taken a step backwards.

Power is derived by the same trio of four-cylinder engines that carryover from last year: a 178-horsepower turbocharged 1.6-liter, a 185-horsepower 2.4-liter, and a 245-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter. The smaller turbo is reserved solely for the Eco trim and is mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The 2.4-liter again pairs with a six-speed automatic, but the 2.0T trades its previous six-speed for a new eight-speed unit.

Our SEL model was equipped with the 185-horsepower 2.4-liter engine and six-speed automatic transmission combination performed adequately and will satisfy most buyers. Power is sufficient with an extra kick when passing at highway speeds while cabin noise levels are suppressed and hushed. The Sonata feels nimble, with solid handling.

Overall, the Sonata is comfortable, roomy, quiet and fuel-efficient but isn’t particularly exciting to drive. We think most families will find the refreshed Sonata an excellent vehicle. With its value pricing and numerous user-friendly features, we think it’s one of the best midsize cars for the money.

Vital Stats
Base Price: $19,300 - $29,700
Price as Tested: $25,710
Powertrain: 2.4L 185-hp 4-cylinder with a six-speed automatic transmission
Fuel Economy: 25-MPG City – 35-MPG Highway
Seating: 5

Crash Test Results: The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gives the Hyundai Sonata the highest rating of Good in five crash safety tests. IIHS also names it a Top Safety Pick. It receives a five-star overall rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Competes With:
Chevrolet Malibu
Ford Fusion
Honda Accord
Nissan Altima
Toyota Camry
Volkswagen Passat

Fab Features
User friendly controls and features
Good gas mileage
Comfortable ride and drive