Hyundai Sonata

The Hyundai Sonata is a midsize sedan that seats up to five passengers. In the automaker’s lineup, it sits between the compact Elantra and the full-size Azera (which was discontinued in 2018), and it shares a platform and some components with the Kia K5 (previously known as the Optima), which comes from Hyundai's sister brand. Hyundai also offers two electrified variants, the Sonata Hybrid and the Sonata Plug-in Hybrid, which are reviewed separately.

In recent years, the Sonata has been offered in a range of trim levels, including the entry-level SE, the mid-range SEL and SEL Plus, the fuel-efficient Eco (discontinued in 2020), the performance-themed Sport and N Line, and the upscale Limited.

The most recent generation of the Hyundai Sonata is the seventh, which debuted in 2020. It features a complete redesign with a more aggressive look, improved interior materials, and more standard technology features, such as a larger 8-inch infotainment touchscreen and a suite of advanced safety features that includes adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assist, and automatic emergency braking.

The seventh-gen Sonata also offers revamped powertrains. The SE and SEL trims get a new 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 191 horsepower, while the upper trims offer a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 180 hp. These replace the prior generation’s standard 2.4-liter four-cylinder and available 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder, with 185 and 245 hp, respectively. The new engines are mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission, which was previously limited to the optional 2.0-liter unit. All versions of the Sonata are front-wheel drive.

In 2021, Hyundai also added a more potent turbocharged version of its 2.5-liter engine. Offered exclusively with the sporty N Line trim, it produces a class-leading 290 horsepower and is paired with a quick-shifting eight-speed dual-clutch automatic.