2009 Hyundai Sonata: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for the 2009 Hyundai Sonata is its redesigned cabin, which brings a new dashboard, center controls, gauges, and better materials. This major mid-cycle update also refreshes the front styling and improves both engines.
About the 2009 Hyundai Sonata
5th generation Sonata (2006-2010), major 2009 refresh year.
Hyundai sold the 2009 Sonata as a roomy family sedan that gave midsize shoppers large-car cabin space, a big trunk, straightforward comfort, strong standard safety, and efficient gas engines. It was meant to feel more polished inside than earlier Sonatas without becoming flashy or overly sporty. Most owners used it as an easy daily commuter and family car first, with SE adding a sport edge and Limited adding more comfort features.
The 2009 Sonata lineup covers three distinct needs: the practical GLS, sport-flavored SE, and comfort-focused Limited. The SE has a firmer suspension, 17-inch wheels, and sport seats, while the Limited adds leather upholstery, heated front seats, a sunroof, premium audio, and dual-zone climate control.
What changed, by category
2009 Hyundai Sonata specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, 2.4 Liter / V6, 3.3 Liter / 4-Cyl, PZEV, 2.4 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.4 Liter / V6, 3.3 Liter / 4-Cyl, PZEV, 2.4 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.4 Liter / V6, 3.3 Liter / 4-Cyl, PZEV, 2.4 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 5-Spd w/Overdrive & Shiftronic | Automatic, 5-Spd w/Overdrive & Shiftronic | Automatic, 5-Spd w/Overdrive & Shiftronic |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | FWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 19–22 mpg | 19–22 mpg | 19–22 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 29–32 mpg | 29–32 mpg | 29–32 mpg |
| Horsepower | 168–249 hp | 168–249 hp | 168–249 hp |
| Torque | 163–229 lb-ft | 163–229 lb-ft | 163–229 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 2000 lb | 2000 lb | 2000 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 16.3 cu-ft | 16.3 cu-ft | 16.3 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 37.4 in | 37.4 in | 37.4 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Alarm System | |||
| Automatic Headlights | |||
| Alloy Wheels | |||
| Fog Lights | |||
| Power Moonroof | |||
| Rear Spoiler | |||
| Bluetooth | |||
| Navigation System | |||
| Premium Audio | |||
| Satellite Radio | |||
| Subwoofer | |||
| USB Ports | |||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | |||
| Automatic Air Conditioning | |||
| Heated Front Seats | |||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | |||
| Leather Seats | |||
| Power Driver Seat | |||
| Tilt Wheel | |||
| Tilt/Telescoping Steering Wheel | |||
| Wood Interior Trim | |||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest change to the 2009 Hyundai Sonata?
The redesigned cabin is the biggest change. The 2009 Sonata has a new dashboard, gauges, center controls, improved materials, and a more upscale overall layout.
Is the 2009 Hyundai Sonata a full redesign?
No. The 2009 Sonata is a major mid-cycle update of the fifth-generation model, not a completely new generation. Its main revisions affect the cabin, front-end styling, engines, and audio connectivity.
Are the 2009 Hyundai Sonata engines different from the 2008 engines?
Yes. For 2009, both the 2.4-liter four-cylinder and 3.3-liter V6 gained power while also delivering better fuel economy.
Did the 2009 Hyundai Sonata trim lineup change?
Yes. The GLS, SE, and Limited trims were added to the lineup for 2009. The GLS is the practical version, the SE has sportier suspension and seating, and the Limited emphasizes comfort with leather, heated seats, a sunroof, and premium audio.
Does every 2009 Hyundai Sonata have a USB audio input?
Yes. A USB audio input became standard across the entire 2009 Sonata lineup.