2010 Hyundai Sonata: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The main change for the 2010 Hyundai Sonata is that the base GLS is now four-cylinder only, with its optional V6 dropped. Otherwise, this is a quiet carryover year following the 2009 refresh.
About the 2010 Hyundai Sonata
5th generation Sonata (NF, 2006-2010), final model year before the all-new 2011 redesign.
For 2010, the Sonata is Hyundai’s roomy, straightforward midsize family sedan. Its core appeal is space, a long feature list, strong safety equipment for the time, and a more upscale cabin feel than many shoppers expected from Hyundai in this class. Against rivals like the Camry and Accord, Hyundai’s pitch is simple: give families a comfortable, practical sedan with solid powertrain choices and a lot of useful equipment, without making the car feel stripped down.
The 2010 Sonata lineup covers three distinct needs: the practical GLS, the sportier SE, and the comfort-focused Limited. The SE has firmer suspension tuning, sport seats, and 17-inch wheels, while the Limited adds leather seats, heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, a sunroof, and premium audio.
What changed, by category
2010 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 / 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 | 22 mpg | 19–22 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 29–32 mpg | 32 mpg | 29–32 mpg |
| Horsepower | 168–249 hp | 168–175 hp | 168–249 hp |
| Torque | 163–229 lb-ft | 163–168 lb-ft | 163–229 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 2000 lb | 1500 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 | |||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | |||
| Heated Front Seats | |||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | |||
| Leather Seats | |||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | |||
| Power Driver Seat | |||
| Tilt Wheel | |||
| Tilt/Telescoping Steering Wheel | |||
| Wood Interior Trim | |||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest change to the 2010 Hyundai Sonata?
The biggest change is that the 2010 Sonata GLS is four-cylinder only. Its previously optional V6 is no longer part of the base trim.
Was the 2010 Hyundai Sonata redesigned?
No, the 2010 Hyundai Sonata was not redesigned. It carries over the refreshed 2009 design and is the final year of this generation before the all-new 2011 Sonata arrived.
Does the 2010 Hyundai Sonata GLS have a V6?
No, the 2010 Sonata GLS has only the 2.4-liter four-cylinder. The V6 option offered on the 2009 GLS was dropped for 2010.
How do the 2010 Hyundai Sonata trims differ?
The 2010 GLS is the practical entry trim, the SE adds sport-tuned suspension and sportier cabin and exterior details, and the Limited emphasizes comfort with leather, heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, a sunroof, and premium audio.
Is the 2010 Hyundai Sonata a major upgrade over the 2009 model?
No, the 2010 Sonata is not a major upgrade over the 2009 model. Most features and styling carry over; the meaningful difference is that the 2010 GLS no longer has a V6 option.