“I like the way my sonata rides. It hugs the road great and is fun to drive. Also the doors open so easily they are not heavy at all.”
2016 Hyundai Sonata: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for 2016 is the redesigned Sonata Hybrid, joined by the first Sonata Plug-in Hybrid in the U.S. lineup. Gas Sonatas receive a lighter update with a standard 7-inch touchscreen and rearview camera, lighter suspension parts, and slightly better highway fuel economy from the 2.4-liter engine.
About the 2016 Hyundai Sonata
LF-generation Sonata (2015-2019 before the later facelift): second year for the gas sedan, first year for the Hybrid on this body, and first year for the Plug-in Hybrid.
Hyundai positions the Sonata as a roomy, technology-rich midsize sedan that gives family-car shoppers a near-upscale feel without asking them to move into a luxury brand. The core appeal is space, quietness, easy-to-use tech, and a wide spread of personalities: mainstream gas trims, a mileage-focused Eco, richer Limited models, and electrified Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid versions. Against rivals, Hyundai leans on value through generous equipment and a polished cabin rather than on outright sportiness.
The 2016 Sonata ranges from the straightforward SE and mileage-focused Eco to the comfort-oriented Limited and 245-hp turbo models. Hybrid SE emphasizes efficiency and everyday convenience, while Hybrid Limited adds leather upholstery plus heated and ventilated front seats. The Plug-in Hybrid provides up to 27 miles of electric driving, and Limited 2.0T pairs the stronger turbo engine with navigation and added driver-assistance features.
What changed, by category
Powertrain
The redesigned Sonata Hybrid moves to a 193-hp, 2.0-liter hybrid system and improves fuel economy. A new 202-hp Plug-in Hybrid uses a 9.8-kWh battery for up to 27 miles of electric driving before operating as a regular hybrid. Gas models with the 2.4-liter engine also receive a small highway fuel-economy improvement.
Tech
Gas Sonatas receive a standard 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The SE's touchscreen was optional the year before.
Safety
A rearview camera becomes standard across the gas lineup. Sport also gains standard blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert.
Structural
Gas Sonatas receive lighter aluminum suspension components. The redesigned Hybrid provides more passenger and cargo room than the outgoing version.
2016 Hyundai Sonata specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, Hybrid, 2.0 Liter / 4-Cyl, 2.4 Liter / 4-Cyl, PZEV, 2.4 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 1.6 Liter | 4-Cyl, Hybrid, 2.0 Liter / 4-Cyl, 2.4 Liter / 4-Cyl, PZEV, 2.4 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.4 Liter / 4-Cyl, PZEV, 2.4 Liter | 4-Cyl, Hybrid, 2.0 Liter / 4-Cyl, 2.4 Liter / 4-Cyl, PZEV, 2.4 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter |
| Transmission | Auto, 6-Spd Shiftronic / Auto, 6-Spd w/Shiftronic & Drive Mode Select | Auto, 7-Spd EcoShift | Auto, 6-Spd Shftrnc MnMd / Auto, 6-Spd w/Shiftronic & Drive Mode Select | Auto, 6-Spd w/Shiftronic & Drive Mode Select | Auto, 6-Spd Shiftronic / Auto, 6-Spd w/Shiftronic & Drive Mode Select / Auto, 6-Spd Shftrnc MnMd | Auto, 6-Spd w/Shiftronic & Drive Mode Select | Auto, 6-Spd w/Shiftronic & Drive Mode Select |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD |
| Fuel Type | Hybrid / Gas | Gas | Plug-In Hybrid / Gas | Gas | Hybrid / Gas / Plug-In Hybrid | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 25–40 mpg | 28 mpg | 25 mpg | 25 mpg | 25–39 mpg | 23 mpg | 23 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 38–44 mpg | 38 mpg | 38 mpg | 38 mpg | 38–43 mpg | 32 mpg | 32 mpg |
| Horsepower | 185–193 hp | 178 hp | 185 hp | 185 hp | 185–193 hp | 245 hp | 245 hp |
| Torque | 140–178 lb-ft | 195 lb-ft | 140–178 lb-ft | 178 lb-ft | 140–178 lb-ft | 260 lb-ft | 260 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 13.3–16.3 cu-ft | 16.3 cu-ft | 9.9–16.3 cu-ft | 16.3 cu-ft | 9.9–16.3 cu-ft | 16.3 cu-ft | 16.3 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 35.6 in | 35.6 in | 35.6 in | 35.6 in | 35.6 in | 35.6 in | 35.6 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| MPGe Combined | 99 (Plug-In Hybrid) | 99 (Plug-In Hybrid) | |||||
| Adaptive Cruise Control | |||||||
| Alarm System | |||||||
| Automatic Emergency Braking | |||||||
| Automatic Headlights | |||||||
| Automatic High Beams | |||||||
| Blindspot Sensors | |||||||
| Lane Departure Warning | |||||||
| Rear Parking Sensors | |||||||
| Rear View Camera | |||||||
| Alloy Wheels | |||||||
| Fog Lights | |||||||
| HID Headlights | |||||||
| Heated Mirrors | |||||||
| LED Daytime Running Lights | |||||||
| LED Tail Lights | |||||||
| Memory Exterior Mirrors | |||||||
| Panorama Moon Roof | |||||||
| Power Liftgate/Trunk Release | |||||||
| Rear Spoiler | |||||||
| Remote Control Liftgate/Trunk Release | |||||||
| Bluetooth | |||||||
| Navigation System | |||||||
| Premium Audio | |||||||
| Satellite Radio | |||||||
| Smartphone Interface | |||||||
| Subwoofer | |||||||
| Touch Screen Monitor | |||||||
| USB Ports | |||||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | |||||||
| Dual Power Front Seats | |||||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | |||||||
| Folding Rear Seat | |||||||
| Rear Air Conditioning | |||||||
| Heated Front Seats | |||||||
| Heated Rear Seats | |||||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | |||||||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | |||||||
| Interior Ambient Lighting | |||||||
| Leather Seats | |||||||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | |||||||
| Memory Driver's Seat | |||||||
| Power Driver Seat | |||||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | |||||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | |||||||
| Rear Window Shades | |||||||
| Ventilated Front Seats | |||||||
| Wood Interior Trim | |||||||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest difference between the 2016 and 2015 Hyundai Sonata?
The biggest difference is the electrified lineup: the 2016 Sonata gets a redesigned Hybrid on the current-generation body and adds the model's first Plug-in Hybrid. Gas Sonatas also gain standard touchscreen and rearview-camera equipment, lighter suspension parts, and a small highway fuel-economy improvement for the 2.4-liter engine.
Is 2016 the first year of the Hyundai Sonata Plug-in Hybrid?
Yes. The 2016 model year introduces the first Sonata Plug-in Hybrid in the U.S. lineup. Its 9.8-kWh battery provides up to 27 miles of electric driving before the car continues as a regular hybrid.
Was the 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid redesigned?
Yes. The 2016 Sonata Hybrid moves to the current Sonata body and receives a new 193-hp, 2.0-liter hybrid system. It also has more passenger and cargo room and better fuel economy than the outgoing Hybrid.
What became standard on the 2016 gas Hyundai Sonata?
A 7-inch touchscreen and rearview camera became standard across the 2016 gas Sonata lineup. The touchscreen supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while Sport also adds standard blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert.
Is the 2016 Hyundai Sonata meaningfully different from the 2015 model?
Yes, especially if you are considering an electrified version. The Hybrid was redesigned and the Plug-in Hybrid was introduced, while gas models received useful equipment and suspension updates rather than a full redesign.
2016 Hyundai Sonata Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2016 Hyundai Sonata.
4.2
2016 Hyundai Sonata
(485 reviews)
“Trendy body style, great on gas mileage, love the info panel and backup camera. It is also super roomy and fun to drive.”
“So far we have enjoyed the car. Two complaints - the back up information on mirror actually blocks your view backing up making in more dangerous - some dumb engineer was thinking. No air blows on drivers feet which make for a cold start when driving in winter.”