“Excellent vehicle. Lots of roominess and it's super comfortable. Large storage space. Easy to get in and out of. Drives very smoothly. Looks sporty. Love the interior as well.”
2018 Hyundai Sonata: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for the 2018 Hyundai Sonata is a mid-cycle refresh with redesigned bodywork, an updated cabin, broader standard safety technology, and revised steering and suspension tuning. It is a substantial update, but not a full redesign.
About the 2018 Hyundai Sonata
7th generation Sonata (LF, 2015-2019), mid-cycle refresh year; the gas sedan is refreshed for 2018, and the Hybrid/Plug-in Hybrid receive the matching facelift later in the same model year.
Hyundai positioned the 2018 Sonata as a roomy, value-first midsize sedan that gives family-car buyers a lot of safety and tech without forcing them into expensive trims. The range stretches from simple gas models to turbo versions, a conventional hybrid, and a plug-in hybrid, but the core pitch stays the same: easy-to-use technology, a comfortable cabin, strong feature value, and a broad choice of efficiency or performance depending on the version.
The 2018 Sonata ranges from the practical SE and efficiency-focused Eco to the comfort-oriented Limited and performance-focused Sport 2.0T. The SEL serves as the well-equipped middle trim, while the Limited adds leather, ventilated front seats, and LED headlights. Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid versions bring better efficiency, and the plug-in model has an EPA-estimated 28-mile electric range.
What changed, by category
Styling
The front and rear were redesigned, and the dashboard and center controls received a new layout. Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid models adopted the matching exterior and cabin updates later in the model year.
Powertrain
Sonata 2.0T models switched to an 8-speed automatic transmission. The Plug-in Hybrid’s EPA-estimated electric range increased from 27 to 28 miles.
Safety
Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert became standard across the gas, Hybrid, and Plug-in Hybrid lineups.
Tech
Gas models gained a standard 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid also received revised infotainment and technology packaging.
Structural
Hyundai revised the steering and rear-suspension tuning for sharper response and better ride control.
Trim lineup
SEL, SEL+, Sport+, and Limited 2.0T+ joined the lineup, while the gas Base configuration was dropped. On the Sport trim, heated front seats, leather seating, a power sunroof, proximity entry, and push-button start changed from optional to standard.
2018 Hyundai Sonata specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, 2.4 Liter / 4-Cyl, SULEV, 2.4 Liter / 4-Cyl, Hybrid, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 1.6 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.4 Liter / 4-Cyl, SULEV, 2.4 Liter | 4-Cyl, Hybrid, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.4 Liter / 4-Cyl, SULEV, 2.4 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.4 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.4 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.4 Liter / 4-Cyl, SULEV, 2.4 Liter / 4-Cyl, Hybrid, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter |
| Transmission | Auto, 6-Spd Shiftronic / Automatic, 6-Spd w/Shiftronic | Auto, 7-Spd EcoShift | Auto, 6-Spd Shiftronic | Automatic, 6-Spd w/Shiftronic & Manual Mode | Auto, 6-Spd Shiftronic | Auto, 6-Spd Shiftronic | Auto, 6-Spd Shiftronic | Auto, 6-Spd Shiftronic / Automatic, 6-Spd w/Shiftronic / Automatic, 6-Spd w/Shiftronic & Manual Mode | Auto, 8-Spd Shiftronic | Auto, 8-Spd Shiftronic | Auto, 8-Spd Shiftronic |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas / Hybrid | Gas | Gas | Plug-In Hybrid | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas / Hybrid / Plug-In Hybrid | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 25–40 mpg | 28 mpg | 25 mpg | 25 mpg | 25 mpg | 25 mpg | 25–39 mpg | 23 mpg | 23 mpg | 23 mpg | |
| MPG Highway | 36–46 mpg | 37 mpg | 35 mpg | 35 mpg | 35 mpg | 35 mpg | 35–44 mpg | 32 mpg | 32 mpg | 32 mpg | |
| Horsepower | 185–193 hp | 178 hp | 185 hp | 202 hp | 185 hp | 185 hp | 185 hp | 185–202 hp | 245 hp | 245 hp | 245 hp |
| Torque | 140–178 lb-ft | 195 lb-ft | 178 lb-ft | 140 lb-ft | 178 lb-ft | 178 lb-ft | 178 lb-ft | 140–178 lb-ft | 260 lb-ft | 260 lb-ft | 260 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 13.4–16.3 cu-ft | 16.3 cu-ft | 16.3 cu-ft | 9.9 cu-ft | 16.3 cu-ft | 16.3 cu-ft | 16.3 cu-ft | 9.9–16.3 cu-ft | 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 | 35.6 in | 35.6 in | 35.6 in | 35.6 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| MPGe Combined | 99 | 99 (Plug-In Hybrid) | |||||||||
| Adaptive Cruise Control | |||||||||||
| Alarm System | |||||||||||
| Automatic Emergency Braking | |||||||||||
| Automatic High Beams | |||||||||||
| Blindspot Sensors | |||||||||||
| Lane Departure Warning | |||||||||||
| Rear Parking Sensors | |||||||||||
| Rear View Camera | |||||||||||
| Alloy Wheels | |||||||||||
| HID Headlights | |||||||||||
| Heated Mirrors | |||||||||||
| LED Daytime Running Lights | |||||||||||
| LED Tail Lights | |||||||||||
| Memory Exterior Mirrors | |||||||||||
| Power Moonroof | |||||||||||
| Panorama Moon Roof | |||||||||||
| Power Liftgate/Trunk Release | |||||||||||
| Power Mirrors | |||||||||||
| Remote Control Liftgate/Trunk Release | |||||||||||
| Navigation System | |||||||||||
| Premium Audio | |||||||||||
| Satellite Radio | |||||||||||
| Smartphone Interface | |||||||||||
| Subwoofer | |||||||||||
| Touch Screen Monitor | |||||||||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | |||||||||||
| Dual Power Front Seats | |||||||||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | |||||||||||
| Folding Rear Seat | |||||||||||
| Rear Air Conditioning | |||||||||||
| Heated Front Seats | |||||||||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | |||||||||||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | |||||||||||
| 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
Is the 2018 Hyundai Sonata a full redesign?
No. The 2018 Sonata is a mid-cycle refresh of the seventh-generation model rather than a ground-up redesign. It received new front and rear styling, a revised dashboard, updated technology, more standard safety equipment, and chassis tuning changes.
What changed on the 2018 Sonata 2.0T models?
The 2018 Sonata 2.0T models switched to an 8-speed automatic transmission. They also received the refreshed styling and updated steering and suspension tuning, with Sport 2.0T retaining its stronger turbo engine, larger front brakes, and 18-inch wheels.
Does every 2018 Hyundai Sonata have blind-spot monitoring?
Yes. Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert is standard across the 2018 gas, Hybrid, and Plug-in Hybrid Sonata lineups.
Were the 2018 Sonata Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid refreshed too?
Yes. The Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid adopted matching exterior and cabin updates later in the 2018 model year, along with standard blind-spot monitoring and revised technology and safety packaging. The Plug-in Hybrid’s EPA-estimated electric range also increased from 27 to 28 miles.
Which trims were added to the 2018 Hyundai Sonata lineup?
The SEL, SEL+, Sport+, and Limited 2.0T+ trims joined the 2018 Sonata lineup. The gas Base configuration left the lineup, and the Sport trim made several previously optional comfort and convenience features standard.
2018 Hyundai Sonata Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2018 Hyundai Sonata.
4.1
2018 Hyundai Sonata
(529 reviews)
“Great vehicle reliability at a reasonable price with all the bells and whistles of a luxury vehicle.”
“If safety is important to you the Hyundai Sonata is definitely the car for you. It saved my life and my sons life.”