Hyundai Sonata Review

Article by Jason Craig

What's New for 2011

For 2011, the Hyundai Sonata is entirely redesigned.Introduction

Huge rock bands tend to have well-known influences. Coldplay's early music was inspired by U2's, as an example, and Madonna's lengthy career has no doubt supplied inspiration for Lady Gaga. It's the identical song and dance on the world's automotive stage. Could there be any denying that the previous Hyundai Sonata was inspired by the Camry and Accord? But the 2011 Hyundai Sonata, like a maturing great band that comes into its own, has grow to be worthy of headliner status inside the family-sedan arena.

Engine options for the new Sonata include a 2.4-liter inline-4 or a 2.0-liter turbocharged variant. The base engine is actually all most buyers will ever need, as it makes a robust 198 horsepower (200 within the SE trim) and returns a thrifty 26 mpg combined when matched to a six-speed automatic. In addition to delivering both brisk performance and high fuel mileage, this drivetrain exhibits a refined demeanor. The turbo ramps up performance with 274 hp and amazingly returns almost identical combined fuel economy.

All of this is even much more impressive once you think about that the Sonata is one of just two cars in its segment (the Accord is the other) roomy sufficient to be deemed a "large" sedan by the EPA. The 2011 Sonata also boasts improvements in driving dynamics to give it a tauter, a lot more composed feel, although it is not fairly up to the sport sedan bar of the Ford Fusion Sport, Nissan Altima and Mazda 6. The SE trim's sport-tuned suspension helps the Sonata inch up closer to that bar, but inside the process, the ride gets a bit too rough.

Of course, being a Hyundai, the Sonata brings along a strong value proposition. Regardless of the reality that its beginning price can be a couple thousand dollars cheaper than its rivals' MSRPs, the base Sonata GLS provides numerous features as standard -- for example satellite radio, iPod connectivity and Bluetooth with phonebook download -- that are optional or not even obtainable on its peers. The top-of-the-line Sonata Limited, meanwhile, comes standard with everything except navigation.

All points regarded as, the newest Sonata manages to stand out in a segment chock full of very good choices. It's a lot more refined than the ubiquitous Accord and Camry, and although the Altima, Mazda 6, Chevy Malibu and Ford Fusion are also excellent picks, the Sonata has the price benefit. With its spirited performance, impressive fuel economy, solid create top quality and powerful value, we have a feeling that the 2011 Hyundai Sonata will have no difficulty climbing the charts.Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Possibilities

The 2011 Hyundai Sonata is really a midsize family members sedan obtainable in GLS, SE and Limited trim levels. Standard equipment on the GLS consists of 16-inch steel wheels, keyless entry, air-conditioning, cruise control, full power accessories, heated sideview mirrors, a tilt-and-telescoping steering column, a trip laptop or computer, a 60/40-split rear seatback, a six-speaker stereo (with CD/MP3 player, satellite radio, iPod/auxiliary audio jacks and steering-wheel-mounted controls) and Bluetooth with phonebook download.

Two optional equipment packages are available. 1 adds alloy wheels, automatic headlights and an eight-way power driver seat. The other consists of all these plus a navigation system and upgraded speakers for the audio system. The sporty SE functions all of the above (except the navigation program and premium speakers) and adds 18-inch alloy wheels with performance tires, foglights, a dark chrome grille, a sport-tuned suspension, keyless ignition/entry, leather/cloth upholstery and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob. Opting for the turbocharged engine will also add dual-zone automatic climate control. An optional package bundles a navigation system with premium speakers and a sunroof.

The plush Limited has all the SE's functions (minus the 18-inch wheels, sport suspension and cloth/leather upholstery) and adds side mirror turn signal repeaters, a sunroof, leather upholstery, heated seats (front and rear), dual-zone automatic climate control, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, an upgraded audio program (with HD radio and CD changer) and exclusive interior accents (either wood grain or gloss black). Seventeen-inch alloy wheels are also regular. The turbocharged SE variant adds 18-inch wheels, dual exhaust ideas and steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters. The Limited's sole optional package bundles a navigation system having a back-up camera and Infinity premium speakers.Powertrains and Performance

The regular engine on all Hyundai Sonata trim levels is often a 2.4-liter direct-injected four-cylinder engine good for 198 hp and 184 pound-feet of torque. The SE, with its dual exhaust, has a bit more power at 200 hp and 186 lb-ft. A six-speed manual transmission is regular on the GLS, even though a six-speed automatic is optional on that trim and standard on the SE and Limited. A powerful 2.0-liter turbocharged engine is available on SE and Limited trim levels. This engine produces 274 hp and 269 lb-ft of torque.

In performance testing, a 2.4-liter GLS Sonata with the automatic transmission accelerated from zero to 60 mph in 8.2 seconds. As expected, the 2.0-liter turbo is substantially quicker, requiring only 6.7 seconds.

The Sonata's EPA fuel economy estimates are impressive for an auto of this size. The 2.4-liter engine with the manual transmission is rated at 24 mpg city/35 mpg highway and 28 combined, and 22/35/26 mpg with the automatic. The 2.0-liter turbo, despite its substantial boost in power, returns an extremely impressive 22/33/26 mpg.Safety

All Sonatas come well stocked with antilock brakes, traction control, stability control, front seat side-impact airbags, full-length side curtain airbags and active front head restraints.

In the government's new, far more strenuous crash testing for 2011, the Sonata earned a leading five-star rating for overall crash protection, with four out of five stars given for front-impact protection and five stars for side impact protection. In Insurance Institute for Highway Safety testing, the 2011 Hyundai Sonata earned a top rating of "Good" for frontal-offset, side-impact and roof-strength protection.

In Edmunds brake testing, a 2011 Sonata GLS came to a stop from 60 mph in 128 feet. A 2.0-liter turbo model with wider tires stopped slightly shorter at 120 feet. Both stopping distances are slightly better than average for cars in this class.Interior Design and Unique Functions

Fit and finish of the cabin is extremely good. The controls operate with a feel and precision befitting a much more expensive automobile. We're massive fans of the regular iPod interface, which is easy to make use of and fairly speedy in operation. The Limited trim level is especially upscale, with its available two-tone color schemes, piano black trim and padded door panels.

Now classified as a significant car, the Sonata boasts sufficient room to permit four adults to stretch out and take pleasure in the ride. As with most cars, five will fit, though the rear middle passenger won't be as comfy as the other people. Headroom is just barely adequate front and rear, nevertheless, as 6-footers will likely uncover their heads uncomfortably inside the ceiling. The trunk has a slightly smaller opening than the norm, but its 16.4-cubic-foot capacity is at the top of the class.Driving Impressions

With its well-balanced chassis, the 2011 Hyundai Sonata provides both a supple ride and sure-footed handling. The steering lightens up considerably at low speeds to ease parking maneuvers, although at times the Sonata's steering can feel a bit artificial in quick transitions. The Sonata SE's suspension tuning is indeed sportier, but in testing we've discovered it leads to a rather rough and uncomfortable ride high quality on rougher roads.

The 2.4-liter four's strong performance should be enough for most drivers; it pulls willingly and smoothly right up to the tach's redline. Gearshifts from the automatic are seamless, and it steps down when necessary for quick passing or merging. Power delivery from the turbocharged engine is smooth and linear, with no detectable turbo lag. That it returns comparable fuel economy is just icing on the cake.

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