Professionals
- Glorious entrance legroom
- Very fuel-efficient
- Customary Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
- A number of commonplace security & driver-assist options
- Class-leading guarantee
Cons
- Styling not universally favored
- No all-wheel-drive mannequin out there
- Blind-spot monitor not commonplace on base mannequin
- No knob for altering the radio station
What’s New this 12 months?
- SEL Plus out there with 19-inch wheels and Pirelli tires
- The SEL, SEL Plus, and Restricted fashions get Protected Exit Warning
- SEL will get a 6-way power-adjustable entrance passenger seat (was 4-way)
- Sporty Sonata N Line arrives later in 2020
KBB Editors’ Overview
The Hyundai Sonata is in its eighth technology, and this midsize household sedan continues to have its sights set on the favored Honda Accord and Toyota Camry. That is the perfect Sonata but, and it continues comparatively unchanged into its second 12 months of manufacturing. Even the bottom mannequin has a great deal of security tools, and better fashions boast sudden expertise and facilities.
Additionally persevering with unchanged is the fuel-efficient Hyundai Sonata Hybrid, which might stand up to 53 mpg on the freeway. And later this 12 months, be looking out for a Sonata N, a sporty mannequin we hope to be taught extra about quickly.
Whereas the outside styling of the Sonata doesn’t captivate all people, the general high quality of this well-built midsize Hyundai sedan definitely does. It’s a whole package deal, and Hyundai even takes care of all common Sonata upkeep for the primary three years of possession. This, along with backing the automobile with an unsurpassed 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain guarantee.
How A lot Does the 2021 Hyundai Sonata Price?
KBB expects the 2021 Hyundai Sonata to be priced very equally to final 12 months, beginning between $23,000 and $24,000.
The 2020 Hyundai Sonata had a Producer’s Prompt Retail Worth (MSRP) of $23,400, plus a vacation spot charge of $930. The higher-equipped SEL started at $25,500, whereas the turbocharged SEL Plus started at $27,450. A Sonata Restricted mannequin began at $33,300.
As for the 2020 Sonata Hybrids, they ranged from $27,750 (Blue) to $29,900 (SEL) to $35,300 (Restricted), and we anticipate the 2021 variations to stay very shut to those quantities.
The Sonata barely undercut the beginning costs of the Honda Accord, the Toyota Camry, the Mazda6, and the Nissan Altima. Earlier than shopping for, at all times examine the KBB.com Truthful Buy Worth to see what others in your space are paying for his or her new Sonata. Resale values, historically decrease than these of the Subaru Legacy, Honda Accord, and Toyota Camry, are getting higher.
Driving the 2021 Hyundai Sonata
We’ve pushed the Sonata a number of instances, over a whole bunch of miles, and we will say with conviction that its manners are proper up there with these of the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry. It’s slightly sportier than the Camry, however not fairly as agile because the Accord. It’s like how an Audi splits the distinction between a cushty Mercedes and a agency BMW.
Our seat time was in Sonata fashions with the 1.6-liter 4-cylinder turbo engine, which is available in SEL Plus and Restricted fashions. This engine has much less horsepower than the usual 2.5-liter, however extra torque. This results in clean and assured acceleration from a cease, and sufficient in reserve for good if not nice passing energy. All fashions use an 8-speed computerized transmission that’s seamless. The cabin is acceptably quiet, although we did discover modest wind noise from the driver-side door at elevated freeway speeds.
One of many Sonata’s finest driving options is Freeway Drive Help, a semi-autonomous driving system that’s commonplace within the Restricted and non-compulsory within the SEL Plus. On a visit from Arizona to California, we principally let the Sonata do many of the driving whereas conserving our arms on the wheel. Whereas the adaptive cruise management paced the automobile in entrance, the lane-centering system saved the Sonata centered. Freeway Drive Help additionally labored effectively in stop-and-go site visitors.
We additionally spent a while in a 2021 Sonata Hybrid, a top-of-the-line Restricted mannequin. Our fast take: It feels very similar to an ordinary Sonata Restricted that will get phenomenal gasoline financial system.
For those who’re used to the graceful energy supply of most different hybrids, which usually have a repeatedly variable computerized transmission (CVT), the silky shifts of the Sonata Hybrid’s commonplace computerized make this Hyundai really feel extra like a automobile with a standard drivetrain. The Sonata Hybrid Restricted additionally has a 205-watt Photo voltaic Panel roof that costs the automobile’s 12-volt and hybrid lithium-ion batteries. Apart from wanting techy, the Photo voltaic Roof provides the Sonata Hybrid a few further miles of vary per day, or about 700 “free” miles over the course of a 12 months.
Favourite Options
HYUNDAI DIGITAL KEY
No key? No downside. This function — commonplace on all however base SE trims — turns your telephone right into a key, and in addition means that you can grant entry to the Sonata for family and friends through their telephone. At current, it solely works for the Android working system, but in addition included is a hotel-like key card that additionally permits entry and activation.
10.25-INCH TOUCHSCREEN
Non-obligatory on the SEL Plus and commonplace on the Restricted is a 10.25-inch touchscreen that comes with a 12-speaker Bose sound system providing Sirius XM satellite tv for pc radio, HD Radio, and Blue Hyperlink, Hyundai’s related automobile system. The usual Sonata touchscreen has a diagonal measurement of Eight inches.
2021 Hyundai Sonata Inside
The Sonata’s 5-passenger cabin is open and modern, and the driving force’s seat is comfy even after hours behind the wheel. A part of the Sonata’s ethereal really feel could be attributed to its transmission selector. Somewhat than having a conventional lever, it has space-saving buttons.
Within the heart of the sprint is an ordinary 8-inch touchscreen or a big and crisp 10.25-inch display screen that’s non-compulsory on SEL Plus and commonplace on the Restricted. Controls to regulate widespread features like quantity and local weather are simple to seek out and use, however we want the Sonata had a dial for radio tuning and observe choice.
On paper, the Sonata’s rear-seat legroom pales to the Accord’s – 34.Eight inches vs. 40.4 – however in actuality, it nonetheless feels accommodating for adults. Moreover, the Hyundai provides again that room up entrance, the place it has 46.1 inches of legroom in comparison with the Accord’s 42.3.
2021 Hyundai Sonata Exterior
Hyundai’s design govt mentioned the staff aimed for “sensuous sportiness” with the present Sonata. Whereas we respect its daring styling, the look of the current-generation continues to get combined opinions.
Whereas the entrance finish has a little bit of a bottom-feeder look, the opposite parts of the Sonata are engaging. The profile is glossy and coupe-like, with an nearly nonexistent quick rear deck.
Notice: Base Sonatas have a single hidden tailpipe and shiny grille. All others have a gloss-black grille and twin-tip exhaust shops.
As for the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid, it’s distinguished by a revised grille, distinctive wheels, and a rear spoiler that reduces drag. Additionally, the Photo voltaic Roof on the Hybrid Restricted mannequin is, by itself, a design aspect.
2021 Hyundai Sonata Customary Options
The 2021 Hyundai Sonata lineup is refreshingly easy, spanning these 4 trims: SE, SEL, SEL Plus, and Restricted. At its most elementary, a Sonata SE consists of the usual tech you need, resembling Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, plus a 6-way manual-adjust driver’s seat and LED headlights and taillights.
Additionally commonplace is a full suite of energetic security and driver-assist options, together with lane-keeping help, forward-collision alert with computerized emergency braking, and adaptive cruise management with stop-and-go. As with all new Hyundais, the Sonata has a class-leading guarantee that features 10 years/100,000 miles for the powertrain.
2021 Hyundai Sonata Choices
Whereas the SE is a stable selection, we’d suggest stepping as much as a minimum of an SEL trim. It provides blind-spot monitoring with collision-avoidance help, heated entrance seats, 8-way-power driver’s seat, heated facet mirrors, rear-seat armrest with cup holders, enhanced infotainment system with satellite tv for pc radio and Blue Hyperlink distant automobile entry, together with dual-zone local weather management, and a proximity key with pushbutton begin.
From there, the SEL Plus trim consists of the turbo engine, totally digital 12.3-inch instrument cluster, the Digital Key (see Favourite Options), suede/leatherette upholstery, steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, rear-seat air vents (non-compulsory on SEL trims), auto-dimming rearview mirror, wi-fi telephone charger, and body-color/satin-chrome door handles.
On the prime, Sonata Restricted fashions embrace a panoramic sunroof, the Blind View Monitor, a leather-based inside, a head-up show, a power-adjustable entrance passenger seat, and a surround-view digital camera. The Sonata Restricted additionally has a heated steering wheel and a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation and a 12-speaker Bose audio system.
Distant Sensible Parking Help, commonplace on the Restricted, deserves particular point out. It helps you to drive the Sonata remotely out and in of tight areas, all whereas standing close by exterior of the automobile. This nifty system, which makes use of the important thing fob as a controller, successfully turns the Sonata Restricted into the world’s largest RC automobile.
2021 Hyundai Sonata Engine
The 2021 Hyundai Sonata provides a selection of two engines. SE and SEL fashions use a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder that makes 191 horsepower, whereas SEL Plus and Restricted fashions include a 1.6-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder that makes 180 horsepower. Whereas the higher-trim turbo engine has much less horsepower, it provides extra torque – 195 lb-ft in comparison with 181 lb-ft – which allows higher off-the-line acceleration. All Sonatas are front-wheel drive, and all use a superb 8-speed computerized transmission.
The Hyundai Sonata Hybrid, which has a variety of almost 700 miles, is the one exception. It makes use of a paddle-shift 6-speed computerized transmission that mates to a hybrid powertrain that includes a 2.0-liter gasoline engine and a 51-horsepower electrical motor. Mixed output: 192 horsepower.
For the upcoming sporty Sonata N Line, Hyundai will use a turbocharged model 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine that makes an estimated 290 horsepower.
2.5-liter inline-4
191 horsepower @ 6,100 rpm
181 lb-ft of torque @ 4,000 rpm
EPA metropolis/freeway gasoline financial system: 28/38 mpg (SE), 27/37 mpg (SEL)
1.6-liter turbocharged inline-4
180 horsepower @ 5,500 rpm
195 lb-ft of torque @ 1,500-4,500 rpm
EPA metropolis/freeway gasoline financial system: 27/37 mpg (SEL Plus, Restricted)
2.0-liter inline-4
150 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm
139 lb-ft of torque @ 5,000 rpm
Everlasting-magnet AC electrical motor
51 horsepower, 151 lb-ft of torque
Complete system output: 192 horsepower
EPA metropolis/freeway gasoline financial system: 50/54 mpg (Blue), 45/51 mpg (SEL, Restricted)
Which Mannequin is Proper for Me?
2021 Hyundai Sonata SE
2.5-liter engine
8-speed computerized transmission
8-inch touchscreen show
Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
Adaptive cruise management, emergency braking
Lane-keeping help
16-inch alloy wheels
2021 Hyundai Sonata SEL
Blind-spot monitoring
8-way-power driver’s seat
Heated entrance seats
Twin-zone local weather management
17-inch wheels
Protected Exit Warning
2021 Hyundai Sonata SEL Plus
Turbocharged 1.6-liter engine
12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
Hyundai Digital Key
Rear-seat vents
Leatherette/suede upholstery
Customary 19-inch wheel and tire package deal
2021 Hyundai Sonata Restricted
Leather-based upholstery w/ventilated entrance seats
10.25-inch touchscreen w/navigation
Panoramic sunroof
Bose audio system w/XM satellite tv for pc radio
6-way energy entrance passenger seat
Freeway Driving Help
Head-up show
Encompass-view digital camera
Distant Sensible Parking Help
2021 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Blue
Hybrid powertrain w/2.0-liter inline-4
6-speed computerized transmission
Material seats
16-inch alloy wheels
4.2-inch digital instrument show
Twin computerized local weather management
Adaptive cruise management w/ Cease & Go
2021 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid SEL
Wi-fi smartphone charger
17-inch alloy wheels
Leather-based-wrapped steering wheel
Twin USB ports
12-speaker Bose audio system
2021 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Restricted
Photo voltaic Roof
Leather-based seats
Head-up show
10.25-inch touchscreen w/navigation
12.3-inch LCD instrument cluster
2021 Hyundai Sonata Security Expertise
Ahead Collision-Avoidance Help with Pedestrian Detection
This technique warns of a collision with a automobile or pedestrian in entrance of the automobile, and can routinely apply the brakes if needed. Customary on all 2021 Sonatas.
Lane-Observe Help
Additionally commonplace, this technique makes minor computerized steering corrections to maintain the Sonata from drifting over lane markings.
Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Help
Customary on the SEL and above, this technique warns of a automobile lurking within the Sonata’s rear three-quarter blind spot. It additionally helps stop potential lane-change accidents by utilizing the automated utility of the right- or left-side brakes to drag the Sonata again into its lane.
Individuals Additionally Ask
What’s Protected Exit Warning?
This expertise, commonplace on the 2021 Hyundai Sonata Restricted, audibly warns the driving force and passengers if site visitors is approaching the automobile after it has been parallel parked. This technique is designed to stop back-seat passengers from stepping out into site visitors.
Is the 2021 Hyundai Sonata out there with a V6 engine?
No. The 2021 Hyundai Sonata is supplied with a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine with 191 horsepower, a turbo 1.6-liter 4-cylinder with 180 horsepower, or a hybrid powertrain that includes a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder gasoline engine and an electrical motor with a mixed output of 192 horsepower.
Is the 2021 Hyundai Sonata out there with all-wheel drive (AWD)?
All 2021 Hyundai Sonatas are front-wheel drive (FWD). However we expect AWD could be a welcome addition to the sporty Sonata N Line mannequin arriving later in 2020.
Is the Sonata Hybrid as fuel-efficient because the Toyota Camry Hybrid?
It’s shut. The Camry Hybrid is rated by the EPA at 51 mpg Metropolis/53 mpg Freeway/52 mpg Mixed. Essentially the most environment friendly 2021 Sonata Hybrid, the Blue, is rated by the EPA at 50/54/52 mpg. The Honda Accord Hybrid, for the file, is rated at 48/47/48.
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