I’m continually impressed by the new product onslaught at Hyundai. If you haven’t looked at their lineup recently, you wouldn’t recognize it. From the Veracruz to the Azera to the Genesis to the Sonata, it’s a brand new world out there. One in which Hyundai is gaining market share.
In fact, Hyundai is now the seventh best-selling brand in the United States, knocking Chrysler and GMC down a couple pegs on the list.
2009 Hyundai Sonata
Engine: 3.3-liter V-6
Transmission: 5-speed automoatic
Horsepower: 249
Torque: 229 pound-feet
Wheelbase: 107.4 inches
Length: 188.9 inches
Height: 58 inches
Width: 72.1 inches
MPG (city/hwy): 19/29
Base price: $26,345
As-tested price: $27,685
Pricing is definitely part of the reason. But so is styling, quality and fuel economy.
Just look at the 2009 Sonata as an example.
It’s not a complete redesign -- that’ll come in 2011 -- but Hyundai took a good thing and managed to make it better.
While there were some changes to the exterior, such as new headlights and front grille, the biggest difference is on the inside. If you look at a picture of the 2008 and 2009 interiors, there’s no comparison. The brushed silver accents alone bring the Sonata well into upscale.
Gone are the gaudy green gauges and backlighting, replaced by a cool blue glow. The cheapish audio and HVAC controls have been streamlined, and the vertical flow of the center stack just plain looks better. Everything gets an upgrade for 2009 from the trim materials to the overall appearance to the colors. The only thing you might recognize in the shiny new interior is the steering wheel.
The test vehicle was a stacked Limited model with a V-6 engine and all the trimmings. It had standard leather seats, standard heated front seats, standard sunroof, standard steering wheel audio controls, standard dual automatic climate controls, standard … I could go on. But I think you get the picture.
Base price for the Limited model, standards included, is $26,345. The test vehicle added navigation ($1,250) and carpeted floor mats ($90) as the only options. So, the as-tested price was $27,685.
I didn’t think that was bad considering the Sonata has moved up to the large car class because of its 121.7 cubic-feet of interior volume. And then, in addition to all the luxury items that come as standard fare, you have a plethora of standard safety features such as electronic stability control, side-curtain airbags, a tire pressure monitoring system and anti-lock brakes.
The Sonata is a handsome car, and I received several compliments during the test week as well as a number of surprised looks when people realized I was driving a Hyundai. I like the understated exterior styling, but would definitely like to see something a little less cookie cutter in the next iteration.
The interior was comfortable, and the seats -- even with increased cushion size and angle -- were enveloping and mostly comfortable. My only seat complaint is the groove that runs down the center of the seat. It was a bit too big, and no matter how I sat, I could feel the separation in the middle of the seat cushion.
I really liked the optional navigation system in the Sonata. I’d even go so far as to say this is one of the best systems I’ve dealt with lately, and most of that centers around the simplicity of the controls and the voice recognition. I didn’t need to wade through the owner’s manual to figure it out, and the voice recognition commands were intuitive and easy. I used this feature several times to set my destination, and I didn’t have to shout or repeat my commands incessantly.
In addition to design changes, the enhanced engines also make a difference in the quality of the ride. Both the 2.4-liter four-cylinder and the 3.3-liter V-6 engines receive more horsepower yet obtain better fuel efficiency in 2009. The four-cylinder engine delivers 175 horsepower and has city/highway EPA fuel estimates of 22/32 mpg. The V-6 engine delivers a smooth 249 horsepower, obtaining fuel estimates of 19/29 mpg.
In previous Sonata reviews, I pointed out that the cabin was kind of noisy. From road noise to engine noise, there wasn’t enough of a filter to keep things quiet. This has definitely changed for 2009, and in addition to the Sonata’s luxurious looks, you get a lux-like driving experience.
In a city sedan used for everyday driving, I couldn’t ask for anything more than what the Sonata test vehicle delivered. The V-6 engine was perfectly powered, accelerating nicely to merge with traffic, and the ride was soft and comfortable.
The biggest downside of the Sonata, as I see it, is that it’s a little too blendy. The advantage is the price point for what you get: an attractive car with plenty of whistles and bells and that 10-year/100,000-mile warranty.
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