The midsize sedan market has taken a backseat as buyers flock en masse to midsize SUVs, forcing big names like Ford, Chevrolet, and Mazda to bow out due to dwindling sales. Yet, a few automakers still hold their ground, with Hyundai taking the lead. With the launch of its sleek, facelifted eighth-generation Sonata AWD, Hyundai is doubling down on its commitment to sedans, ready to battle for the top spot in a shrinking but fiercely competitive segment. In its base Preferred-Trend trim, our test model had an MSRP of $37,659.50 and was built at the Asan, KOR plant.
In the early 2010s, the Hyundai Sonata was a powerhouse on North American roads, selling over 200,000 units annually. Fast forward to today, and Hyundai's faith in their sedan hasn't wavered. The fish-like front grille was polarizing, and the customers were not fans, thus leading the Korean automaker to make meaningful appearance changes. The aggressive yet luxurious look better suits the vehicle, complete with redesigned 18-inch wheels and a new look in the back, including a blacked panel. Front and rear light bars are part of the ensemble, too; they bring the look together better than before.
The Hyundai Sonata has undergone significant interior updates. The dashboard, steering wheel, and gear lever have been redesigned to align with the rest of the lineup while maintaining a classy appearance. Starting on the driver's side, the gauge cluster is large but lacks comprehensive information, as it doesn't support a full-screen map. The cluster primarily shows the speed on the right, the tachometer on the left, and basic information like fuel economy, tire pressure, and trip details in the center on a 4.2-inch display. The steering wheel feels comfortable, though it takes some time to get used to the gear lever on the steering column, and the controls are intuitive and easy to use. The base model of this midsize sedan is well-equipped, featuring heated and ventilated front seats, four USB ports, a heated steering wheel, a panoramic sunroof, and dual-zone climate control. These features contribute to the Hyundai Sonata's reputation as an excellent value for money. In the center console, the 12.3-inch touchscreen is responsive and supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The radio controls are physical, including the volume knob. In contrast, most climate controls are integrated into a horizontal panel below the air vents, with only the temperature adjustments made via physical knobs.
As for the rest of the interior, the Hyundai Sonata is still a roomy and comfortable midsize sedan, easily suitable for four adults and someone squeezed in the middle of the back seat! The leather seats are plush and adapted for long highway driving, and there is ample room. The trunk space is also generous, with a 441 L (15.6 Cu. Ft.) cargo capacity. Regarding car seat installation, you can easily find the ISOFIX ports and rear anchors near the back window.
Under the hood, the Hyundai Sonata comes in three different versions: the Sonata Preferred-Trend is equipped with a 2.5L 4-cylinder engine which develops a reasonable 191 hp and 181 lb-ft of torque and is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. You can also step up to the N-Line version, which adds a turbocharger to the engine, boosting the output to 290 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque, and an 8-speed Wet Dual-Clutch Transmission. There's also a hybrid version available only in the US. Our test version was the Preferred-Trend with the base engine and the addition of HTRAC AWD (a valuable $2000 option if you live in a colder climate). More than ever, this vehicle is capable of facing the harshest conditions its buyers may face. Its goal isn't to be sporty; it will run at 100 kph in about 8 seconds, but the acceleration is linear and predictable. The all-wheel-drive system manages the power delivery well, and plenty of passing power is available on the highway. The Sonata has good braking power, and the suspension is tuned to comfort. The fuel economy is decent; in the city, the Korean automaker announces 9.6L/100km (26.1 mpg), and we averaged about 10.5L (23.5 mpg), but on the highway, the car is rated at 6.5L/100km (39.2 mpg), we were even able to achieve 5.3L (47 mpg).
Even though the number of competitors in the midsize sedan segment shrinks yearly, the Hyundai Sonata remains a great choice for people who prefer that body style, and a few are still out there. Its blend of stylish design, advanced technology, and decent fuel efficiency offers excellent value for drivers. The Sonata's roomy interior, smooth ride, and many standard features make it a smart choice for anyone seeking a reliable and well-rounded car.
Disclaimer: Hyundai has lent us this vehicle as a press vehicle for one week. We have no affiliation with Hyundai Canada. The above reflects our personal opinion of the cars referred to above.
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