Vehicle Overview Hyundai’s mainstream family sedan, the Sonata, was redesigned for the 2009 model year. Because of that, there’s not much that’s changed for this year, except that the base GLS trim is now available only with a four-cylinder engine. Competitors include popular models like the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry.
New for 2010 There are no significant changes for 2010.
Exterior The Sonata received many exterior updates in 2009, including new headlights, grille design, bumper and taillights. The Sonata’s chrome-accented design includes body-side and bumper moldings and a matching grille.
Available 17-inch wheels
Available chrome door handles
Available power sunroof
Available fog lights
Available automatic headlights
Standard heated side mirrors
Standard keyless entry
Interior The Sonata’s interior was revised in 2009, which vaulted the sedan into the company of rivals like the Accord in terms of material quality. Whereas its predecessor featured a blocky dash with some awkwardly placed controls, the Sonata now features a contemporary design that wouldn’t be out of place in a more expensive car.
The Sonata has room for up to five people, and both the front and rear seats are roomy. Cloth seats are standard and leather seats are optional. The standard 60/40-split folding backseat can provide an extended cargo area for carrying long objects inside the car.
Standard USB and MP3 jacks
Available dual-zone air conditioning
Available navigation system with touch-screen and voice-recognition capabilities
Available front seat warmers
Standard tilt steering wheel, available tilt/telescoping steering wheel
Available leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob
Available auto-dimming rearview mirror with compass
Under the Hood The Sonata’s engines were revised in 2009, and both make more power and get better gas mileage than the ones offered in the prior Sonata; the four-cylinder gets an estimated 22/32 mpg city/highway, while the V-6 gets 19/29 mpg. The four-cylinder engine is the only engine available in the base GLS trim.
Available sport-tuned suspension
Five-speed manual or automatic transmission
175-horsepower, 2.4-liter inline-four-cylinder with 168 pounds-feet of torque
249-hp, 3.3-liter V-6 with 229 pounds-feet of torque
