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2021
Hyundai SONATA

Starts at:
$23,950
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New 2021 Hyundai SONATA
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Available trims

See the differences side-by-side to compare trims.
  • SE 2.5L
    Starts at
    $23,950
    28 City / 38 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Regular Unleaded I-4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • SEL 2.5L
    Starts at
    $25,800
    27 City / 37 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Regular Unleaded I-4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • SEL Plus 1.6T
    Starts at
    $28,300
    27 City / 37 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Intercooled Turbo Regular Unleaded I-4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • N Line 2.5T
    Starts at
    $33,300
    23 City / 33 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Intercooled Turbo Regular Unleaded I-4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • Limited 1.6T
    Starts at
    $33,950
    27 City / 37 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Intercooled Turbo Regular Unleaded I-4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs

Photo & video gallery

2021 Hyundai SONATA 2021 Hyundai SONATA 2021 Hyundai SONATA 2021 Hyundai SONATA 2021 Hyundai SONATA 2021 Hyundai SONATA 2021 Hyundai SONATA 2021 Hyundai SONATA 2021 Hyundai SONATA 2021 Hyundai SONATA 2021 Hyundai SONATA 2021 Hyundai SONATA 2021 Hyundai SONATA 2021 Hyundai SONATA 2021 Hyundai SONATA 2021 Hyundai SONATA 2021 Hyundai SONATA 2021 Hyundai SONATA 2021 Hyundai SONATA 2021 Hyundai SONATA 2021 Hyundai SONATA 2021 Hyundai SONATA 2021 Hyundai SONATA 2021 Hyundai SONATA 2021 Hyundai SONATA 2021 Hyundai SONATA 2021 Hyundai SONATA 2021 Hyundai SONATA 2021 Hyundai SONATA 2021 Hyundai SONATA 2021 Hyundai SONATA

Notable features

New 290-hp N Line trim level
Five-seat mid-size sedan
Choice of three four-cylinder engines
Eight-speed automatic standard
Gas-electric hybrid version available
Solar-charging roof available (Sonata Hybrid)

The good & the bad

The good

Front-seat comfort
Cornering stability
Apple CarPlay, Android Auto standard
Automatic emergency braking standard
Impressive estimated gas mileage (Sonata Hybrid)

The bad

Push-button gear selector doesn't free up storage space
Optional 10.25-inch screen lacks tuning knob
Apple CarPlay, Android Auto don’t use all of 10.25-inch screen
Optional smartphone Digital Key only for Android phones
Steering lacks feedback (Sonata Hybrid)

Expert 2021 Hyundai SONATA review

our expert's take
Our expert's take
By Cars.com Editors
Full article
our expert's take

What Is the 2021 Hyundai Sonata?

Completely redesigned for 2020, the front-wheel-drive Hyundai Sonata is a sleek, modern, five-seat mid-size sedan. Engine choices include a standard 191-horsepower, 2.5-liter four-cylinder; an available 180-hp, turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder; or a new-for-2021 290-hp, turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder. A conventional eight-speed automatic transmission is standard, while the 290-hp four-cylinder gets an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic.

A gas-electric hybrid powertrain goes in the Sonata Hybrid, which is EPA-rated up to 52 mpg combined. Sonata competitors include the Honda Accord, Nissan Altima and Toyota Camry

What’s New on the 2021 Hyundai Sonata? 

The Sonata gets a big power bump with the debut of the N Line trim level, which features the new 290-hp four-cylinder engine and dual-clutch transmission. SEL, SEL Plus and Limited trims gain a Safe Exit Warning feature for 2021, and the SEL Plus also adds 19-inch alloy wheels and all-season tires.  

What Features in the 2021 Hyundai Sonata Are Most Important?

Standard features include: 

  • LED headlights
  • Cloth upholstery
  • 60/40-split, folding backseat
  • 8-inch touchscreen multimedia system
  • Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity
  • Automatic emergency braking
  • Lane keep assist

Available features include: 

  • Panoramic moonroof
  • Hands-free trunk lid
  • Leather-trimmed seats
  • Heated and ventilated front seats
  • Heated steering wheel
  • 10.25-inch touchscreen multimedia system
  • Navigation
  • Bose premium stereo
  • Wireless device charging
  • Head-up display
  • Digital Key for Android phones
  • 360-degree camera system
  • Blind spot warning with rear cross-traffic alert

2021 Hyundai Sonata Vs. 2021 Toyota Camry: How Do They Compare?

The Hyundai Sonata and Toyota Camry are both roomy and comfortable family sedans packed with standard safety and convenience features. The Sonata has some tech features not available on the Camry, but the Toyota has an available V-6 engine, which the Sonata doesn’t offer. Both sedans offer fuel-efficient gas-electric hybrid drivetrains.

Should I Buy the 2021 Hyundai Sonata? 

The Sonata is a spacious and well-equipped family sedan with distinctive styling and more available high-tech features than some competitors. The car’s push-button console gear selector doesn’t free up any extra storage space, however, and we wish the 10.25-inch touchscreen had a tuning knob. 

2021 Hyundai SONATA review: Our expert's take

What Is the 2021 Hyundai Sonata?

Completely redesigned for 2020, the front-wheel-drive Hyundai Sonata is a sleek, modern, five-seat mid-size sedan. Engine choices include a standard 191-horsepower, 2.5-liter four-cylinder; an available 180-hp, turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder; or a new-for-2021 290-hp, turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder. A conventional eight-speed automatic transmission is standard, while the 290-hp four-cylinder gets an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic.

A gas-electric hybrid powertrain goes in the Sonata Hybrid, which is EPA-rated up to 52 mpg combined. Sonata competitors include the Honda Accord, Nissan Altima and Toyota Camry

What’s New on the 2021 Hyundai Sonata? 

The Sonata gets a big power bump with the debut of the N Line trim level, which features the new 290-hp four-cylinder engine and dual-clutch transmission. SEL, SEL Plus and Limited trims gain a Safe Exit Warning feature for 2021, and the SEL Plus also adds 19-inch alloy wheels and all-season tires.  

What Features in the 2021 Hyundai Sonata Are Most Important?

Standard features include: 

  • LED headlights
  • Cloth upholstery
  • 60/40-split, folding backseat
  • 8-inch touchscreen multimedia system
  • Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity
  • Automatic emergency braking
  • Lane keep assist

Available features include: 

  • Panoramic moonroof
  • Hands-free trunk lid
  • Leather-trimmed seats
  • Heated and ventilated front seats
  • Heated steering wheel
  • 10.25-inch touchscreen multimedia system
  • Navigation
  • Bose premium stereo
  • Wireless device charging
  • Head-up display
  • Digital Key for Android phones
  • 360-degree camera system
  • Blind spot warning with rear cross-traffic alert

2021 Hyundai Sonata Vs. 2021 Toyota Camry: How Do They Compare?

The Hyundai Sonata and Toyota Camry are both roomy and comfortable family sedans packed with standard safety and convenience features. The Sonata has some tech features not available on the Camry, but the Toyota has an available V-6 engine, which the Sonata doesn’t offer. Both sedans offer fuel-efficient gas-electric hybrid drivetrains.

Should I Buy the 2021 Hyundai Sonata? 

The Sonata is a spacious and well-equipped family sedan with distinctive styling and more available high-tech features than some competitors. The car’s push-button console gear selector doesn’t free up any extra storage space, however, and we wish the 10.25-inch touchscreen had a tuning knob. 

Available cars near you

Safety review

Based on the 2021 Hyundai SONATA base trim
NHTSA crash test and rollover ratings, scored out of 5.
Overall rating
5/5
Combined side rating front seat
5/5
Combined side rating rear seat
5/5
Frontal barrier crash rating driver
4/5
Frontal barrier crash rating passenger
5/5
Overall frontal barrier crash rating
4/5
Overall side crash rating
5/5
Rollover rating
5/5
Side barrier rating
5/5
Side barrier rating driver
5/5
Side barrier rating passenger rear seat
5/5
Side pole rating driver front seat
5/5
9.7%
Risk of rollover
Side barrier rating driver
5/5
Side barrier rating passenger rear seat
5/5
Side pole rating driver front seat
5/5
9.7%
Risk of rollover

Factory warranties

New car program benefits

Basic
5 years / 60,000 miles
Corrosion
7 years
Powertrain
10 years / 100,000 miles
Maintenance
3 years / 36,000 miles
Roadside Assistance
5 years

Certified Pre-Owned program benefits

Age / mileage
Less than 80,000 miles; less than 7 years old (currently MY18- MY24)
Basic
Remainder of the 5-Year / 60,000-Mile New Vehicle Limited Warranty. From original in-service date and zero (0) miles.
Dealer certification
173-point inspection

Compare similar vehicles

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  • 2021
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  • 2022
    4.1
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    Starts at
    $24,150
    28 City / 38 Hwy
    MPG
    5
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  • 2019
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  • 2021
    5.0
    Hyundai SONATA Hybrid
    Starts at
    $27,750
    50 City / 54 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    120 month/100,000 miles
    Warranty
    Gas/Electric I-4
    Engine
    Front-wheel drive
    Drivetrain
    Compare
  • Compare more options
    Use our comparison tool to add any vehicle of your choice and see a full list of specifications and features side-by-side.
    Try it now

Consumer reviews

4.8 / 5
Based on 50 reviews
Write a review
Comfort 4.8
Interior 4.8
Performance 4.7
Value 4.8
Exterior 4.9
Reliability 4.8

Most recent

  • Great car

    I drove 3500 dually diesels for 25-30 years and then went to a Honda ridgeline 2018 new, love it until I drove my wife’s new car and decided I needed a car. My best friend had a Hyundai and loved it so I did hours of reviews Hyundai vs many others. All factors considered I decided to test drive a few. All things considered the Hyundai won and a low mileage 2021 caught my eye and I got it. After apps 1000 miles I am so glad I got it. Pros and cons Honda (H) push button start Hyundai (hy) key start, H remote start hy no remote start, H good ride hy better ride, H noisy hy less noisy,H electric keypad with gloves on more user friendly for me, hy parking easier, hy cornering better, H acceleration a bit stronger but hy smoother, both get the job done, I am 74 yo so I understand knobology better than the slow digital control for heat radio etc.,hy wins there- breaks equal, dashboard info hy wins, seems to love Google maps tolerates Waze, I prefer Waze. Pros and cons about not locking keys in car - can’t dash out start it w/o leaving key in ignition,physically gettin and out of the vehicle is harder, in a nutshell the things that matter more to me the hy wins so far.The salesman, Lamar was exceptional, a young family man earning a living by hustling but not rushing! Remember Lamar at Southern Auto Group in Newport News VA. Oh and the warranty was winner!
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    4 people out of 4 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • WOW ..TEH BEST YET!

    I have been driving Sonata Hybrids since 2011.This one is the BEST. Never a problem and fantastic gas mileage. I'm waiting for my 2024 Sonata Hybrid LTD to arrive
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    2 people out of 2 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Good car

    Im very happy with my new car and recommend it, all the work was very easy And I love it very much, great choice for me
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Car review

    Great car, but the safety features is to much. It puts emergency break on everytime you park even at the slightest elevation. When you're going down hills it will not let you accelerate to be able to get up the next hill.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 4.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Slick looks, jerky power delivery!

    The design of this car - inside and out - drew me in. Add to this the comfortable front seats and the pleasant dealer experience, and is was a great start. Like many turbo engine cars, the Sonata is difficult to drive smoothly. Upshifts and downshifts are inconsistent and usually NOT intuitive. Step on the gas pedal...lag, lag, then suddenly power is abruptly present. In normal traffic conditions, when you must continually vary speeds, the 1.6L turbo lag is aggravating. When lifting off the throttle and coasting toward a stoplight, (30 down to approx 18 MPH) the sensation of "drag" or engine braking is annoying, as it scrubs off natural momentum. If you are not sensitive to certain mechanical and momentum-related quirks, the car is great.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    14 people out of 14 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • 2021 Rear doors already rusting.

    The rear doors have a drainage problem. They hold water, after a rainstorm. Rust has already begun to form. You open the back doors and several ounces of water run out. Every time. This was an engineering mistake.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 3.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 3.0
    Reliability 2.0
    7 people out of 7 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Overall, a comfortable vehicle.

    My only complaint is the GPS system is not very user friendly. Most of the input is counter-intuitive when trying to enter a destination. Aside from that, the car runs great, handles well and has excellent overall gas mileage. I wish it came with a shift handle rather than the push-buttons on the transmission, but it eventually has sunk in what to reach for. A shift handle can be used without taking one's eyes off the road, but push-buttons can't.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    7 people out of 7 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Great vehicle

    Great vehicle. Joe Barker in service was very helpful .look forward to owning a hyundai for a very very long time. Recommend to all family and friends.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Outstanding vehicle and value

    j Just purchased this car in February but have enjoyed it around town and one longer trip with four in the car. It has met my expectations as i drove a Kona Ultimate for the last 3 years. This car has more features and all excellent: the lane corrector has improved; the parking views improves your view around the car and best is the stop and go speed control. Ride and quietness is great and the Bose speakers have garnered accolades from my riders.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 4.0
    2 people out of 3 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Love this car!

    This car is comfortable as a driver, passengers say the same. (Rather luxurious) It has lots of technology I’m still learning- most for safety (like lane corrector). It has a solid, smooth ride. I’ve had it only 3 weeks so dependability is unknown but I’ve had Hyundai before and it was.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    10 people out of 10 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • I love my car

    This car has met all my expectations. I wish I had researched before I came in cause I probably would have gotten the limited edition or maybe the tuscon.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    8 people out of 10 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Enjoying my new car

    Love the way the car drives. I feel safe and comfortable behind the wheel. Never thought I'd buy a Hyundai, so happy I bought it
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    8 people out of 8 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No

Latest news from cars.com

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FAQ

What trim levels are available for the 2021 Hyundai SONATA?

The 2021 Hyundai SONATA is available in 5 trim levels:

  • Limited (1 style)
  • N Line (1 style)
  • SE (1 style)
  • SEL (1 style)
  • SEL Plus (1 style)

What is the MPG of the 2021 Hyundai SONATA?

The 2021 Hyundai SONATA offers up to 28 MPG in city driving and 38 MPG on the highway. These figures are based on EPA mileage ratings and are for comparison purposes only. The actual mileage will vary depending on vehicle options, trim level, driving conditions, driving habits, vehicle maintenance, and other factors.

What are some similar vehicles and competitors of the 2021 Hyundai SONATA?

The 2021 Hyundai SONATA compares to and/or competes against the following vehicles:

Is the 2021 Hyundai SONATA reliable?

The 2021 Hyundai SONATA has an average reliability rating of 4.8 out of 5 according to cars.com consumers. Find real-world reliability insights within consumer reviews from 2021 Hyundai SONATA owners.

Is the 2021 Hyundai SONATA a good Sedan?

Below are the cars.com consumers ratings for the 2021 Hyundai SONATA. 94.0% of drivers recommend this vehicle.

4.8 / 5
Based on 50 reviews
  • Comfort: 4.8
  • Interior: 4.8
  • Performance: 4.7
  • Value: 4.8
  • Exterior: 4.9
  • Reliability: 4.8

Hyundai SONATA history

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