Hyundai SONATA

With its bold front end and coupelike roofline, the redesigned 2020 Sonata’s exterior design was dramatic in the same way the 2011 Sonata was when it debuted. A 191-horsepower, 2.5-liter four-cylinder was the base engine, while a turbocharged four-cylinder powered higher trim levels. Eco-conscious shoppers could choose the Sonata Hybrid, which is EPA-rated as high as 52 mpg combined. Available tech features include wireless device charging, a head-up display and an app-based digital key for Android phones. For 2021, the sport-tuned N Line trim debuted, featuring a peppy 290-hp, turbo four-cylinder. A 2024 refresh brought striking exterior styling updates like a full-width LED light bar, and newly available features such as dual 12.3-inch gauge-cluster and infotainment screens fused into a single, seamless dashboard panel.

The Sonata’s exterior took on a tamer look with its 2015 redesign, but it didn’t stay that way for long; Hyundai redid the car’s front end for 2018, replacing the understated grille with a gaping design. A 2.4-liter four-cylinder remained standard, but a new turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission debuted in the Eco trim level. Automatic emergency braking became available for 2016.

Dramatic new coupe-like styling marked Hyundai's redesigned 2011 Sonata, which was much sleeker than not just its predecessor, but most of its competitors. Offered in GLS, SE and Limited trim levels, the Sonata's adventurous design carried over to the interior. The available V-6 was dropped for this generation, ushering in an all-four-cylinder engine lineup — including a 274-horsepower, turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder that was more powerful than the outgoing V-6.

The redesigned 2006 Sonata featured more conventional styling and helped solidify Hyundai's reputation for value with things like a standard electronic stability system and six standard airbags. A 162-hp, 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine was standard, while a 235-hp V-6 was optional. The 2009 model's exterior styling was refreshed, and the car gained a new interior design, as well.

This Sonata was powered by a standard 2.4-liter four-cylinder or an optional 2.5-liter V-6, both of which worked with a standard five-speed manual or an optional four-speed automatic transmission. A facelift for the 2002 model year also saw the addition of a larger V-6 engine, which remained optional.

The 1995 Sonata came standard with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder rated at 128 hp. A 3.0-liter V-6 was optional. The four-cylinder’s output increased to 137 hp in 1996. By the end of this generation’s run, most trim levels had a four-speed automatic transmission.