The Sonata Limited was my car to drive for a week and the focus of this report. The Sonata is also found in SE and Sport trims. I wanted to share a little info about the Sport, which I also drove, though briefly.
The ultra-responsive revised 2.0 liter turbo-charged GDI engine featuring CVVT in the Sport model produces 245 bhp and 260 lb.-ft. torque. This 2.0-L turbo engine and the 2.4-L NA engine both use a six speed SHIFTRONIC automatic transmission.
The new Sport has a bolder front grille and bumper, side rocker extensions, and side chrome molding. The Sport looks athletic resting on 18-inch wheels, and at the same time manifests lots of power for a four cylinder. The Sport 2.4 liter will sell for about $25,000 and the 2.0 turbo engine version is around $30,000.
Even though I liked the Sport, I really like the Limited because it had some of the Sport DNA, with rocker panel extension and dual exhaust for that sporty look, yet is larger and more comfortable.
The Limited had extremely comfortable (5-passenger) seats that were plush, thickly carpeted flooring, upgraded sound system, and a rearview camera. That blue bloodline continues today from 2013 when Sonata won the J.D. Powers “Most Dependable Midsize Car,” honor.
Sonata is strong; its lightweight structure creates the foundation for a suspension that adds a balance in handling especially in curves, while lessening body roll. Hill Start Assist and Vehicle Stability Management Technologies (standard) are extra ingredients blended into the perfect recipe for driving excellence.
There is an available 8-inch color touch screen navigation system. I liked it because the screen was not cluttered with peripheral icons, yet it was very easy to use and very task-oriented when attempting to find locations like a dealership or roadside assistance without taking your eyes off the road.
Just pressing the button starts the car and the ventilated driver seat and heated leather front and back seating add to the comfort.
There is a Technology Package that includes a Panoramic Sunroof for an extra wide view whether the weather is sunny or stormy. High Intensity Discharge Xenon headlights and LED taillights are all part of the package as well. Other features are too numerous to mention, but the package is a hefty $3,500. Quite frankly, the standard features in the Limited are so extensive that only the sunroof was appealing.
My wife’s favorite feature was the Sonata Smart Trunk. It opens when the key holder approaches and stands by the trunk for three seconds. Even my attention deficit disorder allowed me to unload my fully filled arms of grocery sacks into the trunk. You can see why it was my wife’s favorite.
Standard safety features are found in abundance. Seven airbags, electronic stability control, traction control, ABS with electronic brake force distribution and brake assist, impact reducing front seat, and tire pressure monitor top the list.
The Limited’s power comes from a 2.4-liter gasoline direct injection 4-cylinder engine that delivers 185 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 178-lb.-ft. of torque at 4,000 rpm.
The MSRP ranges from $26,515-$31,575. Fuel economy is 24 mpg city and 35 mpg highway. My Limited delivered a 31 mpg average. The new Sonata should be in Hyundai Dealership by publication.
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Durhl Caussey writes a car column read around the world. He may be reached at this paper or [email protected].
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