For 2011, the Hyundai Sonata is completely redesigned.
Introduction
Massive rock bands tend to have well-known influences. Coldplay's early music was inspired by U2's, as an example, and Madonna's long career has no doubt provided inspiration for Lady Gaga. It's the same song and dance on the world's automotive stage. Could there be any denying that the previous Hyundai Sonata was inspired by the Camry and Accord? But the 2011 Hyundai Sonata, like a maturing fantastic band that comes into its own, has become worthy of headliner status in the family-sedan arena.
Engine selections for the new Sonata consist of a 2.4-liter inline-4 or a 2.0-liter turbocharged variant. The base engine is truly all most buyers will ever require, as it makes a robust 198 horsepower (200 within the SE trim) and returns a thrifty 26 mpg combined when matched to a six-speed automatic. In addition to delivering both brisk performance and high fuel mileage, this drivetrain exhibits a refined demeanor. The turbo ramps up performance with 274 hp and amazingly returns almost identical combined fuel economy.
All of this is even more impressive whenever you take into account that the Sonata is one of just two cars in its segment (the Accord is the other) roomy sufficient to be deemed a "large" sedan by the EPA. The 2011 Sonata also boasts improvements in driving dynamics to give it a tauter, more composed feel, though it is not fairly up to the sport sedan bar of the Ford Fusion Sport, Nissan Altima and Mazda 6. The SE trim's sport-tuned suspension helps the Sonata inch up closer to that bar, but inside the process, the ride gets just a little too rough.
Of course, becoming a Hyundai, the Sonata brings along a strong value proposition. Regardless of the truth that its starting price might be a couple thousand dollars less expensive than its rivals' MSRPs, the base Sonata GLS delivers several functions as regular -- like satellite radio, iPod connectivity and Bluetooth with phonebook download -- that are optional or not even obtainable on its peers. The top-of-the-line Sonata Limited, meanwhile, comes standard with everything except navigation.
All things regarded as, the newest Sonata manages to stand out in a segment chock full of excellent options. It's more refined than the ubiquitous Accord and Camry, and though the Altima, Mazda 6, Chevy Malibu and Ford Fusion are also good picks, the Sonata has the cost benefit. With its spirited performance, impressive fuel economy, solid create quality and powerful value, we have a feeling that the 2011 Hyundai Sonata will have no dilemma climbing the charts.
Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Possibilities
The 2011 Hyundai Sonata is a midsize family members sedan offered in GLS, SE and Limited trim levels. Regular equipment on the GLS includes 16-inch steel wheels, keyless entry, air-conditioning, cruise control, full power accessories, heated sideview mirrors, a tilt-and-telescoping steering column, a trip laptop or computer, a 60/40-split rear seatback, a six-speaker stereo (with CD/MP3 player, satellite radio, iPod/auxiliary audio jacks and steering-wheel-mounted controls) and Bluetooth with phonebook download.
Two optional equipment packages are available. One adds alloy wheels, automatic headlights and an eight-way power driver seat. The other consists of all these plus a navigation system and upgraded speakers for the audio program. The sporty SE features all of the above (except the navigation system and premium speakers) and adds 18-inch alloy wheels with performance tires, foglights, a dark chrome grille, a sport-tuned suspension, keyless ignition/entry, leather/cloth upholstery along with a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob. Opting for the turbocharged engine will also add dual-zone automatic climate control. An optional package bundles a navigation system with premium speakers along with a sunroof.
The plush Limited has all the SE's features (minus the 18-inch wheels, sport suspension and cloth/leather upholstery) and adds side mirror turn signal repeaters, a sunroof, leather upholstery, heated seats (front and rear), dual-zone automatic climate control, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, an upgraded audio program (with HD radio and CD changer) and unique interior accents (either wood grain or gloss black). Seventeen-inch alloy wheels are also regular. The turbocharged SE variant adds 18-inch wheels, dual exhaust suggestions and steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters. The Limited's sole optional package bundles a navigation system having a back-up camera and Infinity premium speakers.
Powertrains and Performance
The regular engine on all Hyundai Sonata trim levels is a 2.4-liter direct-injected four-cylinder engine excellent for 198 hp and 184 pound-feet of torque. The SE, with its dual exhaust, has a bit much more power at 200 hp and 186 lb-ft. A six-speed manual transmission is standard on the GLS, even though a six-speed automatic is optional on that trim and regular on the SE and Limited. A potent 2.0-liter turbocharged engine is obtainable on SE and Limited trim levels. This engine produces 274 hp and 269 lb-ft of torque.
In performance testing, a 2.4-liter GLS Sonata with the automatic transmission accelerated from zero to 60 mph in 8.2 seconds. As expected, the 2.0-liter turbo is significantly quicker, requiring only 6.7 seconds.
The Sonata's EPA fuel economy estimates are impressive for an automobile of this size. The 2.4-liter engine with the manual transmission is rated at 24 mpg city/35 mpg highway and 28 combined, and 22/35/26 mpg with the automatic. The 2.0-liter turbo, regardless of its considerable increase in power, returns a very impressive 22/33/26 mpg.
Safety
All Sonatas come well stocked with antilock brakes, traction control, stability control, front seat side-impact airbags, full-length side curtain airbags and active front head restraints.
In the government's new, much more strenuous crash testing for 2011, the Sonata earned a top five-star rating for overall crash protection, with four out of five stars given for front-impact protection and five stars for side impact protection. In Insurance Institute for Highway Safety testing, the 2011 Hyundai Sonata earned a top rating of "Good" for frontal-offset, side-impact and roof-strength protection.
In Edmunds brake testing, a 2011 Sonata GLS came to a stop from 60 mph in 128 feet. A 2.0-liter turbo model with wider tires stopped slightly shorter at 120 feet. Both stopping distances are slightly greater than average for cars in this class.
Interior Style and Special Functions
Fit and finish of the cabin is quite very good. The controls operate with a feel and precision befitting a much more costly car. We're huge fans of the regular iPod interface, which is straightforward to use and quite speedy in operation. The Limited trim level is particularly upscale, with its accessible two-tone color schemes, piano black trim and padded door panels.
Now classified as a large car, the Sonata boasts enough room to permit four adults to stretch out and appreciate the ride. As with most cars, five will fit, although the rear middle passenger won't be as comfortable as the other people. Headroom is just barely adequate front and rear, even so, as 6-footers will likely find their heads uncomfortably within the ceiling. The trunk has a slightly smaller opening than the norm, but its 16.4-cubic-foot capacity is at the top of the class.
Driving Impressions
With its well-balanced chassis, the 2011 Hyundai Sonata gives both a supple ride and sure-footed handling. The steering lightens up considerably at low speeds to ease parking maneuvers, though at times the Sonata's steering can feel a bit artificial in quick transitions. The Sonata SE's suspension tuning is indeed sportier, but in testing we've discovered it leads to a rather rough and uncomfortable ride high quality on rougher roads.
The 2.4-liter four's powerful performance need to be sufficient for most drivers; it pulls willingly and smoothly proper up to the tach's redline. Gearshifts from the automatic are seamless, and it actions down when necessary for fast passing or merging. Power delivery from the turbocharged engine is smooth and linear, with no detectable turbo lag. That it returns similar fuel economy is just icing on the cake.
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