Behind the wheel: 2011 Hyundai Sonata
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Behind the wheel: 2011 Hyundai Sonata
The current-generation Hyundai Sonata is a lot of car for the money, with a well-trimmed interior and impressive fuel economy from the four-cylinder. However, it has never been rewarding to drive and its styling is quite humdrum.
Hyundai aimed higher with the redesigned Sonata. Its styling picks up cues from previous Lexus ES’s and the Volkswagen CC. Size-wise, the new Sonata grew to rival the big-for-its-class Honda Accord; it makes the Hyundai Azera redundant. We briefly drove a top-line Limited on the roads around our Connecticut test track.
Handling is improved from the current Sonata, with more responsiveness and a more tied-down suspension. Still, it doesn’t quite match sporty-handling family sedans like the Ford Fusion, Honda Accord, and Mazda6. (An SE version promises different steering and suspension calibrations, but we haven’t driven that car.) The ride is compliant and more composed than before, without the current’s car float on highway undulations. Noise levels are fairly low and although it’s evident this is a four-cylinder, it is relatively civilized.
 The drivetrain is pleasant, with a smooth-shifting and responsive six-speed automatic and ample power. Even though the new Sonata won’t offer a V6, losing the bigger engine isn’t much of a sacrifice. After all, most buyers opt for four-cylinder family sedans, this engine is at the top of its class for horsepower, and a turbocharged-four will be available after the initial launch.
Inside, the Sonata puts its larger dimensions to good use. The cabin is airy with generous space for the driver, and there is plenty of leg and head room under the domed roof. The telescoping steering wheel offers generous adjustment range. The console’s shape slightly impairs knee room though. The rear seat is one of the roomiest in the class.
 Interior fit and finish improves on the gains made in the Sonata’s 2009 freshening. There is a semi soft-touch dash top and lots of chrome and wood trim. Controls are fairly simple. The car we drove has a touch-screen navigation system; with it, there is no tune knob for the radio.
More and more family sedans sacrifice driver visibility for swoopy styling. But despite the Sonata’s coupe-like styling, visibility remains decent, with moderate-sized pillars and reasonable glass area all around.
Our first impression is that the new Sonata is a very pleasant sedan and has the potential to give the class’s best a run for their money. Most of the current car’s shortcomings have been addressed. It remains to be seen if Hyundai is as aggressive in pricing the Sonata as they were with the Genesis sedan.
—Tom Mutchler and Gabe Shenhar
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