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  2011 Hyundai Sonata

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Summary

Hyundai is rethinking and redesigning its Sonata mid size sedan. Instead of a conservatively styled car with four-cylinder and V6 power, the new Sonata features bold, expressive styling and strictly four-cylinder motivation.

Full Review 2011

Available now, the 2011 Hyundai Sonata features the Fluidic Sculpture styling theme introduced on the Tucson compact SUV. On the Sonata, the theme features an angular face with a chrome grille, a high beltline accented by chrome trim, a long roofline, and a flowing side crease reminiscent of recent BMWs.

Inside, the 2011 Sonata boasts 120 cubic feet of interior volume, more than any competitor including the Honda Accord. Like the Accord, the Sonata is classified by the EPA as a large car due to its generous interior volume.

In base trim, it will produce 198 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. The Sonata SE model will come with dual exhaust, which boosts power to 200 hp. Transmission choices will include a new six-speed automatic with manual shift capability and a six-speed manual. The SE will also come with steering wheel shift paddles when ordered with the automatic. Government EPA fuel economy ratings are expected to be 23 mpg city/35 mpg highway with the automatic and 23/34 mpg with the manual.

The SE will be followed sometime next year by turbocharged and hybrid powered models.

Powering the new Sonata is a 2.4-liter inline-4. Notably, this is the only engine offered, and there is no V6 option; Hyundai feels the inline-4 is powerful enough to satisfy the vast majority of buyers. The engine features direct-injection fuel delivery (a high-tech rarity in this segment) and yields 198 horsepower (or select the SE trim and get 200 horspower). In most cases it will be matched to a six-speed automatic (a six-speed manual is available, but only in the base trim). In addition to a refined demeanor, this drivetrain delivers both brisk performance and high fuel mileage. 

The 2011 Sonata also features improved driving dynamics, which are now sporty enough to be compared to the segment jocks -- the Nissan Altima and Mazda 6. Even those who don't watch Speed channel would probably enjoy the tauter, more composed feel of Hyundai's latest hit.

The Hyundai Sonata offers a strong value proposition as well. The top trim level, Sonata Limited, comes standard with everything except navigation. 

The Sonata stands out in a segment that offers many good choices. The Sonata has the price advantage. With its high-spirited performance, great fuel economy, strong build and good value, we know that the 2011 Hyundai Sonata will certainly climb the charts.

Trims and Styling 2011

The 2011 Hyundai Sonata is available in GLS, SE and Limited trim levels. The GLS features keyless entry, air-conditioning, 16-inch steel wheels, cruise control, a tilt-and-telescoping steering column, full power accessories, heated side mirrors, a 60/40-split rear seat, a six-speaker stereo, and Bluetooth.

Engine and Power

The standard and only available engine is a 2.4-liter direct-injected four-cylinder engine yielding 198 horespower and 184 pound-feet of torque.

The Sonata's EPA fuel economy estimates are great. Models with the manual transmission are rated at 24 mpg city and 35 mpg highway, while those with the automatic net a 22/35 mpg rating. 

Safety and Interior Style

All Sonatas come well equipped with traction control, active front head restraints, stability control, antilock brakes, front seat side-impact airbags, and full-length side curtain airbags.

In Insurance Institute for Highway Safety crash tests, the 2011 Hyundai Sonata earned the agency's "Top Safety Pick" designation. It aced both frontal offset and side-impact crash tests, and also scored top marks in the new rear impact test (done only if the headrests meet certain requirements) as well as the new roof crush test.

Interior Design

The controls operate like they belong in a more expensive car. The Limited trim level is very upscale, with its wood grain accents and padded door panels.

Driving the Sonata

The 2011 Hyundai Sonata provides both a comfortable ride and is secure on the road.   In this sense, it rivals similarly sporty family sedans such as the Altima and Mazda 6. The steering is well-weighted at normal driving speeds and lightens up considerably at low speeds (to ease parking maneuvers) -- perhaps too much for enthusiasts, though this is a minor gripe at best.

With its spirited performance, the 2.4-liter four will make most people forget that there's not a V6 option.

2011 Conclusions

For 2011 the Sonata is completely redesigned. The previous Sonata was a good car, but for 2011, the Hyundai Sonata catapults itself to top of class. For more information, specs and photos of the 2011 Sonata visit Hyundai.com With a Smooth ride, spacious cabin and trunk, capable handling, impressive value, strong safety scores, lengthy warranty.