Over the last few years, the Hyundai Sonata has become a real force in the midsize sedan segment, coming up in sales just behind the class-leading Toyota Camry and Honda Accord. To keep that momentum, Hyundai significantly revamped the Sonata for 2015. It builds on the reputation of the last model, while adding more refinement and space to what is still an excellent value in the class.
You can watch a video road test of the Sonata from The Car Connection here.
What's New for 2015
The 2015 Sonata is redesigned to tame some of the curves of the outgoing model, with a more upright look. That look contributes to more space inside, however, and the Sonata now qualifies as a full-size car by the EPA. Coming later is Apple's CarPlay infotainment system.
Choosing Your Hyundai Sonata
Engines are broadly similar to last year's, but retuned for more refinement and efficiency. Most versions get the 2.4-liter four-cylinder with 185 horsepower mated to a six-speed automatic. A 2-liter turbo four-cylinder comes on the Sport 2.0T, with 245 horsepower. Fuel economy is 25/37 mpg on the base engine, 23/32 mpg with the turbo. An Eco model comes with a 1.6-liter turbo and seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, with fuel economy rising to 38 mpg on the highway.
SE
The base SE comes well-equipped for its $21,150 starting price, with 16-inch alloy wheels, heated side mirrors, satellite radio, Bluetooth and USB input.
The $1,200 Popular Equipment Package adds automatic headlights, a 10-way power driver's seat, a touchscreen radio with 5-inch display and rearview camera, a temporary spare tire and Hyundai's BlueLink telematics system.
Sport
Sport models up the amenity level with 17-inch alloy wheels, special front fascia and lower trim, a power driver's seat with lumbar support, dual exhausts, mirrors with turn signal indicators, a touchscreen radio and backup camera, heated front seats and BlueLink.
The Premium Package adds blind spot monitoring, dual-zone automatic climate control, keyless entry and start with a "smart trunk" opener, sport seats with leather bolsters and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob.
The Tech Package adds an 8-inch touchscreen navigation system, SiriusXM TravelLink, HD radio, Dimension premium audio, auto-dimming rearview mirror and a 4.2-inch color display in the gauge cluster.
Limited
Limited trim is the most luxurious, with leather seats, wood and chrome trim and stitching on the instrument panel. Outside there are different 17-inch alloy wheels and more chrome detailing. Heated front and rear seats are included, as is a blind spot monitor, keyless entry and start with smart trunk opener, LED tail lights, dual-zone automatic climate control, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, Dimension premium audio and rear side window shades.
The hefty $3,500 price tag for the Tech Package includes a panoramic sunroof, xenon headlights, a color instrument cluster display, navigation with Sirius TravelLink, HD radio and a 400-watt Infinity sound system, as well as ventilated front seats and heated rear seats.
The Ultimate Package adds the Tech Package, as well as adaptive cruise control, electronic parking brake, forward collision and lane departure warnings and rear parking sensors.
Sport 2.0T
Finally, the Sport 2.0T adds the turbocharged engine, 18-inch wheels, sport suspension, HID headlamps, quad exhaust tips, paddle shifters and sport leather seats. The Ultimate Package includes a panoramic sunroof, xenon headlights, color instrument cluster display, navigation with Sirius TravelLink, HD radio and a 400-watt Infinity sound system, ventilated front seats and heated rear seats, as well as lane departure and forward collision warnings and adaptive cruise control.
Budget-oriented buyers will pay less than $24,000 for an SE with the Popular Equipment Package, a tremendous value in the class. That said, those looking for lots of toys and tech will be pleased that a loaded Limited comes in at less than $33,000, another strong value.