2017 Hyundai Sonata

Prices for the 2017 Hyundai Sonata begin at $22,785 (including $835 for destination) for the SE trim. The 2017 Sonata is available in Eco ($23,960), Sport ($24,235), Sport 2.0T ($27,435), Limited ($27,985), and Limited 2.0T ($35,185) grades. Judging by the standard equipment, we're betting most owners won't look below the Sport trim, which includes:

• Automatic headlights
• LED daytime running lights
• 17-inch alloy wheels
• Dual power-heated side mirrors
• Chrome-tipped dual exhaust
• 7-inch color audio display
• Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
• Rearview camera
• Bluetooth hands-free phone system

Hyundai's packaging system is generally slim, with only one (occasionally two per trim). In the Sport's case, owners can choose the $950 Value Edition Package, which adds a sunroof, heated sport seats with leather bolsters, push-button start, and a hands-free trunk. Option packages on higher trims include Tech and Ultimate package, bringing luxurious things like a touchscreen navigation system, bi-xenon headlights, adaptive cruise control, auto emergency braking, and an Infinity stereo.

Three engine choices are available with the 2017 Sonata:

The Sonata SE, Sport, and Limited use a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with 185 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque. Teamed with a six-speed automatic transmission, most Sonatas return 25 miles per gallon in the city and 36 mpg on the highway in EPA testing.

The Sonata Eco is the only model offering a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 178 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque. Paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automated manual transmission, this model represents the most efficient a non-hybrid Sonata will get, returning 28 mpg city and 36 mpg on the highway.

The Sport 2.0T and Limited 2.0T models use a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 245 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. Alongside a six-speed automatic transmission, these models feature a fuel economy rating of 22 city and 31 highway, according to the EPA.

The Sonata Hybrid and Sonata Plug-In Hybrid are listed separately.

• The 2.0-liter turbo offers excellent performance, while torque steer – the undesirable tendency in high-powered front-drive vehicles for the engine's power to influence the steering under hard acceleration – is kept to a minimum.
• Like most competitors, you can no longer find a Sonata with a V6 engine. The 2.0T offers V6-equivalent power, while the other two four-cylinder engines deliver satisfactory performance under most driving conditions.
• The six-speed automatic transmission offers quick shifts when operated in manual mode. You have three drive mode choices available.

• You can no longer find a manual gearbox in the Hyundai Sonata. The automated manual doesn’t provide the same experience.
• The Eco’s engine supplies fuel economy leadership among the trio of choices available. But the trade off is clear: overall performance seems weak and lag is noticeable.

• Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are standard equipment this year.
• Our experts noted the cockpit's subdued, eye-pleasing theme. The Sonata's style is conservative, but it's a nice place to hang out.

• Our experts found the woodgrain trim unconvincing, representing one of the few disappointments in the Hyundai Sonata.
• In the all-important noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) category, the Sonata performs well, but it shares a weakness common to competing models: wind noise rises to more than a background whisper when approaching highway speeds.

We found the Hyundai Sonata awash in storage bins, providing multiple places to stash your belongings. Add to that its generously sized 16.3 cubic foot trunk and your storage options are excellent. We also like that owners can drop the rear seats from inside the trunk, thanks to a pair of prominent levers.

The previous generation Sonata set the design bar for the segment, but the current version blends in among midsize sedans. The Hyundai Sonata is still handsome, but it no longer supplies the design edge it once offered.

You won’t go wrong if you have the Hyundai Sonata on your shopping list. A well-equipped model is available for about $25,000, but you’ll pay at least $30,000 if you insist on all the bells and whistles (including the active safety goodies).