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2018 Hyundai Sonata

Hyundai Sonata OEM Exterior Primary Photo
OEM Interior Primary
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OEM Exterior
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Used Car Price Range
$11,988 - $18,998
$11,988 $18,998
Select a Trim
Select a Trim
2018 SE 4dr Sedan
most popular
Price:   -  From $22,050
2018 ECO 4dr Sedan Price:   -  From $22,650
2018 SEL 4dr Sedan Price:   -  From $23,700
2018 SEL+ 4dr Sedan Price:   -  From $23,700
2018 Sport+ 4dr Sedan Price:   -  From $24,800
2018 Sport 4dr Sedan Price:   -  From $25,200
2018 Sonata Hybrid SE 4dr Sedan Price:   -  From $25,500
2018 Limited 4dr Sedan Price:   -  From $27,400
2018 Limited 4dr Sedan Price:   -  From $27,400
2018 Sport 2.0T 4dr Sedan Price:   -  From $27,600
2018 Sonata Hybrid Limited 4dr Sedan Price:   -  From $30,500
2018 Limited 2.0T+ 4dr Sedan Price:   -  From $31,900
2018 Limited 2.0T 4dr Sedan Price:   -  From $32,450
Expert Rating
Unavailable

Our expert ratings are based on seven comprehensive criteria: quality, safety, comfort, performance, fuel economy, reliability history and value.

You can interpret our ratings in the following way:

: Outstanding vehicle. Only the most exceptional vehicles achieve this rating.

: Very Good vehicle. Very good and close to being the best vehicle in its class.

: Good vehicle. Decent, but not quite the best. Often affordable, but lacking key features found in vehicles of the same class.

: Below average vehicle. Not recommended, and lacking attributes a car buyer would come to expect for the price.

: Poor vehicle. Simply does not deserve to be on the road.

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Overview

Car purchases may be dwindling but still make up nearly a quarter of the automotive pie, and the midsize sedan continues to make a strong case with its practicality, price, and proportions. However, seeing its own numbers dwindle last year and continuing into 2017, Hyundai introduces a new Sonata for 2018 in hopes to inject some life into its struggling sedan sales.

What's New for 2018

The Hyundai Sonata receives a significant mid-generation refresh for 2018. Updates include a new eight-speed automatic transmission option, redesigned exterior and interior elements, added connectivity features, updated safety technology packaging, improved dynamics, and streamlined trim packages.

Hyundai Sonata

Choosing Your Hyundai Sonata

A front-wheel drive midsize sedan, the 2018 Hyundai Sonata is available with three engines and three automatic transmissions.

The standard engine is a 2.4-liter four-cylinder which produces 185 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque, and is paired with a six-speed automatic. The EPA rates fuel economy at 25 city miles per gallon, 36 highway, and 29 combined (SE only) and 25/35/28 (SEL, Sport, and Limited).

A 2.0-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder pumps out 245 hp and 260 lb-ft and works alongside an eight-speed automatic – look for this combo on top-of-the-line trims. At 23/32/26, fuel economy improves by one point in both city and highway driving but remains unchanged in combined mpg.

Lastly, a 1.6-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder is reserved for the Eco trim level and is matched with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. Power output is 178 hp and 195 lb-ft. EPA numbers are 28 city mpg, 37 highway, and 31 combined—representing a one mpg improvement on the highway.

All Sonata vehicles receive redesigns to the front and rear fascias. Most models will be outfitted with Hyundai’s new “cascading” grille while 2.0-liter turbo-equipped models will showcase more aggressive styling with an exclusive sport grille, front fascia, rear diffuser, rocker panels, and dual exhausts.

Interior changes include a new steering wheel, instrument dials, and center stack as well as available smartphone integration, wireless device charging, and a rear USB charging point.

Vehicles equipped with Hyundai’s Blue Link connected car system will now receive the service complimentary for three years. Previously, trial periods ranged from one year (Connected Care) to three months (Remote and Guidance packages).

The 2018 Hyundai Sonata is available in five trim levels:

Hyundai Sonata

SE

Starting at $22,935 (including $885 destination charge), the entry-level SE model sees a negligible $100 MSRP increase and is equipped with the 2.4L engine. Standard features include 16-inch wheels, blind spot monitoring, a rearview camera, heated side mirrors with turn-signal indicators, cloth seats, 60/40-split rear seats, a 7-inch color audio touchscreen, a 6-speaker sound system, and smartphone integration. There are no available options packages.

Hyundai Sonata

Eco

Dubbed the lineup’s fuel efficiency leader, the Eco model sees a $475 price drop to start at $23,535. Aside from its thrifty 1.6-liter, turbocharged powertrain, the Eco features all the standard amenities of the SE model with no additional packages offered.

Hyundai Sonata

SEL

At $24,585, SEL models continue the lowered-price theme with $650 in year-over-year savings. Seventeen-inch aluminum alloys replace the 16-inch wheels of SE and Eco models, with heated outside mirrors, LED daytime running lights, keyless ignition, a 10-way power adjustable driver’s seat with power lumbar, heated front seats, a second-row USB port, and a 4.2-inch color information gauge cluster coming standard, too.

Other trim-level distinctions include chrome exterior door handles, leatherette door trim inserts, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob. Blue Link, SiriusXM, and HD Radio are now standard, too.

An available Tech Package ($1,000) adds safety features like automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and an electronic parking brake.

Hyundai Sonata

Sport

The only Sonata trim to receive a notable price increase for 2018, the Sport is available with two engines: the standard 2.4-liter for $26,085 (up $1,800) or the optional 2.0-liter turbo for $28,485 (up $1,000). No options packages are available.

Befitting considering its name, added features include sport-style exterior features with standard interior niceties such as a power sunroof (no longer panoramic), cloth seats with leather sport bolsters, LED interior lights, 3D tech accents, aluminum pedals, a leather-trimmed flat-bottomed steering wheel and sport shift knob, and paddle shifters.

Opting for the turbocharged 2.0-liter engine with 8-speed automatic also adds 18-inch wheels with premium tires, larger front brakes, a sport-tuned suspension as well as a rack-mounted motor-driven power steering that replaces the standard column-mounted system.

Hyundai Sonata

Limited

Like the Sport, Limited models are available with either the 2.4- or 2.0-liter four-cylinder engines. The former starts at $28,285 (up $250) and the latter begins pricing at $33,335 (down $1,900).

Trim-exclusive features include adaptive headlights, LED taillights, leather seats with ventilated fronts, a six-way power passenger seat, auto up/down driver’s window, dual-zone climate control, and woodgrain interior trim.

The Ultimate Package ($2,900) adds the Tech Package plus automatic high beams, rear parking assistance, an eight-inch navigation touchscreen, real-time traffic, an Infinity sound system, a heated steering wheel, wireless charging, and sunshades for rear side windows.

The top-of-the-line Limited 2.0T receives all the performance tuning of the Sport 2.0T model as well as the amenities of the Limited with Ultimate package. Exclusive to this specification are full leather seats with sport bolsters.

CarsDirect Tip

By keeping things simple, Hyundai makes Sonata shopping rather effortless thanks to a robust number of standard features and minimal package options. The SEL Tech will give you a well-equipped commuter with affordable monthly payments, while those wanting a more dynamic drive home should spring for a Sport 2.0T.

Get your price on a Hyundai Sonata »

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Expert Review

Expert Rating
Unavailable

Our expert ratings are based on seven comprehensive criteria: quality, safety, comfort, performance, fuel economy, reliability history and value.

You can interpret our ratings in the following way:

: Outstanding vehicle. Only the most exceptional vehicles achieve this rating.

: Very Good vehicle. Very good and close to being the best vehicle in its class.

: Good vehicle. Decent, but not quite the best. Often affordable, but lacking key features found in vehicles of the same class.

: Below average vehicle. Not recommended, and lacking attributes a car buyer would come to expect for the price.

: Poor vehicle. Simply does not deserve to be on the road.

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Automotive Editor

Between 2009 and 2014, the Hyundai Sonata was one of the most attractive mid-size sedans on the market. Introducing the Hyundai's groundbreaking “fluidic sculpture” design language, the sixth-generation Sonata – along with its Kia-badged sibling, the Optima – proved that the Korean peninsula could do automotive design as well as any other region.

And then Hyundai promptly screwed things up with the seventh-generation Sonata, a bloated, conservative, and boring take that blended in where its predecessor stood out. The facelifted 2018 Sonata attempts to reverse that slide, with a progressive evolution of the design featured over the last several years. This is the Hyundai Sonata that should have rolled out for 2015.

Best Value

The 2018 Hyundai Sonata steps up to the plate with seven trim levels and three powertrain options, not counting the Hybrid and Plug-In models which are listed separately. Two of those powertrains – the 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder and the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder – add efficiency and performance, respectively. The 1.6 returns 37 miles per gallon on the highway and offers more torque than the base 2.4-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder, while the 2.0-liter pumps out a hearty 245 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque.

You should avoid both optional engines, because the standard 2.4-liter powerplant is both suitably quick and efficient. It's also available in the most trims and is priced better than either of its alternatives.

We recommend the Sonata Limited, which sits at the top of the 2.4-liter range and rings up at $28,285 (including $885 in mandatory destination charges). Then, go ahead and add the $2,900 Ultimate Package, because it loads the Sonata down with worthwhile safety equipment and is the only option on the roster. So for $31,185, you can score a mid-size sedan with heated/ventilated leather seats, dual-zone climate controls, bending LED headlights, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, SiriusXM satellite radio, HD radio, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert (standard on all Sonatas), and Hyundai's BlueLink connectivity suite.

  • Model: 2018 Hyundai Sonata Limited
  • Engine: 2.4-liter four-cylinder
  • Output: 185 hp / 178 lb-ft
  • Transmission: Six-speed automatic (standard)
  • Drivetrain: Front-wheel drive
  • Fuel Economy: 25 City/35 Hwy/26 Combined
  • Options: Ultimate Package ($2,900, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assistant, automatic high beams, a heated steering wheel, eight-inch touchscreen navigation/infotainment system, 400-watt Infinity audio system, and wireless smartphone charging.
  • Base Price: $28,285
  • As Tested: $31,185

Performance

Hyundai Sonata

The Sonata’s 2.4-liter base engine and its 2.0-liter, turbocharged premium engine are both fine companions. The 2.4 is smooth and balanced, easy to live with every day, and inoffensive on the ear. The throttle tip-in is sharper than we’d expect from a mainstream engine, but along with a capable six-speed automatic, it gives even the base Sonata a pleasantly responsive character. The 2.0-liter turbo amplifies that character with additional power and more readily available torque.

Fuel economy with the base engine is solid, at 25 city, 35 highway, and 26 combined. We had no trouble exceeding the combined rating over the course of 300 miles behind the wheel, ratcheting up computer-indicated ratings in the high 20s.

Hyundai balances the Sonata’s ride and handling character well. It’s comfortable on most road surfaces, minimizing the biggest impacts and erasing smaller ones. At the same time, the Sonata doesn’t roll much – its body motions are better controlled than a Toyota Corolla or Nissan Altima, although it’s not as poised and tight as a Mazda6 or Honda Accord.

But while the ride and handling are impressive for the class, the Sonata isn’t as communicative as either the Mazda or Honda. It does too good of a job isolating the driver through the chassis, and the light, numb steering tells little about what’s happening with the front tires. Again, this is a mid-size sedan, so a lack of feedback shouldn’t be surprising, but as automakers are starting to instill even family sedans with a joie de vivre, it’s a bummer that the Sonata feels so staid and detached.

Interior and Exterior

Hyundai Sonata

A dowdy redesign for 2015 robbed the Sonata of the trendy, fashion-forward looks that put it at the head of the mid-size sedan class and told the world that Hyundai could build pretty cars. This year’s facelift did its best to return the Sonata to form, with a more aggressive grille that gets a stylish insert (particularly with the 2.0-liter, turbocharged engine). The rear wears new taillights that draw inspiration from the more fashionable Elantra compact, although you’ll need to pony up for the Limited trim to get the more attractive LED units.

Changes aren’t as dramatic in the cabin. While there’s an inverse correlation between the rise of touchscreens and the elimination of physical buttons, the Sonata retains plenty of physical buttons, the most important of which is a physical bank below the touchscreen. It’s a smart layout – drivers don’t need to mess with the touchscreen if they don’t want to, which prevents distractions while driving.

But the buttons themselves don’t feel especially nice. It’s not so much their plastic construction – but the action. It doesn’t feel as solid as we’d like. The window switches, the steering wheel buttons, and the two stalks sprouting from the steering column don’t suffer from this problem, at least. The rest of the materials are good, too, particularly the door panels and dash uppers – both are a step above the facelifted model that debuted in 2015.

The Sonata’s seats are almost all comfortable, aside from the back middle (shocking, we know). The front chairs are wide but supportive, with plenty of cushioning that makes long journeys a cinch. The seating position is good, too. The steering column has a wide range of tilt and telescoping, while the 10-way power driver’s seat of our Limited tester was enough for a wide range of body types.

The back seats are tolerable for two adults, but with just 35.6 inches of rear legroom, the Sonata isn’t the best choice for passenger hauling – the Toyota Camry has 38 inches and the Honda Accord has just over 40 inches. The seats themselves are comfortable, though, with ample padding.

Hyundai’s infotainment system remains one of the segments best. Quick and intuitive, its layout is attractive too. The presence of redundant buttons makes navigation far easier than systems that rely entirely on touchscreens (or minimize the use of physical buttons).

Right For? Wrong For?

Hyundai Sonata

Families on a budget that aren't willing to embrace the SUV lifestyle will flock to the refreshed Sonata for its thrifty performance and lengthy list of standard and available features at an affordable price.

The Sonata is much better looking, but there's simply no hiding its form factor. It's simply not as fashion forward as a Mazda6 or Ford Fusion, and will therefore garner limited appeal among the image conscious.

The Bottom Line

It's still not super exciting, but Hyundai has fixed what ails the Sonata and the result is a solid choice in a still-hotly-contested segment.

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Specs & Features

Highlights
Overall Crash Safety Rating
Engine - Cylinders/Horsepower/Torque
2.4L I-4 / 185 HP / 178 ft.lbs.
Transmission
6-spd SHIFTRONIC w/OD
Drive Type
Front-wheel
Fuel Economy - City/Highway/Combined
25 / 36 / 30 Mpg
Passenger Capacity
5
Bumper to Bumper Warranty
60 Months / 60,000 Miles
Mechanical Specs
Engine - Cylinders/Horsepower/Torque
2.4L I-4 / 185 HP / 178 ft.lbs.
Drive Type
Front-wheel
Fuel Economy - City/Hwy/Combined
25 / 36 / 30 Mpg
Brakes
4-wheel Disc
Front Suspension
Strut
Rear Suspension
Independent Multi-link
Spare Tire And Wheel
Compact Steel
Fuel Tank
18.5 Gal.
Recommended Fuel Type
Regular Unleaded
Average Cost To Fill Tank
$71
Dimensions & Capabilities
Maximum Cargo Volume
16.3 Cu.ft.
Passenger Volume
106 Cu.ft.
Exterior Length
191.1 "
Exterior Width
73.4 "
Exterior Height
58.1 "
Front Headroom
40.4 "
Rear Headroom
38.0 "
Front Legroom
45.5 "
Rear Legroom
35.6 "
Front Shoulder Room
57.9 "
Rear Shoulder Room
56.5 "
Front Hip Room
Rear Hip Room
Curb Weight
3,250 Lbs.
Wheel Base
110 "
Turning Radius
17.9 '
Exterior Features
Door Count
4 Doors
Wheels
16.0 " Silver Aluminum
Paint
Clearcoat Monotone
Exterior Mirrors
Dual Power Remote W/tilt Down
Bumpers
Front Body-colored With Chrome Insert
Grille Moldings
Chrome
Rear Spoiler
Exhaust
Stainless Steel With Chrome Tailpipe Finish
Interior Features
Seating
Passenger Capacity
5
Seat Trim
Yes Essentials Premium Cloth
Front Seat Type
Bucket
Heated Front Seats
Front Driver Seat Direction Controls
6-way
Front Passenger Seat Direction Controls
6-way
Front Armrests
6-way
Rear Armrests
Center
Rear Seats
60-40 Bench
Radio & Infotainment
Radio
Am/fm Stereo, Seek-scan
Speakers
6
Radio Steering Wheel Controls
Apple Car Play
Android Auto
Bluetooth w/ Hands-Free Connectivity
Convenience Features
Steering Wheel Type
Telescopic Tilt
Climate Control
Cruise Control
With Steering Wheel Controls
Sun Roof
Rearview Mirror
Day-night / Auto-dimming Day-night
One Touch Open Window
Driver
Tinted Windows
Light
Vanity Mirrors
Dual Illuminated
Remote Keyless Entry
Keyfob (all Doors)
Power Outlets
2
Safety Features
Overall Crash Safety Rating
Overall Front Crash Safety Rating
Overall Side Crash Safety Rating
Rollover Crash Safety Rating
Front Impact Airbags
Driver And Passenger
Driver Side Impact Airbags
Seat Mounted
Knee Airbag
Driver
Passenger Side Impact Airbag
Seat Mounted
Rear Side Airbag
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Front And Rear
Anti-Lock Brakes
4-wheel Anti-lock Brakes (abs)
Forward Collision Warning
Blind Spot Sensor
Lane Departure Warning
Autonomous Cruise Control
Pedestrian Detection
Driver Attention Alert
Daytime Running Lights
Auto High Beams
Adaptive Headlights
Parking Sensors
Security Systems
Security System
Panic Alarm
Ignition Disable
Warranty
Bumper To Bumper Months Miles
60 Months / 60,000 Miles
Major Components Months
120 Months / 100,000 Miles
Included Maintenance Months
Roadside Assistance Months
60 Months / Unlimited Miles
Corrosion Perforation
84 Months / Unlimited Miles
Accessories Months
60 Months / 60,000 Miles

Used 2018 Hyundai Sonata for Sale

9 vehicles found within 50 miles of your area
Hyundai
Limited 2.0T
Color: White
Price

$11,988

Mileage

100,638 mi

Map location icon

American Motors (25 mi)

Phone: (949) 436-2276
Hyundai
SEL
Color: Gray
Price

$11,995

Mileage

96,580 mi

Map location icon

Green Light Auto (46 mi)

Phone: (951) 454-5737
Hyundai
SE
Color: Black - Phantom Black
Price

$12,000

Mileage

83,155 mi

Map location icon

Catalano Motors Inc (50 mi)

Phone: (951) 415-0064
Hyundai
SEL
Color: Silver
Price

$13,499

Mileage

107,713 mi

Map location icon

Simi Valley Toyota (33 mi)

Phone: (805) 426-6600
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