The 2016 Hyundai Sonata comes in four basic trims, SE, Sport, Eco and Limited. All but the Eco are powered by a 185-horsepower 2.4L 4-cylinder. This engine is mated to an advanced 6-speed automatic transmission, which sends power to the front wheels, a combination that is good for up to 35 mpg on the highway. The Sonata Eco is powered by a 178-horsepower turbocharged 1.6L four, which is paired with a 7-speed EcoShift dual-clutch transmission. The result is mileage estimates of up to 38 mpg on the highway. For prospective buyers who want a bit more power, Hyundai offers a 245-horsepower 2.0L turbocharged engine as an option on the Sport and Limited trims.
The Sonata SE is the least expensive trim, but still includes heated side mirrors, air conditioning, power windows and door locks, projector beam headlights, 16-inch alloy wheels, daytime running lights, a tilt and telescoping steering wheel with audio and cruise control interfaces, a 7-inch color touchscreen infotainment system, USB and auxiliary input jacks and a 6-speaker stereo.
The Sport and Eco trims include side mirror-mounted turn signals, leatherette interior appointments, automatic headlights and LED daytime running lights and an 8-way power adjustable driver's seat with heating for the front seats. They differ where the Sport offers 17-inch alloy wheels and a unique bumper and front grille, plus chrome and carbon fiber accents throughout the interior. If buyers elect to get the more powerful 2.0L engine with the Sport trim, they will also get 18-inch wheels, HID headlights, aluminum pedals, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, leather seats, automatic climate control and vents for rear seat passengers.
The Limited trim really steps up the luxury content of the car. It comes standard with 17-inch alloy wheels, a chrome front grille, LED tail lights, rear window shades, a 6-way power adjustable passenger seat to complement the eight-way, power adjustable front seat for the driver, heated rear seats, leather seating, wood grain interior accents and an improved stereo that includes a subwoofer.
Part of the fun of the Sonata is that buyers can option the car up with features normally reserved for big luxury cars. Optional items on the Sonata include an 11-speaker Infinity premium sound system, an 8-inch touchscreen navigation system, a 4.2-inch color LCD trip computer display, HD radio, an electronic parking brake with vehicle hold, an intelligent cruise control system, a forward collision system, a heated steering wheel, vented and cooled front seats, a memory system for the drivers' seat and mirrors and HID xenon headlights.
Swoopy Styling Lines
Inexpensive Base Price
Roomy Interior
Efficient Engines
Available Upscale Features
The Hyundai Sonata was completely redesigned for 2015. For 2016, changes include a slightly revised suspension, which incorporates more lightweight aluminum components. A new 7-inch color touchscreen infotainment system incorporates Android Auto smartphone capabilities, with Apple CarPlay coming later in the model year, and is standard on all but the Limited 2.0T trim. The forward collision warning system of the Limited 2.0T now includes automatic emergency braking.
The 2016 Sonata is a midsized sedan, placing it in direct competition with several of the best-selling cars in the country. Competing with the likes of the Toyota Camry and the Honda Accord is no easy task, but Hyundai's typical strategy of packing a ton of value into its cars remains unchanged. The Sonata offers a lot of car for the money, undercutting its rivals in price, while simultaneously offering more interior volume and more upscale features. The 2016 Hyundai Sonata starts at $21,750.
