The upper and lower portions of the instrument panel are dressed in contrasting shades of vinyl. The plush fabric on the seats is repeated in the door panels. The GLS and LX also have a two-compartment center armrest. The glovebox opens with a firm feel. Only the ashtray feels flimsy. There's a nice rubber-lined spot ahead of shifter for my wallet.
Hyundai has wrapped the Sonata's wheel in a leather-like urethane that's buttery soft and wonderful to hold. It's characteristic of the attention given to detail throughout the Sonata's interior. The ignition switch is on the dash, rather than plugged into the steering column.
A splash of artificial wood around the center stack of the GLS and LX won't fool anyone, but looks somehow appropriate anyway. A frame of burnished aluminum surrounds the automatic shifter quadrant, with the Shiftronic manual-override slot alongside. Illuminated Shiftronic manual shift indicators were added for 2003.
Carpeted floor mats come standard for 2003. LX models now offer a HomeLink remote system and electrochromic inside rear view mirror as options. Hyundai added electric switches for the trunk and fuel door releases for 2002. Placed on the driver's door, the power releases are easy to reach and operate.
The back seat offers good room for two adults, with sufficient legroom and comfort for a long trip. The rear seat folds 60/40, allowing long items to pass through from the trunk. The seat itself is contoured for two passengers, with a folding center armrest between them, but Hyundai has provided three-point seat belts for three people. Map pockets on the backs of the front seats add useful storage space.
Changes made to the rear suspension for 2002 allowed Hyundai engineers to increase the Sonata's trunk volume to 14.1 cubic feet. Articulated trunk lid supports stay out of the trunk itself, so you don't have to worry about groceries or luggage being crushed by conventional trunk hinges.
Next Page