2009 Hyundai Sonata

While the 2009 Hyundai Sonata is technically a refresh, an all-new interior, revised engines, and an enhanced suspension provide for some not-so-subtle tweaks to the Korean automaker's midsize sedan for the new model year.

The midrange model gets the SE designation and is available with either an I-4 or V-6 engine -- this is the best choice for enthusiasts with its sportier suspension, rear spoiler, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, and performance tires. The topline 2009 Hyundai Sonata Limited model emphasizes luxury, with power-adjusting leather seats, a premium stereo system, power sunroof, and sliding center armrest all included as standard.

Both four- and six-cylinder engines are treated to more power and improved efficiency for the new model year. The standard 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine now makes 175 horsepower and 168 lb-ft of torque, while achieving fuel-economy ratings of 22 city/32 highway. A five-speed manual comes standard, while a five-speed automatic is an available option. Meanwhile, the 3.3-liter V-6 engine has been boosted to 249 horsepower and 229 lb-ft of torque. Hyundai states 19-city/29-highway fuel-economy ratings for its most powerful Hyundai Sonata, which is available only with a five-speed automatic transmission.

Dual-zone climate control, two-stage seat warmers, and a touch-screen navigation unit are all available options for 2009 and a new interior color -- Cocoa Brown -- is featured for the new model year.

Power is up, emissions are down, mileage has improved, and the cabin is a place in which you'll be happier to spend time.

The 2009 Hyundai Sonata exterior tuneup is minimal; headlights, grille, fascias, wheels, colors, bing-bang-boom.

The instrument panel, door trim, seats, lighting, center stack, audio systems, HVAC controls, and interior colors are all redone.

The four-cylinder version goes from 162 horsepower to 175 (green states get a PZEV rated I-4 still good for 168).

A five-speed manual transmission is still offered, while the automatic goes from four to five ratios.

For the refresh of the 2009 Sonata, Hyundai may have focused on dramatically improving the interior and extracting more power out of the four- and six-cylinder engines, but the exterior hasn't been neglected.

Mildly updated headlights and taillights along with a new grille and wheel options differentiate the 2009 Hyundai Sonata from last year's model.

Both the four-cylinder and V-6 engines make more power, and do so while yielding better gas mileage. The 2.4-liter four gains 13 hp (now 175 hp) and achieves 22/32 mpg. The 3.3-liter V-6 adds 15 hp (for a total of 249 hp) and returns 19/29 mpg. These figures are at or near the front of the pack.

Hyundai has also quickened the 2009 Sonata's steering and firmed up its standard suspension (on the GLS and Limited models) while treating the SE to an even stiffer set-up. The interior sees some changes in color and design, and adds two modern-day essentials: an available navigation system and iPod/USB input jacks for the audio system.

For 2009, the Hyundai Sonata gets new headlights and taillights, a slightly revised fascia with a deeper grille, and several new color options.

Thanks to a more linear air intake path and standard five-speed automatic, the Sonata's fuel economy and power also receive a boost in both the 3.3-liter V-6 and 2.4-liter four-cylinder models (which now have 249 hp and 175 hp, respectively).

Finding the revised Sonata gains power and sips less fuel is welcome news, but perhaps more important is that Hyundai completely redesigned the car's aging interior for 2009.

Taking styling cues from its Veracruz SUV (which we have described as having a Lexus-like cabin), Hyundai gave the 2009 Hyundai Sonata a new center console, audio and HVAC instrument panel, new door trim, and blue ambient lighting. Other interior upgrades include a minor seat angle adjustment and a new touch-screen and voice-activated navigation system that allows drivers to input a destination without taking their eyes off the road or stopping their vehicle (and it's a bargain at only $1250).

The 2009 Hyundai Sonata is an attractive, thoroughly pleasant mid-size sedan, one that I wouldn't mind recommending to any of my nonenthusiast friends.

Torque steer has been cut to a minimum, the 3.3-liter V-6 is remarkably strong, and the interior is both quiet and comfortable.

The steering wheel felt cheap and slimy, the radio offered only AM/FM and a CD player, and the suspension was not well tuned at all. Now the Hyundai Sonata has a great radio with XM and USB iPod interfaces and much better suspension tuning on SE models.

The only things that I dislike about the Sonata are its vanilla looks and the generally soft, uninvolving nature of the chassis, suspension, and steering. But this segment isn't about high-performance driving, and the generic looks mean the design doesn't offend any potential customers.

Compared with that model, the V-6 offers plenty more power (249 hp vs. 175 hp) and pep. Still, the lighter, less expensive, more fuel-efficient four-banger seems like the better overall package to me.

The 2009 Hyundai Sonata delivers full-size, family-style room and comfort with 30 mpg highway fuel economy. The new interior for 2009 and available navigation system take appearance to contemporary standards while retaining Hyundai's strong cost/warranty/features value statement.