The
2011 Hyundai Sonata is a sedan that is all new this year, with body styling that is curvaceous, sporty, and athletic. Demonstrating both diversity and innovation, the Sonata has a novel, fluid, sculptured look. The Sonata is equipped with either the 2.0 liter turbocharged engine with 274 horsepower and 269 pound-feet of torque or the 2.4-liter engine hosting direct injection and delivering 198 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque mated to a six-speed manual or automatic transmission.
The Sonata redesign resulted in a longer body and wheelbase than earlier predecessors. It is lower and wider by .1-inches in all. The Sonata's features list is quite attractive. You can add on features and exceptional packages in order to meet your specific needs. The standard safety systems and equipment are generous. The Hyundai Sonata is also easy on the gas wallet, getting 22 mpg city/35 mpg highway in fuel economy ratings.
New for 2011
The Sonata is all new for 2011. It's longer and wider, with a choice of a direct injection four, a hybrid, or a 2.0-liter turbocharged four, with three transmission options available depending on the model. Styling has taken an entirely new direction; the previous Sonata was a solid car that was practically invisible, but the new Sonata looks good enough to be mistaken for a luxury car.
Essentials
Engines: 2.0L I-4, 2.4L I-4
Transmissions: 6-speed manual, 6-speed automatic, 6-speed electronic automatic
Bodystyle: Sedan
Models: GLS, SE, Limited, Hybrid
On the Outside
The Sonata looks like it could be a much more expensive car. Its swooping lines and coupe-like profile are reminiscent of the Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class or Volkswagen Passat CC. It rides on 16-, 17-, or 18-inch wheels depending upon configuration.
From the Inside
Like the new exterior design, the 2011 Sonata's cabin is also classy and modern, with metal-grain accents throughout. Power seats and front and rear seat heaters are optional. Cruise control is standard, as is a six-speaker AM/FM/XM/CD/MP3 audio system.
Driving Performance
The new Sonata is lighter than the previous model, with a new direct injected 2.4-liter engine with more horsepower and torque. No surprise, then, that the new Sonata moved from 0-to-60 in 8.1 seconds -- more than a half-second quicker than the previous model's base engine. The most notable improvement, though, is the new Sonata's handline. During instrumented testing, the new Sonata's skidpad numbers improved from 0.78 g to 0.82 g.
Safety Equipment
Dual front airbags are standard on the Sonata, along with driver and front-passenger side-impact airbags and front and rear side air curtains. Also standard are stability control, traction control, and four-wheel disc brakes with ABS, electronic brake-force distribution, and brake assist.
Gas Mileage
2.4L: 24 mpg city/35 mpg (manual); 22 mpg city/35 mpg (automatic)
Plusses
- Great styling
- Excellent performance
- Impressive handling
- Quick steering
Minuses
- Rough ride
- Cluttered HVAC controls
- Lacking rear-seat headroom
- No rearview camera
Rating
Better overall
People Who Like the 2011 Hyundai Sonata Also Like
- Toyota Camry
- Honda Accord
- Mazda6
- Nissan Altima
- Ford Fusion