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2018 Hyundai Sonata: A midsize sedan worth a closer look Featured

Posted On Tuesday, 09 January 2018 03:42 Written by
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There seems to be an endless stream of midsize sedans available these days, so it’s easy to lose sight of some of the better options. One such diamond in the rough is the updated 2018 Hyundai Sonata, which faces tough competition but holds its own against the Camry/Accord/Fusion/Mazda6, etc. brigade.

Here are a handful of key points you need to know about the Sonata if you’re shopping for midsize sedans.

Stellar safety ratings

Let’s talk crash test numbers. You get a 5-star government safety rating overall; and 5 star ratings for front crash (driver and passenger sides) and side crash (front and rear seats); The only non 5-star rank is the 4-star rollover rating. Not too shabby.

In addition, Blind Spot Detection with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert  is now standard equipment on the Sonata. That’s something that’s only optional on the competition, so it’s a score for the Sonata. Other safety features such as forward collision warning, lane keep assist and auto emergency braking are optional.

 


Infotainment

I did not have a navigation system in my test vehicle, but the remainder of the infotainment system worked very well and had its buttons designed in a functional way. Voice commands worked effectively for phone and radio control. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility are standard.


Impressive fuel mileage
The Sonata I tested was rate at 25 mpg city/35 highway and 28 combined. My real world experience was in that ballpark and ranks near the top of the midsize sedan segment.

New look for 2018

Among the new looks for the Sonata in the 2018 model year are an updated “cascading” grille, and an updated rear setup with new, slimmer tail lights.

Both front and rear seats remain roomy, and you get comfortable seating for five passengers.

Power, performance

My test vehicle featured a 2.4-liter, four-cylinder engine; offering 185 horsepower and 178 lb.-ft. of torque. I found it gets up to speed very quickly for the class; but the engine is a bit noisy at times. Eco and Sport drive modes are offered depending on your need for speed, or a desire to max out fuel economy.


There are several other engine options, including a turbo 4 that nets 245 horsepower, as well as a hybrid offering.

Updates to the Sonata that improve the overall ride quality for 2018 include improved steering calibration that boosts responsiveness to driver commands, as well as an upgrade to the rear suspension.


Price, bottom line

The 2018 Hyundai Sonata I tested came in at $25,710. But the range is pretty wide here. Base price starts around $22K (though incentives can lower it closer to $20K), and the most high end model starts around $32K. All in all, it’s an affordable midsize sedan with a lot to offer, and definitely worth testing along with the other big names in the segment if you’re on the hunt for a midsize sedan.


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AutoTechReviews.com can be found on Twitter @AutoTechReview, or stay updated at the AutoTechReviews Facebook page.

Matt Myftiu can be found on Twitter @MattMyftiu. 

Read 4072 times Last modified on Wednesday, 12 June 2019 21:32
Matt M. Myftiu

Matt Myftiu has been a journalist for two decades with a focus on technology, NASCAR and autos.

https://www.autotechreviews.com

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