The 2015 Hyundai Sonata is an interesting car. It is a classy, well-built family sedan that reeks of premium aspirations. These excellent qualities show just how far the Korean car industry has come.
Yet,
the frustratingly unrefined powertrain and lack of performance — even on the
sport model — show that Hyundai
still has a ways to go when it comes to taking down segment leaders like the
Honda Accord and the Mazda6.
Luxury aspirations at middle class price
The
Sonata’s strong suit is its design. Hyundai’s family sedan
shares many of its styling cues, such as its grille and lighting design, with
its up-market stalemate the Genesis. These cues, along with the overall
implementation of Hyundai’s
Fluidic Sculpture design language give the Sonata remarkable heft given its
humble market position.
Compared
with flamboyant sedans like the Mazda6 or Hyundai’s cousin, the Kia
Optima, the Sonata and its slightly anonymous profile are a bit staid. But, by
the same token, it has a more grownup vibe than the competition.
The
same grownup qualities are to be found on the inside. Hyundai’s designers have made
extremely clever use of contrasting colors and materials to make the interior’s
mainstream cloth and plastic look like they belong in a premium vehicle. Like Hyundai’s other recent
efforts, the interior might be a bit space aged for conservative customers.
However, it looks good and it feels like someone in the design studio cared.
In a
segment filled with boring black plastic pits, the only other car that can make
a similar claim is the Mazda6.
The
Sonata also feels like a quality product; after a solid fifteen minutes of
poking, prodding, and scratching, I couldn’t find anything loose or poorly
installed. Not so long ago, this would have been unthinkable in a Korean car.
However, I feel like Hyundai
might be in contention for the build quality crown.
More tech than the Germans
Another
strength in the Sonata’s quiver is tech. When optioned up, like my $27,000
press demonstrator, the Sonata delivers a dazzling array of tech that would
look good on a $52,000 BMW.
I feel
like Hyundai might be in
contention for the build quality crown.
2015
Sonata buyers will not only come away with expected toys like heated seats,
keyless go, and navigation, but also some of the latest and greatest the
industry has to offer, like streaming internet radio, and Apple CarPlay.
Because
this is a Hyundai,
a shocking number of these features come as standard. Meanwhile Audi and BMW
are happy to offer you some gratis windshield wipers and maybe a seat as
standard.
Access
for these features comes through the same touchscreen interface that is found
on the new Genesis. It may not be perfect, but it is decidedly above average.
What is more, the graphics and operation help augment the premium feel of the
rest of the car.
To read
more about Hyundai’s
infotainment check out our review of BlueLink.
Sport? Curling is a sport
Unfortunately,
performance does not come as standard. By far the biggest disappointment in the
Hyundai Sonata is the standard powertrain.
A
185-horsepower, 2.4-liter four-cylinder GDI engine mated to a seven-speed dual
clutch automatic powers SE and Sport models. The power numbers are right in
line with entries from Mazda, Honda, and Toyota, but numbers — not to mention
names — are deceiving. Frankly, this engine is bad.
The
engine is rough and surprisingly loud at low rpm. In fact, when I first fired
the Sonata up, it sounded so much like my old Volvo 240, that I thought there
was something wrong with it. Fortunately, the noise becomes much less intrusive
as speed and rpm increase.
Sadly,
for a car called the “Sport,” performance is sluggish from a standstill all the
way to highway speeds. Compared the feisty Honda Accord, the gutsy Subaru
Legacy, and the smooth Mazda 6, the Sonata Sport’s engine is a big
disappointment.
By far
the biggest disappointment in the Hyundai
Sonata is the standard powertrain.
The
engine also spoils what is a remarkably solid chassis and suspension setup.
Hyundai’s engineers struck a nice balance between sporty firmness and
family-soothing smoothness. The electric power steering is communicative and
remarkably direct for a family sedan.
The
tuning isn’t as aggressive, as some other cars in this segment, but its balance
and poise fits with its grown up image.
To
really enjoy this suspension, customers will need to open up their wallets for
one of the two optional engines: the 1.6T or the 2.0T.
The
1.6-liter turbocharged “Eco” engine delivers a little less horsepower than the
2.4 at 178 ponies, but a better torque curve, which peaks at 195 pound-feet.
Then
there’s the 2.0T, which boasts 245 hp, thanks to a larger twin-scroll turbo.
But this engine starts a $28,575, a full $7,425 more than the base car. For
that reason the Eco, which starts at just $100 more than the Sport model is
probably the best way to go, especially considering its promise of 28 city and
38 highway mpg.
Conclusion
Buyers
looking to actively enjoy the driving experience will have to spend a bit more
to get one of the upgraded powertrains, which may well disappoint. However, for
anyone looking to feel a bit special in a family sedan, the Sonata should be at
the top of his or her list. That’s because it is rare to find a family sedan
with the same combination of visual charisma, build quality, and options.
Yes, it
is undoubtedly disappointing that the Sonata — in its base form — is an
underwhelming driving experience. But given that this car starts at just
$21,150, it is hardly unforgivable.
Highs
Excellent style and design
Loaded with tech features
High quality interior
Comfortable Ride
Lows
Underpowered and rough base engine
Expensive upgrade to performance engine
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