The 2018 Hyundai Sonata has a sleek interior.When the seventh-generation Hyundai Sonata was introduced in 2015, we thought its buttoned-down styling was a welcomed departure from the busy body-lines of the previous model.
Well, three years into the product cycle, Hyundai thought it was time for a mid-life facelift for its midsize sedan. The 2018 Sonata features a new grille and hood treatment in the front to go along with a reworked deck-lid and tail-light assembly in the back. Inside, there have been design tweaks to the center console and steering wheel.
Our tester this week, a Phantom Black 2018 Sonata Limited 2.0T, represents the line's most expensive trim level. Long Hyundai of Chattanooga lists 40 Sonatas in digital inventory this week including multiple copies of the Limited 2.0T.
Just the facts: The Hyundai Sonata is a five-passenger, midsize sedan noted for its attractive styling, comfortable ride and class-leading 10-year or 100,000-mile powertrain warranty. A handsome exterior and upscale interior make this Alabama-built car a good alternative in the midsize segment, which is dominated by the Honda Accord, Toyota Camry and Ford Fusion.
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Drivetrain: Sonata buyers have three engine options: a 1.6-liter turbo (178 hp), a 2.4-liter normally aspirated four-cylinder (185 hp) or a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder (245 hp). Our tester comes with the most potent of the three, the 2.0-liter turbo mated to a slick-shifting eight-speed automatic transmission. We like the eight-speed more than the CVT gearless transmissions that are proliferating in this segment.
Design/Styling: The 2018 Sonata has high shoulder-lines, an expressive honeycomb grille, a sculpted hood that pinches forward like the Ford Fusion's, and tasteful use of chrome strips to highlight the horizontal lines of the sheet metal. The wrap-around taillight assembly blends tastefully into the deck-lid, which conceals a huge trunk. Inside, a seven-inch touchscreen, which supports Android Auto and Apple Carplay, dominates the center of the dash. A new beefy steering wheel and a plush center console with a piano-black cup-holder insert give the interior an upscale vibe.
Where, and how much: The 2018 Hyundai Sonata Limited 2.0T has an MRSP of $33,460, although base Sonata SEs start at $22,050. A mid-level SEL starts at $23,700. Hyundais are available locally at Long Hyundai at 6035 International Drive.
Things we liked: The 2.0-liter turbo in our tester spools up quickly and transforms the Hyundai from a run-of-the-mill family car into a true enthusiast's delight. It pairs well with the eight-speed automatic to deliver spirited power on demand.
Things we could live without: The 1.6-liter turbo options seems a bit redundant since there is already a turbo in the lineup. Available on the gas-sipping ECO trim, it's basically for those who value fuel economy over performance.
Why it's good for Chattanooga customers: The Sonata meets the value test that so many of us in the mid-South demand: high reliability and a rock-solid warranty. Also, the powerful engine option is good for highlanders who need a little extra horsepower for their daily commutes up mountain roads.
Also look at: Many will cross-shop the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry, both sporting major redesigns this year, along with the Ford Fusion, Nissan Altima and Chevrolet Malibu.
Contact Mark Kennedy at mkennedy@timesfreepress.com.