2018 Hyundai Sonata Review | Edmunds

Our experts review the 2018 Hyundai Sonata.

Take a spin in the refreshed 2018 Hyundai Sonata with Edmunds Senior Writer Mark Takahashi. This top-of-the-line 2.0T Limited model shows off Hyundai's latest styling direction and adds some new features to an already strong candidate in the midsize family sedan class. Mark gives the Sonata points for its accommodating trunk, fresh style, pleasant interior, and easy-to-use tech and infotainment system. In the end, he'd take this Sonata over the all-new Toyota Camry but cautions that the new Honda Accord could steal the crown.

Q: How much does the Hyundai Sonata cost?

A: Prices start at $22,935 (MSRP) for the base SE model and move up to $32,450 (MSRP) for this model, the fully loaded 2.0T Limited.

Q: What engines are available in the Hyundai Sonata?

A: The base engine is a 185-horsepower 2.4-liter four-cylinder. The Eco model has a 178-hp 1.6-liter turbocharged engine that promises improved fuel efficiency. The top engine (and the one shown in this video) is a 2.0-liter turbo that's good for 245 hp.

Q: How much will the trunk hold?

A: The Sonata, with one of the largest trunks in the class, can accommodate up to 16.3 cubic feet of cargo.

[dougn]

The 2.4 is fine for 95% of drivers who are shopping for a family sedan. Its less complicated so will be more trouble free in the long term if you keep your cars a long time.

[lowlanz]

I think the new design makes the car look smaller in the videos, because of fat rear and slim front. However, it looks much better in real life when you actually see it on the raods. Cars with round front are often underrated in it's design on screens. You should really check this car in 3D(offline).

[MS-grnv]

Presenter is kool, great job on the review!

[erniejoel]

Very informative review. Well done edmunds.

[applejelly]

Great all around review Edmunds. When you do compare it to the new Accord, I don't doubt the Honda will be more engaging for the driver, but please compare all factors for this "family sedan" including passenger seat comfort and rear headroom - both of which I found lacking. And don't forget what equipment you get for real world out the door prices between an Accord EX and say the Sonata SEL with Tech Pkg.

[macpark]

Thanks for a good review. I think the trunk opens only to halfway so people don't get hit on the face by it.

[GaryKetchum]

I like the previous design better, the new design makes the car look small for some reason. Not saying the new design is bad though, it has its own charms.

[Anonymous-jisb]

I like this car but I think that it's one of those cars that will take a lot of getting used to like the 2017 Elantra, when those came out I thought they were hideous but now I really like them.

[prl]

Surprised they got rid of the panoramic sunroof, especially since Camry just added it as an option.

[jayryan]

The performance specs on the Eco almost mirror the more expensive A3. In my opinion the only benefit to buying an Audi A3 1.8T over the Sonata Eco is the sunroof option. That's not currently an option on the Eco. Then again the A3 costs so much more money you could just purchase an aftermarket sunroof with lifetime warranty for your Eco and still come out thousands of $$ ahead.

[Accrd]

It's OK but it's no where near as sexy as the 2011 to 2014 version, those were very good looking for their age and sold like hotcakes, they were EVERYWHERE on the road back then. Come to think of it, I haven't seen a new Sonata on the road in along time now.

[SGR]

This is a nice, fair and balanced review.

[NileshR]

Wow this was uploaded on my birthday 3 years ago 😂

[justinlidkey]

I have a 2017 sonata and love it! I like the rear end on the 2018 but the front is AWFUL. Thankful i got the 2017.

[devincruz]

Let’s just hope like 2013 you don’t need a new engine at 100, 000 miles like many people I know of

[PresidentJackBauer]

33k isn't the top end. Almost ever competitor fully loaded costs more. They also recently dropped prices

[dougn]

Its too bad you cant get the 2.0T in the SE or SEL. Just give us the engine option for those of us who want the power but don't care for leather and pano sunroof

[heewoney]

Still a long way to go to have as great reputation as Japanese car brands' but I appreciate seeing the good points, Takahashi

[brandyag]

Did you say every 6-7 years when manuf redesign their cars? I thought it was every 4 years!

[tamicablanding]

Does the passenger side have 4 way lumbar?