2022 Hyundai Sonata

 The Hyundai Sonata SEL is the trim we recommend as it offers great comfort features over the base trim like a power-adjustable driver's seat, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats, SiriusXM, a hands-free power liftgate, push-button start, and 17-inch alloy wheels. It also adds a few driver aids such as a blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, and safe exit warning. You can also add the Convenience package for an extra $2,200. 

The Sonata touches all the bases for features- The Car Connection

Four main trims are offered for the Hyundai Sonata. These include the SE, SEL, SEL Plus, and Limited. An N-Line variant is also available that defines the sporty character of the Sonata whereas the Sonata Hybrid offers the best fuel economy. The prices range between $24,150 and $34,100, plus a destination charge of $1,005. 

The Sonata offers a wide array of features segregated nicely in the trim levels. Only one optional package is offered and that too, available for the SEL trim only. The Convenience package includes a panoramic sunroof, Hyundai digital key, leather-wrapped steering wheel, an additional USB port, and wireless device charging. It can be ordered for $2,200. 

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Like most family sedans, the Sonata prioritizes comfort over outright sportiness- Automobile Magazine

The Hyundai Sonata is available with two powertrain options depending on the trims. The entry-level SE and SEL models are powered by a 2.5L inline-4 engine that makes 191 hp and 181 lb-ft. of torque. Upgrading to the SEL Plus and Limited trim will get you a 1.6L turbocharged inline-4 engine, producing 180 hp and 195 lb-ft. of torque. Both these engines are mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission while the FWD drivetrain is standard. 

The handling of the Sonata is very good for an FWD machine. Understeer is minimal and you have to really try to throw it off balance. The steering is very precise and you get good feedback. The Sonata feels more planted and firmer than the hybrid versions but it's not uncomfortable on regular roads. You may feel some bumps while riding on broken pavements. Overall, the driving dynamics are not sharp but it shines as a commuter. 

The naturally aspirated engine is not the most athletic. Hence, it takes 7.8 seconds to complete the 0-60 MPH sprint and 15.8 seconds for the quarter-mile run. On the other hand, the turbocharged unit feels punchy and responsive and covers the same distance in 7.3 seconds. The gearbox responds really well and the gears are well spaced. The brake feel is also good and the discs have some good stopping power. The Sonata takes 119 feet in the brake test. 

The Toyota Camry's base engine makes more power among the lot. Moreover, it is also available with a V6. The Honda Accord is the quickest sprinter in this segment thanks to its seamless power delivery. With the 1.6L equipped, the Kia K5 is a bit slower than the Sonata, probably due to some difference in curb weight. 

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The Sonata has a selection of highly fuel-efficient powertrains- CarAndDriver

The Hyundai Sonata is one of the most fuel-efficient sedans in its segment. The 2.5L unit returns an EPA-estimated mileage of 28 MPG in the city, 38 MPG on the highway, and 32  MPG combined. Then you have the 1.6L turbocharged unit capable of delivering just 1 MPG less in the city and highway. They are pretty respectable figures. 

The 2.5L models are equipped with a 14.9-gallon fuel tank whereas the turbocharged versions upgrade to a larger 15.9 gallons. When filled with regular gas, the Sonata can cruise up to 474 miles, which is good for its class. The turbocharged models deliver up to 493 miles combined. Therefore, both engines have good feel economies. 

This section is quite competitive as all the rivals of the Sonata boast impressive fuel economy. The Toyota Camry, being the most powerful car here, boast the best driving range thanks to its large fuel tank. The fuel ratings of the Kia K5 are almost identical to the Sonata despite is houses a slightly less powerful engine. The Honda Accord's fuel efficiency is slightly better. 

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The Sonata’s 5-passenger cabin is open and contemporary, and the driver’s seat is comfortable even after hours behind the wheel- Kelly Blue Book

The overall design of the interior of the Hyundai Sonata is pretty simple and elegant. It has one of the most eye-catching designs in the competition. It takes the edge with regards to the quality of materials used, which makes the cabin look and feel pretty upscale, especially for its price. Top trims also come with simulated leather trim on the dash. Depending on the trim, you can get either premium cloth, leatherette, or leather-trimmed seats. 

The front seats are really comfortable and supportive. The cushioning is soft, good enough for long-distance travel. These seats get power-adjustability along with heated and ventilated functions on higher trims. A heated steering wheel is standard only on the Limited trim. Passenger space in the front row is excellent but the rear legroom is less than the competition. A panoramic sunroof is also available as an option. 

On the tech side, the Sonata comes standard with an 8-inch touchscreen display whereas higher trims upgrade to a 10.25-inch touchscreen. It supports functions like Apple Carplay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, HD radio, etc. The larger screen is paired with a 12-speaker Bose premium audio system whose sound quality is terrific. The interface is straightforward while the screen responds quickly to the user's inputs. 

At 16 cubic feet, the Sonata's cargo capacity is really good. It can easily swallow two large suitcases or three small bags. Also, the rear seats can be split-folded to haul larger items.  A hands-free power tailgate is standard from the SEL trim onwards. Speaking of interior storage, it is decent in the class. Some main interior features are listed below:

• Tilt and telescopic multi-function leather-wrapped, heated steering wheel 
• Dual-zone automatic climate control
• Heated and ventilated front seats
• Power-adjustable front seats
• Premium cloth, leatherette & leather upholstery
• Auto-dimming rearview mirror
• Color-adjustable ambient lighting
• Aluminum foot pedals
• 8 & 10.25-inch touchscreen w/ smartphone integration
• 12-speaker Bose premium audio system
• Wireless charging

There’s a sense that the designers of this newest Hyundai Sonata would be offended by the notion of trying to be inoffensive- Kelly Blue Book

The Hyundai Sonata's exterior design is very distinctive. The overall design and silhouette of the Sonata make it stand out from the rest of the competition. Most Sonatas get a large grille that takes up a vast majority of the front end and it also has a gloss finish. the base SE trim will be slightly more conservative with just some chrome bars. The led headlights are standard but the most distinct element remains the LED DRLs. It goes all the way up to the hood and that certainly stands out a lot. 

You also get a ton of different choices for wheels. The SE trim sits on 16-inch alloy wheels but higher models get 17, 18, and 19-inch alloys. The Sonata has a low ground clearance of 5.3 inches, which is pretty good for easy egress and ingress. Although its wheelbase is mostly on par with its rivals, it still lacks rear passenger room. Even the rear design of the sonata is very unique for the segment. A lot of that has to do with the taillights. You get full-length LED taillights that look cool at night. 

Surprisingly, the Honda Accord's ground clearance is a bit higher than the Sonata. The Toyota Camry's overall body is a bit narrower than the competition. This can be useful while passing on narrower roads. The Kia K5's wheelbase is a tad wider than the Sonata but the rest of the dimensions are identical. Some other exterior features are:

• LED auto high-beam headlights
• LED DRLs
• LED taillights
• Heated exterior mirrors
• Black grille 
• Chrome window trim
• Dual exhaust chrome tips
• 16, 17, 18 & 19-inch alloy wheels

Hyundai's SmartSense package of driver-assistance features is standard- CarAndDriver

Only NHTSA has tested the 2022 Hyundai Sonata for its safety. It gave a perfect 5-star overall safety rating. For IIHS ratings, we are considering the previous model year's ratings as they belong to the same generation. It got selected as the 'Top Safety Pick' by the organization as it received top ratings in all crash tests. 

We expect the same IIHS ratings for the 2022 model as well. Without a doubt, the Sonata is a safe vehicle. Hyundai offers an array of advanced driver-assist features as standard in the Sonata. Some of the features are available on higher trims. The seven-airbag system also adhere to the Sonata's safety. Some safety features are:

• Rearview Camera
• Blind-Spot Assist 
• Rear Cross-Traffic Alert 
• Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist With Pedestrian Detection
• Perpendicular Park Assist
• Surround-View Monitor
• Safe Exit Warning
• Lane Keeping Assist
• Lane Departure Warning
• Driver Attention Warning 
• Lane Tracing Assist
• Front & Rear Parking Sensors
• Head-Up Display
• Automatic Emergency Braking
• Rear Seat Reminder

2022 Hyundai Sonata vs 2022 Honda Accord

The Honda Accord is probably one of the toughest competition for the Sonata. Although both of them are in a very similar ballpark in terms of their overall value, the Accord does take the edge with its sharp and responsive handling, and more fun-to-drive nature. Moreover, wireless support for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay gives it a huge edge in the infotainment department as well. The Accord also offers class-leading rear-seat space. 

2022 Hyundai Sonata vs 2022 Toyota Camry

The Toyota Camry is a very competent car in its segment. It has kind of matured, grown-up overall characteristics, which might not be for everyone. Its overall driving dynamics are better than the Sonata in many ways. It is also available with a powerful V6 that offers swift acceleration. Inside, the Camry's rear row is more spacious and the trunk capacity is also better. However, the Sonata comes with a longer warranty. 

2022 Hyundai Sonata vs 2022 Kia K5

Although the Kia K5 and the Sonata are actually corporate cousins, the former tops out in a few essential ways. It is somehow more comfortable than the Sonata, and with the available AWD combined with the same engine in the Sonata, it takes a huge lead between the two. Both the cars have similar interior dimensions and cargo capacities but the Sonata offers a bit more driver-assist features than the K5. 

Although the competition in the midsize sedan segment is gradually decreasing, the 2022 Hyundai Sonata still faces some steep competition from some of the more competent cars in its class. The Sonata manages to tick most of the boxes, and that too in a really competent manner as well. It has the potential to give the other cars in its segment a serious run for their money. If you are planning on getting a new midsize sedan, you can definitely go for the 2022 Sonata without any hesitation.