Buyers looking for spacious, practical family-friendly choices have more choice than ever. Compact cars and small crossovers - which are now larger and more useful than ever - have eaten away at the midsize segment's market share. Nonetheless, the well-equipped, handsomely styled Hyundai Sonata remains an excellent choice with much to offer buyers.
For 2017, changes to the Sonata are limited. Key changes include new upholstery colours - black cloth and black leather instead of grey cloth and grey leather - plus the availability of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration on certain trims. Adaptive cornering headlamps are also available, but only on the top-of-the-line Limited and Ultimate trims. Last but not least, there's a new shade of red - Firey Red, which replaces Venetian Red.
All but a handful of Sonatas come equipped with a 2.4-litre direct-injected four-cylinder engine that produces 185 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque. It comes paired to a six-speed automatic transmission and receives Hyundai's Drive Mode Select, which adjusts the throttle response, steering weight, and shift points for the transmission. City fuel economy ranges between 9.4 - 10.0 L/100 km, while highway fuel economy is between 6.5 - 7.0 L/100 km.
A 2.0-litre turbocharged motor is also available but is limited to the top-of-the-line Ultimate trim level. It generates 245 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. It also uses a six-speed automatic. The 2.0T is rated at 10.4 L/100 km city and 7.4 L/100 km highway.
The Sonata is also available in fuel-saving Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid forms. They are covered in depth in a separate review.
Trim levels for the Sonata include GL, GLS, Sport Tech, Limited, and Ultimate 2.0T.
The GL comes standard with all the basics - power windows, remote power locks, cruise control, Bluetooth, six-way adjustable driver's seat, heated seats, and a 5.0-inch touchscreen infotainment display with reverse camera, Bluetooth, and USB port. Despite its position at the bottom of the Sonata range, the GL doesn't look like a bare-bones model; standard LED daytime running lights, a rear spoiler, and 16-inch alloy wheels add a bit of flair.
The GLS adds premium features which most Canadians are sure to appreciate, including a standard heated leather-wrapped steering wheel, heated rear seats, and proximity key with push-button start and hands-free Smart Trunk power trunklid. The GLS also gets a power sunroof, chromed door handles, mirrors with integrated LED turn signals, an eight-way power adjustable driver's seat, rear parking sensors, and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert.
While the Sport Tech trim doesn't get any additional power, this next-step up model adds sporty looking 17-inch alloy wheels, dual exhaust tips, wiper de-icer, LED tail lights, panoramic sunroof, and an upgraded audio system that includes a larger 8.0-inch touchscreen system with navigation, Dimension-branded speakers, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. Inside, the Sport Tech also gains sports seats with cloth inserts and leatherette bolsters.
The Limited trim level provides a ride in the lap of luxury with leather upholstery, leatherette door card inserts, power front passenger seat, ventilated front seats, driver memory, aluminum scuff plates, rear side window shades, electronic parking brake, and a nine-speaker Infinity-branded sound system. The Limited also features Hyundai's latest active safety features including bi-xenon headlamps with automatic high beams, adaptive cruise control with stop and go capability, emergency autonomous braking, and lane-departure warning.
The Ultimate 2.0T backs its added punch with a sport-tuned suspension system, 18-inch alloy wheels, aluminum pedals, a flat-bottom steering wheel with paddles for manual shifting, sports seats with embossed Turbo logo, quad exhaust tips, a sports appearance package.
Pricing for the 2017 Hyundai Sonata starts at $24,799 and tops out at $36,249.
This vehicle has not yet been reviewed
