Name: 2017 Hyundai Sonata
Brand: Hyundai

Hyundai Sonata

RECALL ALERT: There are 4 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 4 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

Owner Reports

Worse Better

Owner Satisfaction Owner Satisfaction

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

2022

2023

Driving Experience

Comfort

Value

View all Owner Satisfaction

Hyundai vs. Other New Car Brands

See How All Brands Stack up

2017 Midsized cars Ratings

2017 Hyundai Sonata

$9,250 - $13,300

CR MPG:

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2017 Chevrolet Malibu

$10,575 - $14,125

CR MPG:

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2017 Chrysler 200

$10,325 - $13,525

CR MPG:

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2017 Ford Fusion

$9,800 - $17,150

CR MPG:

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2017 Honda Accord

$15,175 - $19,500

CR MPG:

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2017 Kia Optima

$9,850 - $12,300

CR MPG:

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2017 Mazda 6

$12,300 - $15,775

CR MPG:

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2017 Nissan Altima

$9,725 - $11,750

CR MPG:

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2017 Subaru Legacy

$12,725 - $17,325

CR MPG:

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2017 Toyota Camry

$14,875 - $17,350

CR MPG:

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2017 Volkswagen Passat

$10,825 - $16,000

CR MPG:

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

See All Midsized cars Ratings

Model History

2020-

Current Generation

The redesigned 2020 Sonata has a sleek, coupe-like silhouette. The standard 191-hp, 2.5-liter four-cylinder is coupled to an eight-speed automatic provides unobtrusive, linear power, and 31 mpg overall. The uplevel 180-hp, 1.6-liter turbocharged engine provides readily available power at lower revs. The hybrid version gets an excellent 44 mpg but delivers rough shifts from its six-speed transmission. Handling is responsive, but the ride is rather stiff. Rear seat room is decent, although the low stance compromises access. The modern cabin is marred by a counterintuitive push-button gear selector. An 8-inch touch screen comes standard and is easy to use. A larger screen comes on high-end versions, but it eliminates the radio's tuning knob. Heated and cooled front seats are optional, among other upscale features. Standard advanced safety features include forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, and lane keeping assistance. New for 2021 is the Sonata N-Line, a high performance version.

2015-2019

2015 Redesign Year

The 2015 Sonata models may be less stylish than the previous generation but it remains a roomy, comfortable riding sedan with easy to use controls. The rear seat is particularly generous. Handling isn't particularly engaging, but secure. Most versions have a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine and six-speed automatic that make for an unobtrusive powertrain. We got 28 mpg overall. High end versions get a more powerful 2.0-liter turbo that makes the car quicker and quieter. The hybrid version has the same virtues, but with the added initial boost of the electric drive. Unlike other hybrids, it has a conventional automatic transmission rather than a continuously variable one, giving the car a more natural feel. We got an impressive 39 mpg with it.

2011-2014

2011 Redesign Year

The 2011 to 2014 generation was a major leap forward in terms of style and capability. The base four-cylinder supplies reasonable acceleration and returned 27 mpg overall in our testing. We also tested the more powerful 2.0-liter turbo that gives the car more oomph and got 25 mpg overall. Controls are easy to use. Handling is fairly nimble, but the ride is rather firm. Road noise is evident in all versions, which makes the car feel less substantial. We suggest finding a Sonata with the optional power driver's seat; otherwise the seat might be too low and lack some adjustments. The swoopy styling made for challenging rear visibility and rear-seat access.

2006-2010

2006 Redesign Year

Although stability control and side curtain airbags became standard for the 2006 Sonata, don't expect this generation to provide the same level of crash protection as the more recent Sonata models. The four-cylinder engine averaged 26 mpg, which was very good for that vintage. High-end versions came with a 3.3-liter V6, which was quieter and made the car smoother and quicker, but averaged only 21 mpg. Handling was rather ponderous, but ultimately secure. The ride seems absorbent at first, but broken pavement punches through in a pronounced way. The seats aren't very supportive, but the rear is roomy and visibility is unrestricted. Controls are easy to use.

1999-2005

1999 Redesign Year

The Sonata grew larger and benefited from a much-improved interior design. The standard 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine got more power, and a 3.0-liter V6 was optional. The Sonata was redesigned 1999, gaining a more refined V6 and a quieter interior. It has a decent ride and secure, if not very nimble, handling. 2002 brought a facelift and a larger V6.

Hyundai Sonata

2017 Sedans & Hatchbacks Reliability

Crash and Rollover Tests

Crash and Rollover Tests

Hyundai vs. Other New Car Brands

Owner Reports

Hyundai vs. Other New Car Brands

Hyundai vs. Other New Car Brands

Crash and Rollover Tests

2017 Midsized cars Ratings