Flash Drive

2015 Hyundai Sonata

August 20, 2015 - Behind The Wheel - Comments: 

Model Tested: 2015 Hyundai Sonata Sport

The handsome Hyundai Sonata was redesigned for 2015.
The handsome Hyundai Sonata was redesigned for 2015.

Engine: 2.4-liter I-4 gas, 185 horsepower 178 lb-ft torque

Transmission: 6-speed automatic transmission, front-wheel-drive

EPA Ratings: 24/City—35/Highway—28/Combined

Base Price: $23,175

As Tested: $27,560

Performance:

Pleasant highway ride

Nice, comfy commuter car

Adequate engine gets the job done

Efficient automatic transmission

Reasonable fuel economy—we averaged 27 mpg

Blind spot monitoring in mirrors

Comfort:

Very comfortable driver’s car

The Hyundai Sonata is available with several excellent four cylinder engines.
The Hyundai Sonata is available with several excellent four cylinder engines.

Stretch-out front legroom

Driver power lumbar

Tilt/telescopic steering wheel

Good auxiliary controls

Medium thick, nicely contoured leather wheel

High quality interior materials

Three temp heated front seats

Soft headrests

Excellent back seat room

Ample room under front seats for rear passenger feet

Very low tunnel height

Four overhead grab handles

Interior comfort and room, both front and back, are Sonata strong points.
Interior comfort and room, both front and back, are Sonata strong points.

Soft, wide rear armrest

Utility:

Digital and analog speedometers

Big rear door bins

Lots of high tech connectivity features

Two seatback pouches

Big navigation/info screen

Wide trunk opening

High 9-inch trunk lift over

Very big trunk

Flat floor

Large pass through opening

Split seats fold flat, but higher than trunk floor

The Sonata has a large trunk and fold down rear seats for long items.
The Sonata has a large trunk and fold down rear seats for long items.

Wow Factors:

Strong value proposition

Excellent interior, very roomy

Handsome styling

Whines:

Didn’t seem as sporty as the name implied

High trunk lift over

Bottom Line:

The new for 2015 Hyundai Sonata is a fine mid-size sedan with a very strong value proposition. The roomy, high quality interior is a strong point. Trunk space is excellent. Fuel economy and performance are both good, but not exceptional.