History/Overview
In 2020, Hyundai redesigned its Sonata family sedan, lending it an almost ridiculously stylish look the company hopes will help its traditional mid-sizer stand up a little longer to the fast-riding tide of crossover models.
What’s New/Key Changes From Last Year
For 2022, the eighth-generation Sonata is unchanged, save for the elimination of last year’s 1.6T Ultimate trim level. This year, the Ultimate trim is only offered in the Sonata Hybrid, which is covered in a separate buyer’s guide entry.
Available Trims
Hyundai offers the Sonata in Preferred, Sport, Luxury, and N Line trims. The first uses a 2.5L four-cylinder engine, and the middle pair get a 1.6L turbo four-cylinder; both of those engines are matched with an eight-speed automatic transmission. N Line trades up to a 2.5L turbo four-cylinder with nearly 300 hp and an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission.
Standard Features
Preferred trim comes with 17-inch alloy wheels, auto on/off LED headlights, heated side mirrors, passive keyless entry, and hands-free trunk opening. Inside, there are heated front seats, six-speaker audio, 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment, and a heated steering wheel.
Preferred trim’s safety package comprises automatic high beams, blind spot monitoring, adaptive cruise, rear cross-traffic alert, forward collision alert with automatic braking, pedestrian/cyclist detection, lane keeping/following assist, safe exit warning, and driver attention warning.
Sport models get 19-inch wheels, all-LED taillights, leatherette upholstery, a power driver’s seat, satellite radio, dual-zone A/C, and a panoramic sunroof.
Luxury configuration rides on 18-inch wheels, adding heated rear seats, ventilated front seats, leather upholstery, a power front passenger seat, 12-speaker audio, surround-view monitor, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror.
N Line kicks off with a sport-tuned suspension and adds 19-inch wheels, trim-specific body kit, rain-sensing wipers, Nappa leather, power driver’s seat side bolsters, a 10.25-inch touchscreen, head-up display, wireless smartphone charging, a digital gauge cluster, ambient lighting, a blind view monitor, and highway driving assist.
Fuel Economy
Hyundai’s fuel consumption estimates are 8.8/6.4 L/100 km (city/highway) for the base 2.5L engine and the 1.6L turbo; the N Line’s 2.5L turbo is rated for 10.1/7.2 L/100 km.
Competition
The Sonata is one of just a few cars left in the once-thriving mid-size sedan segment; it competes with the Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, Nissan Altima, Kia K5, Subaru Legacy, and Chevrolet Malibu.
