A week spent in the turbocharged Hyundai midsize sedan
Pros:
Styling
Interior details
Engine performance and efficiency
Cons:
On center steering feel
Tire noise
Rear seat headroom
Hyundai Sonata
Redesigned in 2011, the current generation Hyundai Sonata continues to represent something of a benchmark for styling, content and affordability in the midsize sedan segment.
Given a mild refresh for the 2014 model year, the Sonata retains its 189.8 inch length, 72.2 inch width, 57.9 inch height and 110.0 inch wheelbase.
The refresh also didn't alter any elements of its "Fluidic Sculpture" design. Instead, updates in front were limited to a new grille blade design along with a grey surround to the fog light bezels and lower air intake.
Along the sides, the only change was a new 17-inch wheel design for improved NVH, while in back the 2014 model features revised taillamp lenses and lower rear reflectors as well as a new gray lower fascia insert.
So with a new 2015 model on the horizon, it's time we took one last look at the groundbreaking sixth generation edition.
Interior changes
Inside, Sonata's twin-cockpit interior retains its variety of complimenting soft-touch points, putting many vehicles in its class – as well as some costing thousands more - to shame. The surfaces on everything from the steering wheel to the door panels are executed with a variety of soft touch materials. Driver Selectable Steering as well as a tire-specific tire pressure monitoring system is now standard on all trim levels.
The cabin retains its airy feel with an EPA passenger volume of nearly 104 cubic feet plus 16.4 cubic feet of cargo volume nudging Hyundai's midsize offering well into the EPA's large sedan classification.
Front seat occupants will find firm, supportive seats that are nicely bolstered and provide excellent lateral support. The intuitive controls are large, easy to read, and within easy reach of the driver, while the switchgear is buttery smooth. Hyundai's Blue Link infotainment system is one of the easiest touch-based systems offered, with large, easy to read icons as well as redundant buttons for the major functions. Even the deepest menu functions rarely require more than a couple of touches.
For 2014, all models get the aforementioned Driver Selectable Steering Mode and tire-specific Tire Pressure Monitoring System. SE models get a sport-tuned exhaust, driver's blind spot mirror, a full leather steering wheel, 4.3-inch touchscreen audio display with rearview camera and HD radio, Supervision cluster with color LCD screen between the tachometer and speedometer, LED dome light, body-colored spoiler and carbon fiber interior trim. Models like our Limited tester receive such niceties as a blind spot detection system, automatic climate control and a ventilated driver's seat.
By the way, the view from that ventilated seat out the front and sides is excellent, although the sloping roofline somewhat hinders the sightline out the rear quarter. Rear seat passengers will find plenty of leg and shoulder room, although once again the roofline shows its limitations in the amount of headroom available.
Under the hood
The standard engine for both the base Sonata GLS and Limited is a 2.5-liter direct injected inline-4 with 190 horsepower and 179 lb.- ft. of torque (in the SE with a dual exhaust those numbers are 192 horsepower and 181 lb.-ft. of torque).
Our Limited tester featured the optional Theta II 2.0-liter direct injection turbo delivering 274 horsepower and 269 lb.-ft. of torque and features a new sport tuned exhaust for 2014. The 2.0 is rated by the EPA at 21/32/25 city/highway/combined mpg, while our observed fuel economy was 27 mpg exclusively in around town driving.
Both engines come with a 6-speed automatic transmission as the six-speed manual is no longer offered.
On the road
The Sonata's ride is on the firm side, but it's still comfortable, while routine handling feels both taught and well-controlled. Tossing the Sonata into a corner elicited very little body lean. The steering also feels more direct with better feedback however there's still a dead spot on-center.
With 274 horses coming from a turbocharged 2-liter mill, our tester had plenty of power on tap. On the highway, the Sonata's suspension soaked up pretty much everything the pothole-damaged highways and byways of southeastern Michigan threw at it.
Braking performance was also excellent and it was easy to modulate the brake pedal. There was also plenty of feedback through the brake pedal to the driver.
Overall cabin noise has been improved for 2014 thanks to upgraded carpet insulation, additional foam in the A- and B-pillars plus an additional dynamic damper. Although you can still hear some tire noise at highway speeds, both engine and wind noise have been reduced considerably.
Pricing
2014 Sonata prices start at $22,145 (including freight and handling) for a GLS model equipped with the six-speed automatic transmission (the manual transmission has been dropped for 2014) and can top out at over $33,000 for a fully-optioned Limited equipped with a turbo four.
Our Pearl White Limited tester was close to the top with a base price of $28,550. It was equipped with the $3,200 Limited Technology Package which includes 18-inch alloy wheels, a panoramic sunroof, HID Xenon headlights, LED taillights, nav system and Infinity audio system. Pearl White paint ($200), carpeted floor mats ($110) and destination charges ($810) brought the grand total to a manufacturer's suggested retail price of $32,870.
That price compares to a previous model tested, a 2013 LE with an MSRP of $29,655 –over $3,000 lower. But hold on just a second.
That LE lacked, among other things, the turbocharged engine, 18-inch alloy wheels, HID headlights, LED taillights, driver selectable steering, blind spot detection, LED dome and rear reading lights, piano black interior trim, ventilated driver's seat, 8-inch touch screen, electroluminescent instrument cluster as well as the supervision LCD instrumentation found on this 2014 Limited.
So, if anything, the 2014 model represents an even better value.
The Bottom Line
So what's the bottom line to all of this?
There's even more to like about the 2014 Sonata. It has great styling, a high-quality interior and gives drivers even more bang for the buck than in previous versions. On the other hand, the steering still feels a bit numb on center and tire noise is still apparent at freeway speeds.
Like the other 2014 trim levels, Hyundai has managed to up the ante with the Limited 2.0T. This means that car buyers looking for a roomy and dependable midsize sedan with a little more punch, that looks more expensive both inside and out than it really is, should be sure to put the Hyundai Sonata Limited 2.0T is at or near the top of their shopping lists.
