Vehicle Review

If there's a single vehicle that distinguishes the new Hyundai from the old, it's the current-generation Sonata Sedan. The redesigned Sonata debuted for the 2006 model year with relevant styling, class-competitive powertrains and a new feeling of refinement, along with every bit of the price-feature value that once was Hyundai's sole reason for being. Over the next couple years, though, the Sonata would begin losing ground in the segment as many of its best-selling competitors underwent complete redesigns. The Sedan's passenger cabin became the greatest area of need, having been left far behind the competition in both styling and features. Last year's update carries over to the 2010 model and is meant to hold customers attention until the debut of the all-new and much sleeker 2011 Sonata.

In a nod to improved fuel economy, Hyundai has added its 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine to the SE and Limited trims. A V6 is still available on all but the base GLS model. Auxiliary audio and a USB input jack are now standard on all trims.

We think you'll like the 2010 Hyundai Sonata if you're looking for a comfortable, roomy mid-size sedan that won't break the budget. The Sonata continues to offer as much or more equipment as the competition at a lower price.

If you want a family sedan with a sporty flair, you'll be better served by the Nissan Altima, Chevy Malibu or even the larger Honda Accord. The Sonata aims more at luxury than sportiness, though it lacks the chassis sophistication of the car that does this best, the Toyota Camry.

When it comes to looks, the 2010 Hyundai Sonata is a fairly generic interpretation of the modern sedan. It is sized like most of its competitors, and it has a large greenhouse to accommodate a lot of interior space. Though not unattractive, it doesn't stand out on the road, even with last year's refresh of its grille, front and rear bumpers, headlights, taillights, and fog lights. The SE model features a rear spoiler and 17-inch aluminum wheels with low-profile performance tires. The Limited also has 17s, plus a chrome grille and additional chrome exterior trim.

Although the Sonata competes in the mid-size sedan category, the EPA actually groups it in the "Large Car" category due to its generous interior space. That means it has plenty of front and rear seat room, enough to carry four or even five adults comfortably. The rear seat is made even more livable by a standard fold-down armrest with two integrated cup holders. Up front, the environment is attractive and the materials are of a higher quality than buyers might expect. All of the controls are within easy reach, and the blue-tinted gauges are easy to read, though they can wash out in bright sunlight. We appreciate the fact that Hyundai has provided plenty of bins and cubbies to hold small items like cell phones and iPods.

One of the Sonata's key selling points is its impressive equipment list. The GLS model comes with air conditioning, cruise control, cloth upholstery, power accessories, CD stereo with six speakers, XM Satellite Radio, and 16-inch steel wheels. The sport-oriented SE adds cloth seats with leather bolsters, fog lights, a rear spoiler, 17-inch alloy wheels, stiffer shocks and larger stabilizer bars. The top-line Limited is decked out with automatic climate control, leather upholstery, heated front seats, a sunroof, and an Infinity sound system with a 6-disc CD changer. All Sonatas have an admirable array of standard safety features, including dual front airbags, front side airbags, curtain side airbags, anti-lock brakes with brake assist (ABS), traction control, electronic stability control, and active front head restraints.

The Sonata GLS offers a Popular Equipment Package that adds automatic headlights, a power driver's seat with power lumbar control, woodgrain interior accents, steering-wheel audio controls and a trip computer. A power sunroof is also available. The Limited trim can be equipped with Hyundai's touch-screen navigation with voice control.

The base 2010 Hyundai Sonata GLS has a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) starting just under $19,500 when equipped with a manual transmission and four-cylinder engine, and slightly over $20,500 when outfitted with an automatic. The SE in four-cylinder form costs about $23,000, and the SE V6 starts around $25,000. You'll pay just over $25,000 for the top-of-the-line Limited with the four cylinder and $27,000 with the V6. These prices are thousands less than a comparably equipped Toyota Camry, Honda Accord or Chevy Malibu. To find out what consumers are paying for the Hyundai Sonata right now, we suggest you check the car's New Car Blue Book Values before heading to the dealership. Although the Sonata offers an impressive amount of features for the price, this advantage is somewhat offset by its slightly below-average resale value over time.

On the road, the 2010 Hyundai Sonata is smooth and comfortable. Road and engine noise aren't very intrusive, but the Sonata isn't as quiet as the best in the class. The Sonata's road manners are similar to those of the Toyota Camry, which has the smoothest ride in the segment. It isn't nimble, though, not even the SE model with its stiffer suspension settings. In fact, we found the SE tended to pound over tar strips at low speeds, making it the model we'd least recommend. In all models, the steering is somewhat slow, but braking is predictable and worry-free. Both of the Sonata's engines are competitive. We feel the V6 is the best choice, but it isn't as powerful as the V6s offered by General Motors, Honda, Toyota and Nissan and we found throttle response to be a bit slow.

iPod Interface
One of our favorite features of the Sonata is its standard iPod Interface. A cable is provided to plug in your iPod and charge it, and you can control your iPod through the radio. Also included are a USB port and an auxiliary input jack to plug in other types of MP3 players.

Split-Folding Rear Seat
We also like the Sonata's standard 60/40 split folding rear seat. It expands on the trunk's already generous 16.3 cubic feet of cargo space and makes it possible to haul longer items like skis or snowboards.

The 2010 Sonata's base engine is Hyundai's second-generation dual-overhead cam Theta II 2.4-liter four-cylinder. A newly redesigned intake resonator and the addition of dual camshaft continuously variable valve timing (CVVT) raises horsepower to 175 and torque to 168 lb.-ft. It can be ordered with a five-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmission with manual shift capability. Also newly revised is Hyundai's Lambda 3.3-liter V6. It develops 249 horsepower and 229 lb.-ft. of torque. This V6 is only available with the five-speed automatic transmission.

2.4-liter in-line 4
175 horsepower @ 6000 rpm (ULEV)
168 horsepower @ 6000 rpm (SULEV)
168 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4000 rpm (ULEV)
163 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4000 rpm (SULEV)
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 21/32 (manual), 22/32 (automatic)

3.3-liter V6
249 horsepower @ 6000 rpm
229 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 19/29