The 2015 Hyundai Sonata debuted recently at a special media drive event in and around historic Montgomery, Alabama. It’s a new, if familiar take on a big seller for the automaker — with an upgraded engine, improved overall technology and an aesthetic makeover that freshens the face without messing too much with the mix.
Available in four trim levels (SE, Sport, ECO, Limited and Sport 2.OT), the latest incarnation sells for between $21,150 and $28,575. Whether buyers snag a Sonata at a more entry stage level or fully kitted out, they end up with a comfortable, spacious four door ride averaging a city mpg of 25 and highway of 37. The Sonata offers safety, reliability and a decent cache of techno capabilities for its price tag.
The car feels grounded and well-balanced. The suspension is gentle and forgiving, and there’s some give in the steering wheel — both signs of a vehicle confidently designed for general consumer use. The ride of such a car is not meant to be memorable. It’s supposed to be carefree.
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All of those quality are reflected in the Sonata’s impressive suite of technological enhancements and options. For a car aimed squarely at sale prices under $30,000, you get remote keyless power door locks, cruise control, power windows, power seats, remote trunk release, on-steering wheel audio and cruise controls, tilt/telescopic steering wheel, electronic power steering, a six speaker sound system, AM/FM/CD/Satellite entertainment and full Bluetooth compatibility. There simply aren’t a lot of creature comforts this Sonata fails to provide with its modest price tag.
While its executives would never admit it on the record or wave a red flag at any bulls, Hyundai is aiming this new Sonata squarely at Toyota and its Camry. The Korean automaker may not have the raw construction capability to crank out enough cars to match the Camry’s insane sales numbers yet, but Hyundai is certainly charging hard for a shot at the title with a car that is everything the Camry is — with a bit more thrown in to sweeten the deal.
