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The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2010 Hyundai Sonata

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Curious about the newer model? Check out the 2013 Hyundai Sonata

Overview

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2010 Hyundai Sonata Review

By KBB.com Editors

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.

You'll Like This Car If...

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.

You May Not Like This Car If...

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.

What's New for 2010

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.

Driving the Sonata

Driving Impressions 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.

Favorite Features

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.

2010 Hyundai Sonata Details

Interior

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.

Exterior

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.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

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.

Optional Equipment

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.

Under the Hood

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

To compare current market prices, check out KBB.com's car classifieds to view the new and used Hyundai Sonata vehicles for sale near you.

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2010 Hyundai Sonata Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

8.8

Out of 10

Based on 613 Ratings for the 2006 - 2010 models.

Review this car

Value

9.1/10

Quality

8.9/10
Reliability

9.2/10

Performance

8.9/10
Comfort

9.0/10

Styling

8.9/10

Best car I've ever owned, not a moment's trouble

By Frank (FL) on Sunday, June 16, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 40,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Price was rught, can't beat the warranty"

Cons: "Wish I'd bought a 6, but 4 has plenty of power"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"Only reason I'm even thinking about trading is I love the new design. Definitely, another Sonata for me!"

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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great vehicle and new engine has 21,000 miles!

By Nena (CA) on Sunday, June 09, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 111,054

10 6.0

overall rating 6 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 6/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 6/10
Quality: 5/10
Performance: 7/10
Styling: 6/10
Comfort: 6/10

Pros: "good price"

Cons: "still looks cheap and tacky"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 4

"I purchased this car two years old (I knew who the original owner was, she had decided to trade it in for a Santa Fe that same day) at a Hyundai dealership, so it didn't have the 10 year warranty, but at 90,000 two years later, the engine was making a knocking sound and they replaced the engine with a brand new Hyundai engine. Luckily it was two weeks before the used car warranty ended, so replacement only cost me about $400. but when it came out of the dealership, with the new engine the check air bags light was on. It didn't go into the repair with that, but they refused to take a look at it, in fact I never left the lot, when I went into the service office, they said it came into the garage like that, but that was not true. Anyway, I still wouldn't let a car with a new engine leave the lot like that, if I were in charge of service. The light is still on two years later, because I don't feel I should pay the $100 service charge just to look at the problem. I complained to Hyundai headquarters and they ignored me. So they missed being able to count on a good service review from me! so now the car has 111, 054 total, but only 21,000 on new engine. The car feels like it is floating, like it doesn't really hug the road, and it is a standard shift, which I dislike but Im told it makes the car last longer and better on gas. It also shudders a bit whenever I tap the brakes. So I tend to go lightly on the brakes. I have bought at least two new sets of tires since 2008, and I need to get brakes, probably. The seats are really ugly fluffy fabric and get dirty easily."

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great vehicle and new engine has 21,000 miles!

By Nena (CA) on Sunday, June 09, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 111,054

10 6.0

overall rating 6 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 6/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 6/10
Quality: 5/10
Performance: 7/10
Styling: 6/10
Comfort: 6/10

Pros: "good price"

Cons: "still looks cheap and tacky"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 4

"I purchased this car two years old (I knew who the original owner was, she had decided to trade it in for a Santa Fe that same day) at a Hyundai dealership, so it didn't have the 10 year warranty, but at 90,000 two years later, the engine was making a knocking sound and they replaced the engine with a brand new Hyundai engine. Luckily it was two weeks before the used car warranty ended, so replacement only cost me about $400. but when it came out of the dealership, with the new engine the check air bags light was on. It didn't go into the repair with that, but they refused to take a look at it, in fact I never left the lot, when I went into the service office, they said it came into the garage like that, but that was not true. Anyway, I still wouldn't let a car with a new engine leave the lot like that, if I were in charge of service. The light is still on two years later, because I don't feel I should pay the $100 service charge just to look at the problem. I complained to Hyundai headquarters and they ignored me. So they missed being able to count on a good service review from me! so now the car has 111, 054 total, but only 21,000 on new engine. The car feels like it is floating, like it doesn't really hug the road, and it is a standard shift, which I now hate. It also shudders a bit whenever I tap the brakes. So I tend to go lightly on the brakes. I have bought at least two new sets of tires since 2008, and I need to get brakes, probably. The seats are really ugly fluffy fabric and get dirty easily."

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great vehicle and new engine has 21,000 miles!

By Nena (CA) on Sunday, June 09, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 111,054

10 6.0

overall rating 6 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 6/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 6/10
Quality: 5/10
Performance: 7/10
Styling: 6/10
Comfort: 6/10

Pros: "good price"

Cons: "still looks cheap and tacky"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 4

"I purchased this car two years old (I knew who the original owner was, she had decided to trade it in for a Santa Fe that same day) at a Hyundai dealership, so it didn't have the 10 year warranty, but at 90,000 two years later, the engine was making a knocking sound and they replaced the engine with a brand new Hyundai engine. Luckily it was two weeks before the used car warranty ended, so replacement only cost me about $400. but when it came out of the dealership, with the new engine the check air bags light was on. It didn't go into the repair with that, but they refused to take a look at it, in fact I never left the lot, when I went into the service office, they said it came into the garage like that, but that was not true. Anyway, I still wouldn't let a car with a new engine leave the lot like that, if I were in charge of service. The light is still on two years later, because I don't feel I should pay the $100 service charge just to look at the problem. I complained to Hyundai headquarters and they ignored me. So they missed being able to count on a good service review from me! so now the car has 111, 054 total, but only 21,000 on new engine. The car feels like it is floating, like it doesn't really hug the road, and it is a standard shift, which I now hate. It also shudders a bit whenever I tap the brakes. So I tend to go lightly on the brakes. I have bought at least two new sets of tires since 2008, and I need to get brakes, probably. The seats are really ugly fluffy fabric and get dirty easily."

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Still pretty and running strong

By Bud (FL) on Friday, May 24, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 81,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "Price, looks, performance, gas mileage,comfy ride"

Cons: "It isn't an American car"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"Bought this car for a song Jan 1, 2010 with 60,000 miles on it. Now 3 1/2 years later the car has 81,000. The 21,000 miles driven have been 95% in town at 24.3 MPG average. On the road it gets 31 to 33 mpg depending on how much I load it down. The finish still looks new and very shiny, except for a few bug dings in the front. Florida has tough bugs! No mechanical repairs, the car rides better than a comparable Ford or Chevy, and is actually going UP in value. The four banger is more than sufficient and quiet. Tires have very little wear."

2 people out of 2 found this review helpful

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most reliable car i've owned

By jrm (NJ) on Friday, May 24, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 150,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 8/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Unquestionably best bang for your dollar"

Cons: "suspension"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"It is breaking my heart to get rid of this car. I have never serviced this car except for oil changes (approx every 7500mi) Front brakes 2 times rear once 1 battery.1 transmission flush and a couple of sets of tires. Still has original spark plugs and runs like a champ. It is amazing how good this car is due to my lack of care. I bought 2012 sonata for my wife hope it is as good. The only negative is Hyundai noisy suspension on rough roads."

4 people out of 4 found this review helpful

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