why ads?

Popular at KBB.com

The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2011 Hyundai Sonata

Please enter a valid mileage

View all 65 photos

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

Overview

Trading in or Selling? Know where you stand with the most up-to-date Kelley Blue Book Value at your fingertips. See your car's value

Buying this car?

2011 Hyundai Sonata Review

By KBB.com Editors

KBB Expert Rating: 8.1

Until the arrival of the previous Sonata, Hyundai's mid-size sedan had never offered much more than a low price and long warranty. But the fifth-generation Sonata, introduced in 2005, was a giant leap forward for Hyundai and kicked off its recent rise to respectability. The latest Sonata, all-new for 2011, has been nothing short of a towering home run with critics and consumers alike. Beneath maybe the most stylish sheetmetal in the segment (the Suzuki Kizashi is pretty sharp), the 2011 Hyundai Sonata combines a well-appointed interior, world-class powertrain and newfound levels of quality. Last three words: An instant favorite.

You'll Like This Car If...

By most relevant measures, the 2011 Hyundai Sonata is among the best mid-size sedans you can buy. You won't find a more compelling combination of style, value and quality in the category.

You May Not Like This Car If...

The 2011 Hyundai Sonata isn't as tech-savvy as the Ford Fusion, doesn't ride as smoothly as the Toyota Camry or Chevy Malibu and doesn't offer the meticulous refinement of the Honda Accord. And until the turbo model bows, it can't match the power of its competitors' V6 models.

What's New for 2011

There's a new mainstream mid-size sedan in town, and it's going to force Honda and Toyota to step up their games.

Driving the Sonata

Driving Impressions The 2011 Hyundai Sonata first impressed us with how smoothly and swiftly it pulls away from a stop, feeling refined and V6-like. Given the Sonata's exceptional fuel economy and that...

many other fuel-sipping standouts are annoyingly stingy in their pedal response, the Sonata's eagerness is refreshing. The responsiveness continues around town, with direct steering and brake feel. It's not as smooth or quiet on the highway as the Chevy Malibu, but we spent several hours in the 2011 Hyundai Sonata's front seats and found it comfortable throughout. And while the powertrain shines on surface streets, the engine works as hard in highway passing situations as do other good four-cylinders. Overall, we count the 2011 Hyundai Sonata's mix of ride, handling and feel as one of its many strong suits.

Favorite Features

Heated rear seats
While some luxury-oriented sedans and SUVs offer this feature, it isn't something you generally see in an affordable mid-size sedan. And the fact that they're standard on the Limited trim makes them even more attractive.

HD Radio
HD Radio doesn't have the commercial-free selection of satellite radio, but it sounds better and it's free. We wish more automakers offered HD Radio, and we're glad the 2011 Hyundai Sonata offers it on all trims.

2011 Hyundai Sonata Details

2011 Hyundai Sonata Dashboard, center console, gear shifter view photo

Interior

The inside of the Sonata is a mixture of bold shapes and finishes, both welcome additions in a segment where plain vanilla is the norm. We're particularly fond of the dash and doors in two-tone form, which adds extra visual panache. What to look out for? The rakish roofline does wonders for the Sonata's profile, but hinders rear headroom.

Exterior

2011 Hyundai Sonata Front low 5/8 angle view photo

The 2011 Hyundai Sonata is a study in dynamic, sculptural lines that give the car a decidedly up-market look – accented by a healthy dose of chrome that includes a big, shiny grille. Accentuating all of this bling is the Sonata's high beltline and sloping roofline, which give the sedan a sleek, coupe-like profile. Depending on trim, Sonata offers a choice of 16-, 17- or 18-inch wheels.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

Hyundai prides itself on offering vehicles chock-full of standard features, and the 2011 Sonata is no exception. Headliners on the standard equipment list include Bluetooth phone connectivity, iPod/USB music integration and steering wheel-mounted audio/cruise controls. An impressive array of standard safety equipment includes six airbags and electronic stability control. Like many of its competitors, the base-priced 2011 Hyundai Sonata is saddled with covered steel wheels and a six-speed manual transmission.

Optional Equipment

In addition to common upgrades like a moonroof and leather seats, the 2011 Hyundai Sonata extras list includes a touchscreen navigation system, backup camera, pushbutton entry and start, multiple premium audio systems and XM Satellite Radio/traffic/weather.

Under the Hood

A turbocharged four-cylinder engine and hybrid powertrain will join the lineup for the 2012 model year, but the 2011 Hyundai Sonata is offered only with the most powerful, most fuel-efficient four-cylinder (non-turbo) in the category. The 2.4-liter engine with direct injection is mated to either a six-speed manual (in GLS trim only) or a six-speed automatic transmission.

2.4-liter in-line four cylinder
190-200 Horsepower @ 6300 rpm (varies by trim and state)
184-186 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4250 rpm (varies by trim)
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 22/35

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.

Trading in or Selling? Know where you stand with the most up-to-date Kelley Blue Book Value at your fingertips. See your car's value

Buying this car?

2011 Hyundai Sonata Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

8.6

Out of 10

Based on 497 Ratings for the 2011 - 2013 models.

Review this car

Value

8.9/10

Quality

8.8/10
Reliability

9.0/10

Performance

8.7/10
Comfort

8.8/10

Styling

9.1/10

Two years + owner no issues

By DR14 (WA) on Saturday, July 27, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 27,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

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

Pros: "Good price and MPG and the 100K warranty"

Cons: "No power, cheap plastic interior design"

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

"I have a 2011 Sonata. I agree with some of the other reviews in that my sonata does not have a lot of power and the transmission does shift hard. In fact, when I first got it, I was back at the dealer within a week asking them to look at the transmission because of the hard shifting and they said it was fine. Two + years later I still have it and have had no problems at all just one recall for a tail light switch or what not. I have kept up with the maintenance as recommended. I would consider buying another sonata. I read many low rating reviews and in all fairness, I believe that it's very possible to get a lemon from the dealer. That can happen with almost any model vehicle. Before my sonata I had Toyota that had many major issues. My point is I hope to not get a lemon on my next car purchase. One major selling point for me was the 100K warranty and the 35 MPG on the highway. I needed to drive long distances once a month to pickup my kids and I wanted a car with good gas mileage. I don't actually get 35 MPG but pretty darn close."

2 people out of 4 found this review helpful

Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse

Rough ride and low passenger seat

By VanessaRS (CA) on Friday, July 19, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 15,000

10 4.0

overall rating 4 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 4/10
Value: 6/10
Reliability: 6/10
Quality: 6/10
Performance: 2/10
Styling: 6/10
Comfort: 5/10

Pros: "Nice interior and sleek look"

Cons: "Poor shifting and the passenger seat is not adjust"

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

"Our Sonata hybrid has the roughest ride of a hybrid that I have ever had. The gear shifting in the lower gears is awful. We are barely getting more that 25 mpg. Also the passenger seat is so low and is not adjustable."

3 people out of 3 found this review helpful

Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse

great car for the money

By longlslander (NY) on Wednesday, July 17, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 20,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

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

Pros: "mpg, comfort, plenty of power roomy"

Cons: "blindspots"

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

"great car for the money, I have been driving for little more than a year now and this is great car. have plenty of power and save me lots of money on gas I get about 450miles for full tanks. our family made few long distance trips with this car and it was very comfortable. my only problem is that the car has some blind spots in the front. I guess that is due to side airbags. but other than that the car is very good around."

4 people out of 4 found this review helpful

Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse

Amazing vehicle

By Jim (MD) on Tuesday, July 16, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 31,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

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

Pros: "great price, great mileage, excellent appearance"

Cons: "none identified in the first year"

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

"Purchased this car as a commuter vehicle and have not been in the least dissappointed. I travel 56 miles one way every day and the vehicle is comfortable and rides well. Handling in all weather has been solid, all around gas milage including weekend city driving is 32 to 33 mpg. Long trip to VA I got 37 for the trip. Overall you can spend more for a car but it will be difficult to get a better value."

3 people out of 3 found this review helpful

Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse

one of the worst cars I have ridden in

By terry (NJ) on Sunday, July 14, 2013

I don't own this car

10 5.0

overall rating 5 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 5/10
Value: 6/10
Reliability: Not Rated
Quality: 5/10
Performance: 5/10
Styling: 2/10
Comfort: 2/10

Pros: "none"

Cons: "passenger visibility, lack of support and padding"

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

"We rented a Sonata for a vacation with family. My husband said it did not handle curves very well, otherwise drives OK. The biggest problem was comfort. The front passenger seat is so low that the passenger (about 5' 3") cannot see well to the front or side. Scenery was what we wanted to see. Visibility out the back side windows was only slightly better and the lack of support and padding on the cloth seats was something else again. It felt like you were sitting in a hole. I cannot imagine why someone thought this was good design."

3 people out of 4 found this review helpful

Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse

Electronics problematic

By Margie (NC) on Wednesday, July 03, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 20,424

10 5.0

overall rating 5 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 5/10
Value: 8/10
Reliability: 8/10
Quality: 6/10
Performance: 8/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "Beauty, mileage, comfort"

Cons: "Electronics drive me nuts"

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

"The car is beautiful and comfortable but the electronics suck. They work ok for a few days and then won't work correctly. Back-up camera often will not come on. My Iphone pairs intermittently. Each time I get an oil change I complain. I have taken it to trade it twice and backed out. I could wait until I have 36,000 miles and then when I take it in, it can get fixed as I will be paying. I would never recommend this car to anyone."

3 people out of 8 found this review helpful

Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse

See all 497 reviews