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The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2011 Hyundai Sonata

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

Overview

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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.

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2011 Hyundai Sonata Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

8.7

Out of 10

Based on 482 Ratings for the 2011 - 2013 models.

Review this car

Value

9.0/10

Quality

8.8/10
Reliability

9.0/10

Performance

8.8/10
Comfort

8.9/10

Styling

9.1/10

Nice car, good gas mileage over the road

By Limey (AZ) on Tuesday, May 07, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 6,500

10 8.0

overall rating 8 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 8/10
Value: 8/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 8/10
Performance: 8/10
Styling: 7/10
Comfort: 7/10

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 7

"Overall a good value car, good gas mileage over the road approx 32 mpg in town around 22, drives nice, a little outside noise when driving on the road, seats are fairly comfortable but could be better, nice trunk room and backseat leg room. Would like the car to let a little less outside noise in when driving. My rating would be 8 out of 10"

2 people out of 2 found this review helpful

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Love my Sonata-It is my 2nd one

By Sweet GA Peach (GA) on Tuesday, April 30, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 2,800

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

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

Pros: "Sporty, handles well and spacious"

Cons: "I wish they had moonroofs on the SE models."

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

"This is my second Sonata. My 2011 had some issue with the brake switch and a few other minor issue. I always get tons of compliments on my car. It handles well, has a lot of "get up and go" to it, and the interior is great! I love all the room, trunk space, cup holders, sport seats and the blue interior lights. The only negative thing so far is that I had to have the Rocker Panel repainted. The paint was flaking off, I was told that mine was not the only one with this issue. Hyundai repainted it and I am happy with the outcome."

5 people out of 5 found this review helpful

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Overwhelmed by the power, and reliability

By Red (FL) on Monday, April 29, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 26,500

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: "Fun to drive, efficient, economical 28 to 30 MP"

Cons: "Slightly stiff on the schock absorbers,"

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

"I was always liked a big car, big engine, flashy car. I thought I would be humbled by a smaller engine car. My mouth fell open when I stepped on the gas out in the open and saw my speedometer hit 110 with absolute control. The compliments I get when I park my car at a restaurant and there is a line of people waiting to get in gives me goosebumps. It is a flashy apple red with beige leather interior that catches the eyes. I am a retired law enforcement officer and have been a high speed driving instructor, sure would like to take it out on the high speed trac."

5 people out of 5 found this review helpful

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The best car in its class - hands down

By Hyundai fan (NH) on Wednesday, April 17, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 50

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, fun, quick, nimble, loaded with featu"

Cons: "Passenger seat does not raise higher"

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

"Had a 2011 with 50k miles . Was hit going nearly 70 mph and lflipped. I walked away without any injuries and the passenger compartment was fully intact. The car was fantastic but I checked every competitor. The price and quality was not even close."

7 people out of 8 found this review helpful

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I have it for 2 weeks and I love it.

By YYMM (CO) on Monday, April 15, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 400

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

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

Pros: "Great price comparing to the competitors."

Cons: "None at this time"

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

"I bought it two weeks ago (Sonata Hybrid Limited). I got it for great price. I am getting 40.5 MPG average. Bu since I start driving it short distance (2-4 miles) my average went down to 38.5"

2 people out of 2 found this review helpful

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HYUNDAI LOVER

By SD DRAGON (CA) on Sunday, April 14, 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: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Comfortable seats, easy to drive. Good trunk."

Cons: "Front headrest odd height for some passengers."

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

"This is my fourth Hyundai and I will never buy any other brand. I was one of the first in my area to buy a Hyundai when they came out and never regretted it. As a single woman I need a car that is reliable and can be counted upon to get me around without question. Each of the Hyundais I have owned ran well with just normal maintenance and kept their value at trade-in. My current 2011 Sonata is metallic red and I still get comments on how pretty it is."

5 people out of 5 found this review helpful

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See all 482 reviews