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 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

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

8.7

Out of 10

Based on 462 Ratings for the 2011 - 2013 models.

Review this car

Value

8.9/10

Quality

8.8/10
Reliability

9.0/10

Performance

8.8/10
Comfort

8.8/10

Styling

9.1/10

Love my Sonata

By Mary (TX) on Saturday, February 16, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 1,300

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

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

Cons: "Passenger seat needs to be automatic."

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

"As soon as I took the test drive, I was hooked. Love the seat comfort, driving it is great, handling is good and mileage is as good as stated, over 30 in town. My only criticism is the passenger seat which is not automatic, I thought they all were. Not being automatic makes it harder to get out of since it is lower and not adjustable. We would definitely look to purchase another Hyundai."

4 people out of 4 found this review helpful

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

Ok for one type of driving, useless for rest.

By RedRockRover (UT) on Tuesday, February 12, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 3,000

10 4.0

overall rating 4 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 4/10
Value: 4/10
Reliability: 5/10
Quality: 5/10
Performance: 4/10
Styling: 7/10
Comfort: 8/10

Pros: "Comfy interior, Lots of features"

Cons: "MPG, No spare tire, Clunky mechanics, Sluggish"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 2

"I got a good deal with leasing a new Sonata Hybrid, so I thought I'd take the plunge and trade in my old, gas-guzzling SUV for a hybrid. Not really so much for the environmental craze, but just for the fun of new technology and to get some way better gas mileage (wasn't hard when comparing to my SUV mileage!). After one month with the car, I began to wish I had never seen it. The idea behind the car was great, and at the dealer I was assured that this would be getting me great gas mileage with a comfortable and feature loaded ride. The interior size and comfort I appreciated seeing that I am 6'4" and not many cars fit long legs. The seats were comfy and I liked the red exterior with contrasting beige interior. My first tank of gas lasted almost 550 miles and I was loving it! I do mostly city driving so what I was expecting was sure getting blown away. Yet each time I filled the tank, the average MPG was lower and lower and lower. I understood that city driving would be less MPG and that winter time would take a toll, but the mileage never stopped falling! 38, 35, 29, 25...down and down. My lowest so far is a 16mpg average! In a hybrid! I don't care if it is winter, that is pathetic. I could be driving a truck. Every other person I have talked to that owns a different kind of hybrid are blown away when they hear what I get in the Sonata. I asked a neighbor who drives a Camry Hybrid what the winter was doing to their MPG. They coolly responded that they drop down to the low to mid thirties, but weren't worried because they get mid-40s during the summer. They laughed out loud when they heard what I was getting. This car is fine if you are going to drive long distances. It won't get amazing gas mileage, but it will be ok. Don't you believe that the sticker is even close to the true MPG. If you drive shorter distances and live somewhere where it is cold in the winter, STAY AWAY FROM THIS CAR. The package is alluring and the promise of MPG with comfortable surroundings is tempting, but don't let them dupe you, you'll be the one stuck with a car getting the gas mileage of a truck."

7 people out of 10 found this review helpful

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

see all 462 reviews