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2011 Hyundai Sonata

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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.

KBB Expert Ratings

Overall Rating

8.1
Driving Dynamics

7.8
Comfort & Convenience

8.1
Design: Interior & Exterior

8.6
Value

7.7
Safety

9.3

How It Ranks

#8

out of 28

Fuel Economy

#4

out of 30

Horsepower

View all rankings

Consumer Rating

4.5 out of 5

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consumer ratings

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

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

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

Pricing Notes

A base 2011 Hyundai Sonata GLS has a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of just under $20,000. Stepping up to the automatic transmission adds $1,000. Opting for the sportier, paddle shifter-equipped SE trim will bring the cost closer to $23,000, while the range-topping Limited edges in at just over $28,000 when fully loaded. Compared to most of its competitors in the mid-size sedan segment, the Sonata falls on the lower side of the pricing spectrum, right in line with its "value pricing" philosophy. In terms of projected resale value, the Sonata has climbed its way into the top half of the class.

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2011 Hyundai Sonata Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

4.5

Out of 5

Based on 382 Ratings for the 2011 - 2012 Hyundai Sonata models.

Review this car

Value

4.5/5

Quality

4.4/5
Reliability

4.6/5

Performance

4.3/5
Comfort

4.4/5

Styling

4.6/5

Little money BIG bang!

By accountant (TX) on Thursday, February 09, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 21,500

5 5.0

overall rating 5 of 5rating details

Reviewer Ratings

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

Pros: "Bluetooth is incredible!"

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

"I took a chance and went from a much higher priced vehicle based on things I'd heard from mechanics and based on the new design. This car has a much smoother ride and more pickup than my partner's 2011 Acura TSX. The cabin is quiet and the car handles like a dream."

3 people out of 4 found this review helpful

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Best hybrid on the road

By JimmyD (MO) on Wednesday, February 08, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 17,000

5 5.0

overall rating 5 of 5rating details

Reviewer Ratings

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

Pros: "Good MPG, comfortable, stylish, smooth ride"

Cons: "Cost, no spare tire, proximity key"

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

"I really like this car. This is our second hybrid. Our first, a Honda Insight, got great gas mileage but left a lot to be desired. And it is out second Sonata. I sold our first (2003, 170,000 miles) to a friend after loaning it to him - he didn't want to part with it. The first Sonata never has a wrench taken to it (other than routine maintenance at 120,000 and oil changes and fluids). I hope the second does as well. While the first Sonata was a decent car, this one is exceptional. Very comfortable, very smooth ride, very stylish, great sound system, integrated BlueTooth works well. I get a lot of compliments with it and people don't even realize it's a hybrid. And while it's not the quickest off the line, it zips in and out of traffic once you are up to speed. The electric motor gives that extra boost when needed. And I have got up to 43 MPG with a good tail wind, but usually average 35 MPG (I tend to drive fast). I did have to take it in at 16,000 for the CEL issue, which we only experienced once. They fixed it right away and it handles even better since then (software update also remedied some performance issues). The problem now is that my wife wants me to leave the car with her. So next month I will be headed back to the dealer to see about picking up another one. And ours came with a proximity key, which I don't care for. Once I accidentally left it running for over an hour because it is so quiet. If you are not paying attention and do something wrong (like try to turn it off when it is not in park) it keeps running. It makes different tones and the error tone is not distinct or loud enough. I would prefer a regular key - there is no question when that is off."

3 people out of 3 found this review helpful

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