UPDATE: We now have prices, specs and a full review for the 2018 Hyundai Sonata.
The Hyundai’s Sonata is set to receive a fairly wide-ranging update for 2018. While a U.S. version of the automaker’s midsize 4-door is rumored to bow in at the New York Auto Show in April, the just unveiled home-market Sonata provides an early look at a good deal of what we’re likely to see here. Beyond its bolder exterior treatment, the Sonata remix introduces an upgraded selection of comfort and convenience touches as well as additional driver-assist technologies.
More polished presence
Borrowing a page from the latest Elantra’s design brief, the new Sonata boasts an edgier front fascia with a larger, deeper grille configuration that features a horizontal-bar insert on base models and a mesh design on the Sonata Turbo. The 2.0T model also sports a selection of blackout trim bits up front along with a black chrome finish on its lower side body, door handles and rear lamps plus bright chrome accents on the rear diffuser and integrated exhaust outlets. All Sonata variants feature revised taillamp graphics and several subtle detail refinements while new, model-specific 17-inch and 18-inch alloy wheel choices also have been added.
Also: Class of 2018: The New and Redesigned Cars, Trucks and SUVs
Hyundai says the new Sonata’s cabin receives a similar visual/functional update that brings various trim enhancements, new steering wheels, more user-friendly HVAC controls and a new rear-seat USB charge port while offering optional wireless smartphone charging and standard support for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The Turbo also has new and more supportive sport buckets up front and a shift knob that allows for easy selection of its Comfort, Eco, Sport and Smart drive modes.
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The Sonata’s powertrains largely carry over, but the home-market Turbo swaps its existing 6-speed automatic for a new 8-speed unit—a change our sources indicate also will be found on its American cousin. Finally, the domestic Sonata offers an even more comprehensive suite of driver assist features that also seem likely to appear here. The Lane Departure Warning system available on upline trims is now bolstered by Lane Keep Assist and High Beam Assist and corner-following Dynamic Bending Lights also have been added to the option roster. We should know a good deal more about the 2018 Hyundai Sonata soon.
More Midsize Sedans…
Check out our Midsize Sedan Buyer’s Guide for a look at what’s new and what’s next.
