Now in the second year of its eighth generation, the 2021 Hyundai Sonata continues to improve year after year. There are plenty of choices, with not only a regular 2.5-liter 4-cylinder but two different turbocharged 4-cylinder engines and a hybrid that earns 53 mpg on the highway. One minor demerit is that all-wheel drive is not available on any trim of the 2021 Sonata. The Sonata’s looks are not for everyone, but the quality is good.
We’ve driven the Sonata a lot, and it drives with confidence and smoothness, its level of sportiness somewhere between that of the Camry and the Accord. While the 2.5-liter base engine has more power, we like the acceleration of the smaller turbo, which has more low-end torque.
The 8-speed automatic is smooth and the cabin is quiet and modern, with a driver’s seat that’s comfortable for many hours behind the wheel. This works well with one of our favorite things about the 2021 Sonata, Highway Drive Assist, a semi-autonomous system that’s optional on the SEL and standard on higher trims.
Legroom is good in both front and back, and there is a spacious 16.0 cubic feet of cargo room in the trunk. Standard features include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity and an 8-inch touchscreen. As with all Hyundai models, the Sonata comes with a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. Hyundai also adds three years of free scheduled maintenance. Resale values are about middle of the road.
Five Trim Levels
With engine choices ranging from a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder to a 1.6-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder, the 2021 Hyundai Sonata is offered in multiple trims ranging from $23,600 to $33,850, not including the destination fee of $930. The Sonata Hybrid (which we’re not covering here) starts at $27,750 and tops out at about $36,305. The N Line, with an 8-speed dual-clutch automatic and a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder making 290 horsepower, starts at $33,200.
We like the fact that even in base SE form, the Sonata comes with a full suite of safety and driver-assist features, including lane-keeping assist, forward-collision alert with automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. But our recommendation is the next up SEL trim, which adds blind-spot monitoring, heated front seats, an 8-way power driver seat, and an upgraded infotainment system with satellite radio and Blue Link remote access.
Here’s the Complete Rundown on 2021 Hyundai Sonata Trims and Prices:
2021 Hyundai Sonata SE: $23,700
- 8-inch touchscreen
- Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
- Adaptive cruise control and emergency braking
- Lane-keeping assist
2021 Hyundai Sonata SEL: $25,800
- Blind-spot monitoring
- 8-way power driver’s seat
- Heated front seats
- Dual-zone climate control
2021 Hyundai Sonata SEL Plus: $28,300
- 1.6-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder
- 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
- Leatherette/suede upholstery
- 19-inch wheels
2021 Hyundai Sonata N Line: $33,300
- 2.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder
- 8-speed dual-clutch automatic
- Sport rear diffuser
- Nappa leather seating
- 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat
- 6-way adjustable front passenger seat
2021 Hyundai Sonata Limited: $33,950
- Leather upholstery with ventilated front seats
- 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation
- Panoramic sunroof
- Bose audio system with XM satellite radio
- Surround-view camera
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