Used 2014 Hyundai Sonata

As more and more family sedans break the mold of ordinary styling, the family sedan that started the styling revolution continues to blaze a trail forward. The 2014 Hyundai Sonata remains one of the most attractive, efficient and affordable 4-door cars in the midsize market, and no one has yet to match its impressive 10-year/100,000-mile warranty, let alone its price-per-feature ratio. With a choice of three, fuel-efficient 4-cylinder engines including a hybrid variant, the Sonata can compete as easily with a base Nissan Altima as it can a fully loaded Honda Accord or Ford Fusion. Cutting-edge engine technology, such as direct fuel injection and high-pressure turbocharging, gives the Sonata V6-like power and class-leading fuel economy.

Considering it is being pulled by a 4-cylinder engine, we are amazed at how quickly and smoothly the 2014 Hyundai Sonata can move from a dead stop. The 2.4-liter direct-injection engine is a marvel of modern design, churning out 190 horsepower while returning an impressive 24 mpg city and 35 mpg highway. Of course, those interested in more power can opt for the 2.0-liter turbocharged engine in the 2.0T trims, which bumps output to 274 horsepower while still returning excellent fuel-economy figures. From braking to handling to ride smoothness, the Sonata excels in every category. Last year’s vague steering complaints have been addressed with a new Driver Selectable Steering mode that allows for manual adjustment of the steering assist. From a comfort standpoint, our Limited trim level’s seats were very comfortable, and all but the tallest test drivers found the rear-seat headroom and legroom to be exceptional.

Like its dynamic exterior, the 2014 Hyundai Sonata’s interior is a work of art. Following the exterior design theme, the Sonata’s interior is a mix of bold shapes, smooth finishes and lots of attractive blue backlighting. Features such as the Limited trim’s heated rear seat are practically unheard of in other competitors. However, while we do like the look of the rakish rear pillars, the design somewhat cuts into rear-seat headroom. We also lament the loss of the cool “sitting man” control panel for the ventilation controls when upgrading to the navigation system.

The 2014 Hyundai Sonata is truly an original that will be hard to top. From its deeply sculpted hood to the careful use of chrome trim highlighting the beltline, there is something old-Detroit-classic about this car, a throwback to a time when designers took risks and weren’t afraid to produce something different and dramatic. With its beautifully detailed grille and sweptback headlights, its high beltline and sharply raked rear window, the 2014 Sonata sedan projects a formidable presence few cars, let alone midsize family sedans, possess. The Sonata’s wheel and tire sizes vary by trim level and range from 16-inch alloys on the GLS to 18-inch split-spoke alloy wheels on the 2.0T. One of the Sonata’s more appealing exterior features is the Limited trim’s available panoramic moonroof.

HEATED REAR SEATS
While some luxury-oriented sedans and SUVs offer heated rear seats, it isn’t something you generally see in a mainstream midsize sedan. And the fact that they’re standard on both the SE and Limited trim makes them even more attractive.

HD RADIO
HD Radio doesn’t have the commercial-free appeal of satellite radio, but we have no qualms about a subscription-free radio service that broadcasts your favorite radio stations in CD quality. We wish more automakers offered HD Radio, and we’re glad the 2014 Hyundai Sonata offers it on all trims.

Hyundai is renowned for outfitting its vehicles with a comprehensive serving of standard features, and the 2014 Sonata is no exception. Topping the list is Hyundai’s Blue Link infotainment and concierge service, Bluetooth and a USB port with iPod connectivity. Also standard are heated side mirrors, tilt/telescoping steering wheel with audio controls and 16-inch alloy wheels. Safety equipment includes six airbags, the usual sprinkling of electronic safety aides and active front headrests to help reduce the severity of whiplash-related injuries.

In addition to common equipment upgrades, such as leather seats and a moonroof, the 2014 Hyundai Sonata boasts an alluring list of optional features, which consist of a rearview camera, ventilated front seats, a pair of premium audio systems including a 400-watt Infinity stereo and a navigation system with an 8-inch touch screen and real-time traffic, weather, sports and stock updates. The once-standard panoramic moonroof is now available as part of the Limited’s Technology Package.

Since both the turbocharged 4-cylinder engine and hybrid powertrain are engineered with a specific purpose in mind, the vast majority of Sonata owners will choose the balanced performance of the standard 2.4-liter direct-injected 4-cylinder. A 6-speed automatic with manual shift mode is the only available transmission. Although it is Hyundai’s first mass-production hybrid vehicle, the Sonata Hybrid is packed with innovative tech bits. Leading the charge (pun intended) is a lithium polymer battery pack that weighs 25 percent less than a conventional nickel-metal hydride system. Moreover, the 2014 Sonata Hybrid is capable of all-electric speeds up to 74 mph – better than most plug-in hybrids.

2.4-liter inline-4
190 horsepower @ 6,300 rpm
179 lb-ft of torque @ 4,250 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 24/35 mpg

2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4
274 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm
269 lb-ft of torque @ 1,750-4,500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 21/32 mpg

2.4-liter 4-cylinder hybrid
206 net horsepower
154 lb-ft of torque @ 4,500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 35/40 mpg