Hyundai Sonata

Name: 2026 Hyundai Sonata
Brand: Hyundai

CR MPG:

RECALL ALERT: There is 1 recall on this vehicle. Learn More.

There is 1 recall on this vehicle. Learn More.

RECALL ALERT: There is 1 recall on this vehicle. Learn More.

There is 1 recall on this vehicle. Learn More.

Road Test

Predicted Reliability Details

Predicted Owner Satisfaction Details

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Road Test

A car’s exterior styling can go a long way toward attracting customers, and apparently, word got back to Hyundai that the Sonata was due for a makeover. The previous model looked, well, somewhat odd.

New Models Predicted Reliability

This Car

100

0 - 100

Hyundai Sonata

vs. Similar Cars

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Safety

CR Safety Verdict: Best

5 / 5

Meets Federal Safety Requirements.
Meets all CR Core Safety Requirements.
Meets all CR Advanced Safety Requirements.

Critical Active Safety Features

AEB-P

Standard

AEB-H

Standard

BSW

Standard

RCTW

Standard

Learn More in CR Safety Guide

Owner Reports

Owner Satisfaction

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Driving Experience

Comfort

Value

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Hyundai vs. Other New Car Brands

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Safety

CR Safety Verdict: Best

5 / 5

Meets Federal Safety Requirements.
Meets all CR Core Safety Requirements.
Meets all CR Advanced Safety Requirements.

Critical Active Safety Features

AEB-P

Standard

AEB-H

Standard

BSW

Standard

RCTW

Standard

Learn More in CR Safety Guide

Hyundai vs. Other New Car Brands

See How All Brands Stack up

Safety

CR Safety Verdict: Best

5 / 5

Meets Federal Safety Requirements.
Meets all CR Core Safety Requirements.
Meets all CR Advanced Safety Requirements.

Critical Active Safety Features

AEB-P

Standard

AEB-H

Standard

BSW

Standard

RCTW

Standard

Learn More in CR Safety Guide

Hyundai vs. Other New Car Brands

See How All Brands Stack up

Midsized cars Ratings

2026 Hyundai Sonata

$27,450 - $36,050

CR MPG

Road test

Predicted Reliability

Predicted Owner Satisfaction

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$24,700 - $31,500

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2026 Honda Accord

$28,395 - $30,695

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2026 Honda Accord Hybrid

$33,795 - $39,495

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Road test

Predicted Reliability

Predicted Owner Satisfaction

2026 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid

$29,200 - $38,250

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Road test

Predicted Reliability

Predicted Owner Satisfaction

2026 Kia K5

$27,490 - $34,990

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2026 Nissan Altima

$27,580 - $30,480

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$26,810 - $40,110

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2026 Toyota Camry

$29,100 - $37,025

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2026 Toyota Camry Hybrid

$29,100 - $37,025

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Features & Specs

sedan

2 front, 3 rear

AWD, Front

2-liter 4 hybrid (192 hp)
2.5-liter 4 (191 hp)
2.5-liter 4 turbo (290 hp)

8-speed automatic
6-speed automatic
8-speed sequential

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Basic 5 years/60,000 miles
Drivetrain 10 years/100,000 miles
Corrosion 7 years/unlimited miles
Roadside Aid 5 years/unlimited miles
Maintenance NA

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Model History

2020-Present

Current Generation

Redesigned for 2020, the Sonata has a sleek, coupe-like silhouette. The standard 191-hp, 2.5-liter four-cylinder is coupled to an eight-speed automatic provides unobtrusive, linear power, and 31 mpg overall. The uplevel 180-hp, 1.6-liter turbocharged engine provides readily available power at lower revs. The hybrid version gets an excellent 44 mpg but delivers rough shifts from its six-speed transmission. New for 2021 is the Sonata N-Line, a high performance version. Handling is responsive, but the ride is rather stiff. Rear seat room is decent, although the low stance compromises access. The modern cabin is marred by a counterintuitive push-button gear selector. An 8-inch touch screen came standard until the 2024 model year and is easy to use. A larger 12.3-inch screen became standard beginning with 2024. Heated and cooled front seats are optional, among other upscale features. Standard advanced safety features include forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, and lane keeping assistance.

2015-2019

2015 Redesign Year

The 2015 Sonata models may be less stylish than the previous generation but it remains a roomy, comfortable riding sedan with easy to use controls. The rear seat is particularly generous. Handling isn't particularly engaging, but secure. Most versions have a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine and six-speed automatic that make for an unobtrusive powertrain. We got 28 mpg overall. High end versions get a more powerful 2.0-liter turbo that makes the car quicker and quieter. The hybrid version has the same virtues, but with the added initial boost of the electric drive. Unlike other hybrids, it has a conventional automatic transmission rather than a continuously variable one, giving the car a more natural feel. We got an impressive 39 mpg with it.

2011-2014

2011 Redesign Year

The 2011 to 2014 generation was a major leap forward in terms of style and capability. The base four-cylinder supplies reasonable acceleration and returned 27 mpg overall in our testing. We also tested the more powerful 2.0-liter turbo that gives the car more oomph and got 25 mpg overall. Controls are easy to use. Handling is fairly nimble, but the ride is rather firm. Road noise is evident in all versions, which makes the car feel less substantial. We suggest finding a Sonata with the optional power driver's seat; otherwise the seat might be too low and lack some adjustments. The swoopy styling made for challenging rear visibility and rear-seat access.

2006-2010

2006 Redesign Year

Although stability control and side curtain airbags became standard for the 2006 Sonata, don't expect this generation to provide the same level of crash protection as the more recent Sonata models. The four-cylinder engine averaged 26 mpg, which was very good for that vintage. High-end versions came with a 3.3-liter V6, which was quieter and made the car smoother and quicker, but averaged only 21 mpg. Handling was rather ponderous, but ultimately secure. The ride seems absorbent at first, but broken pavement punches through in a pronounced way. The seats aren't very supportive, but the rear is roomy and visibility is unrestricted. Controls are easy to use.

1999-2005

1999 Redesign Year

The Sonata grew larger and benefited from a much-improved interior design. The standard 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine got more power, and a 3.0-liter V6 was optional. The Sonata was redesigned 1999, gaining a more refined V6 and a quieter interior. It has a decent ride and secure, if not very nimble, handling. 2002 brought a facelift and a larger V6.