The 2019 Hyundai Sonata represents a terrific value in the midsize family sedan segment. Given a thorough make over last year, just two years after the seventh-generation’s debut, the Sonata continues to provide features and styling customers want, but with the added assurance that comes standard with its 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. Once light years ahead of rivals like the Honda Accord and the Toyota Camry, the Sonata now simply maintains equilibrium with these cars, although it still has a few bonuses like a high-output turbocharged engine that may lure buyers its way.
Autotrader’s Advice:
Opting for the Tech package ($600, when new) with the SEL will land you in Sonata’s sweet spot. You won’t get quite a kick out of driving it as you would one of the 2.0 versions, but all the basics are there, along with better-than-average fuel economy. Oh, and a grand is a bargain for the driver-assist/safety features in the Tech package.
What We Like:
Solid fuel economy; up-level cabin; standard blind spot monitoring; quiet ride; user-friendly infotainment system; value price.
What We Don’t:
Full suite of driver-assist/safety systems not standard on all grades; not as fun to drive as some competitors.
Original MSRP:
$23,220-$33,000 (when new).
MPG:
Leading the pack in fuel economy will be the updated Eco, with a government-estimated 28 miles per gallon in the city and 37 mpg on the highway. Following is the 2.4-liter, with 26 mpg city/35 mpg hwy in the SE, and 25 mpg city/33 mpg hwy in all others. Bringing up the rear, but still quite decent, is the 2.0-liter turbo, at 23 mpg city/32 mpg hwy.
Standard Features & Options:
The
2019 Hyundai Sonata SE ($23,220, when new) anchors the Sonata lineup. Standard features include 16-in alloy wheels, dual folding and heated power outboard mirrors, auto headlights, blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert and lane-change assist, seven airbags, air conditioning, full power accessories, a tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel, Bluetooth connectivity, a 7-in color touchscreen, a rearview camera and a 6-speaker audio system with a USB port, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Hyundai offers no factory options for the SE.
The
2019 Hyundai Sonata Eco ($23,770, when new) is basically the SE with a more fuel-efficient engine/tranny combination.
The
2019 Hyundai Sonata SEL ($24,870, when new) builds on the SE features with 17-in alloy wheels, outboard mirror-mounted turn indicators, proximity key entry, LED daytime running lights, a 10-way power driver’s seat, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, Hyundai’s Blue Link telematics system with a 3-year subscription, a second-row USB port and satellite radio capability. Options include an electronic parking brake and the Tech package, with automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, smart cruise control and an electronic parking brake.
The
2019 Hyundai Sonata Sport ($25,720, when new) adds to the SEL’s list of standard goodies some exterior appearance enhancements and body cladding, a chrome-tipped dual exhaust, a power sunroof, seats with leather bolsters and cloth inserts, wireless charging, LED cabin lights, aluminum pedals, a leather-wrapped D-cut steering wheel with paddle shifters. There are no factory options.
The
2019 Hyundai Sonata Limited ($28,420, when new) adds to the SEL’s standard equipment a power sunroof, LED taillights, dual-zone automatic climate control, a 6-way power front passenger seat, memory for driver’s seat and outboard mirrors, ventilated front seats, adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, Dynamic Bending headlights, auto high beams, leather seating, wood-grain interior accents and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. An Ultimate package includes options like rear parking sensors, a navigation system with an 8-in touchscreen, an upgraded Infinity audio system, panoramic sunroof and rear window sunshades.
The
2019 Hyundai Sonata Limited 2.0 ($32,820, when new) builds on the Limited’s standard features plus all of the gear in the Limited’s Ultimate package.
Safety:
Blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert and lane-change assist is standard in every 2019 Hyundai Sonata. In addition to the usual six airbags found in most vehicles, the Sonata provides a driver’s-knee airbag. Only the top-of-the-line Limited gets the full array of driver-assist/safety features (lane-keeping assist, smart cruise control and automatic emergency braking) as standard equipment. It also has, as standard, rear-parking sensors and automatic high beams. Both the Limited and Limited 2.0 also provide Hyundai’s Dynamic Bending Light, helping the driver see into a turn. The suite of driver-assist/safety features is available in an option package on the Sport and SEL. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gives the 2019 Sonata a Top Safety Pick Plus award, while in government crash tests it received the highest total of five stars for overall safety.
Behind the Wheel:
In the end, the Sonata is a midsize sedan. A family car. It does everything it needs to do pretty well. It’s not the quickest in the segment, but the Limited 2.0 can be fairly engaging. At the bell, it gets moving with gusto and has plenty of lung capacity to pour it on when highway passing is required. Thanks to its abundance of torque, the 2.4-liter is equally enthusiastic at launch, but can leave you hanging when trying to get around slower traffic at speed. We think most drivers, however, will have no complaint about either powertrain. It is a family sedan! Hyundai stiffened the rear suspension on some versions and recalibrated the steering across the board. We still wouldn’t call its handling sporty, but it steers and corners without drama. Inside, it’s comfy and offers decent passenger space front and rear. Pleasingly quiet, it can make you forget you’re in a $25,000 car. Its infotainment system is amazingly simple to use.
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