2018 Hyundai Sonata in Durham, NC - $15,488

The redesigned 2018 Hyundai Sonata sedan enters the market with a new look from the front, side and rear thanks to a “cascading grill,” a more assertive profile and an entirely new rear; showcasing a clean and handsome approach with reimagined, slim taillights. Supplementing the bodywork, the 2018 Sonata now lights the way with LED daytime running lights. When night falls, available LED headlamps with dynamic bending light illuminate the path and add to Sonata’s already radiant posture. The same standout style continues in the rear with sharp taillight design and enlarged Hyundai badge, which now cleverly houses the trunk release button. Chrome accents surround the daylight opening (DLO) and fresh wheel designs cap off its new look.

Available in SE, SEL, Sport and Limited trim levels, power is generated by a 2.4L four-cylinder engine. Torque is communicated to the front wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission with manual shift mode.

The new Sonata has a refined chassis with improved ride and handling. Engineers increased the torsion bar stiffness within the steering system by 12 percent, which improved steering response and feel in all conditions. Further improvement was gained with new steering calibration, focusing on responsiveness and on-center steering feel. In addition to these steering changes, the Sonata received an updated rear suspension. The trailing arms are 21 percent thicker, making them stiffer and better able to manage heavy suspension loads. New bushings work with the new suspension arms to allow for more ride compliance and yet quicken response time to control all other wheel motions. The result is a communicative, nimble and comfortable sedan.

Inside the passenger cabin, a renewed center stack and instrument panel echo the exterior’s catching new looks. The trend carries down to gauge dial design and a strong three-spoke steering wheel. Piano key buttons for audio and HVAC controls give a premium look and touch.

A standard seven-inch color display audio touchscreen features both Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto® integration. Driver and passenger alike can keep smartphones charged without a plug using the available Qi standard wireless charging pad. Sonata now adds a second row USB charge port, a nod to today’s connected rear-seat passengers. Available navigation systems now come with a bird’s eye view feature as well as traffic flow and incident data, without ever having to pay a subscription for the service.

Dimensions & specifications
Wheelbase: 110.4; overall length: 191.1; width: 73.4; height: 58.1
All vehicle measurements are in inches.

Engine: 2.4L four-cylinder – 185 hp at 6000 rpm and 178 lb-ft of torque at 4000 rpm
Transmission: six-speed automatic with manual mode
EPA Fuel Economy: 25 city/35 highway
Cargo capacity: 16.3 cubic feet

Safety features
Dual front airbags, front seat mounted side-impact airbags, dual front/rear side curtain airbags, driver’s knee airbag, four-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock, brake assist, electronic brake-force distribution, vehicle stability management, electronic stability control, traction control, blind spot detection with rear cross-traffic alert and lane change assist, rearview camera, remote keyless entry, alarm system, automatic headlights, Bluetooth hands-free phone system, and tire pressure monitoring system. SEL adds hands-free smart trunk, Blue Link Connected Car System, and LED daytime running lights. Limited adds dynamic bending light, automatic LED headlights, and HomeLink garage door opener.

Optional safety features include navigation system, lane keep assist, smart cruise control with start/stop capability, rear parking sensors, automatic emergency braking, and automatic high-beam assist.

Warranty
Basic: 5-year/60,000 mile
Powertrain: 10-year/100,000 mile
Corrosion: 7-year/unlimited
Roadside Assistance: 5-year/unlimited 24-hour

Pricing
The base Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the 2018 Hyundai Sonata sedan starts from $22,050 for the SE upto $27,400 for the Limited. Destination charges add $885.