The 2015 Hyundai Sonata comes in three basic trims, SE, Sport and Limited. All three trims are powered by a 185 hp 2.4L 4-cylinder. This engine is mated to an advanced 6-speed automatic transmission which sends power to the front wheels, a combination that's good for up to 35 mpg on the highway. For prospective buyers who want a bit more power, Hyundai offers a 245 hp 2.0L turbocharged engine as an option on the Sport trim.
The Sonata SE is the least expensive trim, but still includes heated side mirrors, air conditioning, power windows and door locks, projector beam headlights, 16-inch alloy wheels, daytime running lights, a tilt and telescoping steering wheel with audio and cruise control interfaces, USB and auxiliary input jacks and a 6-speaker stereo.
The Sport trim includes 17-inch alloy wheels, side mirror mounted turn signals, a unique bumper and front grill, automatic headlights, a 5-inch color touch screen, an 8-way power adjustable driver's seat, heating for the front seats and chrome and carbon fiber accents throughout the interior. If buyers elect to get the more powerful 2.0L engine with the Sport trim they will also get 18-inch wheels in lieu of the 17-inch ones, HID headlights, aluminum pedals, a leather wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, leather seats, automatic climate control and vents for rear seat passengers.
The Limited Trim really steps up the luxury content of the car. It comes standard with 17-inch alloy wheels, a chrome front grill, LED tail lights, rear window shades, a 6-way power adjustable passenger seat to compliment the 8-way, power adjustable front seat for the driver, heated rear seats, leather seating, wood grain interior accents and an improved stereo that includes a subwoofer.
Part of the fun of the Sonata is that buyers can option the car up with features normally reserved for big luxury cars. Optional items on the Sonata include an eleven-speaker Infinity premium sound system, an 8-inch touchscreen navigation system, a 4.2-inch color LCD trip computer display, HD radio, an electronic parking brake with vehicle hold, an intelligent cruise control system, a heated steering wheel, vented and cooled front seats, a memory system for the drivers' seat and mirrors and HID xenon headlights.
Swoopy Styling Lines
Inexpensive Base Price
Roomy Interior
Efficient Engines
Available Upscale Features
The Hyundai Sonata is all new for 2015, Hyundai having given the car a total redesign. The most obvious change is to the exterior, where Hyundai's designers have managed to make the new car look even cleaner and more refined. However less obvious is the new interior, which will likely make the biggest difference in driver and passenger satisfaction. The new interior is cavernous for a car of its size, offering more space than just about any of its rivals.
The 2015 Sonata is a midsized sedan, placing it in direct competition with several of the best selling cars in the country. Competing with the likes of the Toyota Camry and the Honda Accord is no easy task, but Hyundai's typical strategy of packing a ton of value into their cars remains unchanged. The Sonata offers a lot of car for the money, undercutting its rivals in price, while simultaneously offering more interior volume and more upscale features. The 2015 Hyundai Sonata starts at $21,150.
