Entry Price: $21,150
Price as Tested: $32,510
This week, we’re driving the new 2015 Hyundai Sonata, arriving in top class Limited trim and featuring an additional $5,000 in options. With an attractive entry price of just $21,150, consumers can count on a new Hyundai to fit their budgets somewhere in the mid-size Sonata lineup.
New for 2015 is an updated design with roomier interior and extra rear legroom. The independent suspension is modified a bit for both comfort and handling and while the exterior is also tweaked, Hyundai designers did not go overboard on changing what has turned into one of its most popular models. The wheelbase is a bit longer, from 2014’s 110-inches to 110.4 for the 2015 Sonata.
Built in Montgomery, Alabama, Sonata is Hyundai’s popular four-door sedan with room for 
five. The entry SE starts at just $21,450 and comes with a six-speed automatic. Next up are Sport ($23,275) and Limited ($26,525) followed by turbo models Sport ($28,575) and Limited ($33,525). Powering all non-turbo models is a 2.4-liter inline-four that develops 185-horsepower and 24-city and 35-highway EPA fuel mileage.
Turbo models utilize a 2.0-liter four with 245 horses that deliver EPA numbers of 23/32 for Sport and 21/31 for Limited. Hyundai’s most economical Sonata stands alone as an ECO model, powered by an even smaller 1.6-liter turbo that develops 178-horses and delivers 28 city and 38 highway with an entry price of $23,275.
Hyundai Sonata continues as a direct competitor to mid-size heavyweights Chevy Impala/Malibu, Ford Fusion, Toyota Camry, Chrysler 200, Kia Optima, Honda Accord, Mazda 6, Dodge Dart, VW Passat and Nissan Altima.
Our Limited featured the aforesaid upgraded independent suspension tuned for both handling and comfort. The result is good steering feedback and solid, secure handling characteristics. All Sonatas come with a six-speed automatic, and out Limited also featured the “Shiftronic” drive mode for more RPM control and driving fun.
Limited standard features are many and include rear safety camera, dual zone air, USB, input jacks, five-inch touch screen, Sirius/XM satellite, HD/CD/Bluetooth six-speaker stereo, chrome dual exhaust tips, power trunk, keyless push button start, cruise, power driver and passenger seat, blind spot warning, rear cross traffic alert, tilt/telescoping, steering wheel controls, electronic stability, traction control, electronic brake assist, six-airbags, daytime running lamps, fog lights, Blue Link telematics and much more. See your Hyundai dealer for full details on this long list of amenities and current buyer incentives.
Options include a $3,500 Tech Package that adds a power sunroof, Xenon headlamps, Navigation with eight-inch display, Infinity stereo system with 400-watt HD radio, subwoofer, cooled front seats, heated steering wheel, and more.
The second option is a $1,550 Ultimate Package that requires the Tech Package, adding smart cruise, lane departure, forward collision, hill start assist, automatic high beam, and park assist. I really like the safety features, but adding an additional $5,000 is not easy for everyone.
Important numbers include a wheelbase of 110.4-inches, 3,252 lb. curb weight, 16.3 cu. ft. of cargo space, 18.5-gallon fuel tank and a 35.8 ft. turning diameter.
Hyundai Sonata is a modern day success story as along with sibling Kia Optima, the duo takes a huge share of sales in the mid-size class. Notable, too, is Consumer Reports owner ratings where no trouble spots appear since 2012 sans one year for an audio concern three years ago.
In summary, and regardless of model, the American-built 2015 Hyundai Sonatas is still a Test Drive Best Buy, and when adding the industry leading 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, it becomes a Test Drive “Top Buy” in class.
Take a bow Hyundai. You earned it.
Likes: Tweaked design, more interior room, low entry price.
Dislikes: Expensive options, manual transmission unavailable, rear camera extra on entry model.
(Greg Zyla is a syndicated automotive writer).
