Twenty-thousand dollars is too little to pay for this 2011 Hyundai Sonata GLS.
This is a vast amount of car to be getting for such small money. The trunk is huge. The backseat is enormous. The four-cylinder engine makes 198 horsepower. And, yes, this redesigned 2011 Hyundai Sonata is far better than any previous Sonata.
So why doesn't it cost more? Hyundai has left the door wide open for all of us to keep demanding more and more from midsize-to-large sedans for the same teensy price.
Sure, we're being a little coldhearted. But the new Sonata has moved ahead in so many ways, it's time to write a new story about it. So this story won't be about features, warranties or bang for the buck.
Designers Had a Say
Actual design rarely happens in the family sedan class. These front-drivers are shaped and sized to meet expectations for crash performance and passenger room. The most any sedan can hope for is flared fenders and maybe an attractive set of optional wheels.
But the 2011 Hyundai Sonata shows impressive evidence of some real design work.
Sure, you can find aspects of the Toyota Solara or Lexus ES here if you want to, but when this sedan pulls up in a parking lot, your eyes are on it. Love it or hate it, the Sonata is striking in a way that other mid-priced sedans aren't.
Both the fast roof line and the main character line, which begins at the nose and flows through to the rump, represent major victories for the design staff. You see these sorts of lines in the sketchbooks of designers, but it's not often that they make it to production, mostly because the product planners are wringing their hands over the oversized melons that are part of the way corn-fed Americans are shaped.
Direct Injection Will Save Us All
Powerful four-cylinder engines usually don't end up in midsize sedans, either. But with the advent of direct-injection technology aimed at meeting higher fuel economy standards, it's a whole new game.
Hyundai now has an engine that goes toe-to-toe with Volkswagen's beloved 2.0T in both power and fuel consumption. First of all, this normally aspirated engine makes 198 hp at 6,300 rpm, close to the VW's output. It also has a similar collection of not-so-pleasant sounds at idle and under heavy throttle that are characteristic of direct-injected engines.
The drivetrain, steering and suspension feel like separate elements that never unify into a whole.
Nevertheless, Hyundai's direct-injected 2.4-liter engine outdoes VW and everybody else with its torque response. It's just not what you're accustomed to feeling from a four-cylinder engine that does without turbo boost. Torque output is rated at 184 pound-feet at 4,250 rpm, but there's useful grunt before that. Pull remains strong through the midrange, so you can take those choice gaps in freeway traffic.
You Want the Automatic
Redline comes at 6,500 rpm, but as is typical of four-cylinders tuned to give all their sweetness down low, the Sonata's 2.4-liter begins to poop out early — around 5,500 rpm. This makes the throttle-dampening "feature" in manual-shift 2011 Hyundai Sonatas all the more puzzling.
It's basically the same thing we reported in the Genesis Coupe, where the throttle closes noticeably on upshifts. In the coupe, though, we only experienced it on hard shifts at redline, so we could buy the argument that this was a measure to protect the drivetrain.
In our 2011 Hyundai Sonata GLS, which needs to be shifted well before redline anyway, it makes less sense. What's more, you feel the cut in power on every upshift in the Sonata — it's just more pronounced when you're accelerating hard. As a result, it's tough to be smooth in this car, even though Hyundai has taken pains to give the six-speed manual gearbox a precise shift action and a friendly clutch takeup.
You learn to drive around the annoying electronic intervention in daily driving, but there's no way to compensate completely during instrumented testing. Our Sonata's performance is quite respectable, as it gets to 60 mph from a standstill in 7.7 seconds (7.4 seconds with 1 foot of rollout like on a drag strip), and then does the quarter-mile in 15.8 seconds at 90.6 mph. Notably, it's as quick as a V6-powered example of the previous-generation Sonata.
But with the new six-speed automatic transmission (which has no such throttle-dampening), we're betting the Sonata would close in on the Volkswagen CC as well as the VW Passat, which are good for acceleration to 60 mph from a standstill in 7.3 seconds and a quarter-mile of 15.2 seconds at 92.0 mph.
On the upside, the manual-shift 2011 Hyundai Sonata's EPA-rated fuel economy of 24 mpg city/35 mpg highway already beats every non-hybrid, non-diesel sedan in this class. Of course, reality never matches the cheery optimism of our test car's trip computer (which apparently never dips below 30 for average mpg), but between our 24.6-mpg observed average over 900 miles and this car's supersize 18.5-gallon gas tank, we're encouraged by the 2011 Hyundai Sonata's potential for a long-haul cruising range.
We're Not Feeling It
We can imagine Hyundai product planners happily checking off the boxes for attractive design, brisk acceleration and good fuel economy. This stuff is a big deal for the 2011 Hyundai Sonata, because previous Sonatas have never had them all under one roof.
Yet as we drive our 2011 Sonata GLS, that checklist is never far from mind. The drivetrain, steering and suspension all feel like separate elements that never quite unify into a whole.
The steering, for example, is a rack-and-pinion unit with an electric motor driving the hydraulic power steering pump. This is, of course, a fuel-saving measure, and it's fast becoming the norm in the commuter car segment. But it feels as if Hyundai engineers didn't have enough time to get the calibration just so. The Sonata's steering is too light to give you much precision in the parking lot, yet the effort level doesn't come together as it should on the highway. We're continually chipping away at it on-center to keep the car situated in its lane, and there isn't much information to go on off-center. "The steering is so isolated from what's actually happening, the slalom becomes a visual exercise rather than one of feel," says our resident track-test driver.
Oddly, there's a narrow zone around 40-50 mph when the steering does weight up appropriately. If you happen to be on a back road at the time, you notice that the suspension also does a reasonable job of controlling body roll. And even with meek P205/65R16 94H Kumho Solus KH25 all-season tires wrapped around our base Sonata's steelies, the car turns in pretty well, too.
Among front-drive midsize sedans, the 2011 Hyundai Sonata handles respectably. Its middle-of-the-road performance in the slalom (62.5 mph) and on the skid pad (0.79g) back that up.
Ride Is a Bit Underdone, Too
Of course, then you hit a bump and the suspension gets out of sorts. Maybe it's just the lumpy back road, but later you're on the freeway, and there's still too much movement over garden-variety seams and ruts. The damping just isn't quite right on our GLS tester. Ride quality feels less solid and sophisticated than on rivals like the Mazda 6 and Honda Accord.
We had no such qualms about the 2011 Hyundai Sonata SE we've previously driven, so it may be that the higher-rate springs and extra rebound damping on that model offer a better overall compromise between ride and handling. The SE, you'll recall, also has a different wheel/tire package, with P225/45R18 tires on lightweight cast-aluminum wheels.
It's also possible that upgraded rubber would also translate to slightly shorter braking distances, though the 2011 Sonata GLS is perfectly adequate in this regard. Pedal feel is solid and predictable, and the car stops from 60 mph in 131 feet.
Almost There
We probably wouldn't bother laying into our 2011 Hyundai Sonata GLS for its dynamic lapses if Hyundai hadn't introduced the Genesis Coupe.
That car is for us a statement of intent — an intent to build cars that make you feel something when you drive them. When you get behind the wheel of a Genesis Coupe, it's readily apparent that the car rides, handles and accelerates the way it does because that's exactly how the Hyundai engineers wanted it. (Well, apart from the throttle damping.)
Obviously, a large, front-wheel-drive sedan like the Sonata is never going to behave like a rear-drive sport coupe. But you can certainly build a commuter car following the same principle.
A well-damped ride and precisely tuned steering might not have the same impact on a product planner's checklist as features that are desirable in the sales showroom, like Bluetooth and iPod connectivity (both standard on the 2011 Sonata), yet we think they go a long way toward making the car feel real and whole. And they invariably result in a car that's satisfying and memorable to drive even on mundane commutes.
We can't help but feel that the 2011 Sonata could have been this car if Hyundai had felt comfortable charging a little more for it. And it might just have nicer interior plastics to boot.
As it is, this 2011 Hyundai Sonata GLS is still a good deal for $20,000. But a good deal isn't necessarily a great drive.
The manufacturer provided Edmunds this vehicle for the purposes of evaluation.
Add A Comment »
sgruberk says:
10:31 PM, 03/29/2010
As 1st time purchaser to Hyundai (2011 Sonata GLS A/T w /option 02/AB), I am so impressed with the New Sonata. From my college days to present peak of my career, I have owned Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme, Nissan Sentra SE-R, Toyota Camry, Nissan Maxima, Lexus GS, Lexus RX300 and Mercedes E-class. From my experiences, Germans cars are rock solid, and Japanese cars are boring and but exceptionally realiable. (including Lexus, boring) and American Names plates ALWAYS disappointed me. (I have rented and drove countless GM, Chrysler and Ford during my business trips). For the price of the car, this 2011 Sonata has something very special. I was very hesistant with the purchase due to resale value but as I researched, I found that Sonata was the exception and the design of the car maybe polarizing but it is definitely not boring.
Is Mercedes and Lexus good cars? Absolutely!. As for Mercedes, they are the most safest car. If my memory serves me correctly, they were the inventors of the Crumple Zone and has patents but never enforced it. Mercedes always feels like solid as tanks. But for me, Mercedes and Lexus did not justify spending my hard earned money just to impress others and at the end of the day, I was not happy with the car. But this Hyundai Sonata has good value, excitement and gives me enjoyment. (I just have to look at my bank account).
I think that people at Honda, Toyota and Mazda and other japanse competitors really have to look at this car and think.
I remember when SONY and PANASONIC was the best in electronics. But now, when I go to those well known electronic and home improvement stores, the best is now Samsung, LG in HD TV and appliances. If things go as it is now with the car industry, I think that Hyundai and sister company KIA will over take its Japanese makers and may even parallel German automakers.
I say that because Hyundai Sonata finally gave me ENJOYMENT owning a car.
mungmibear says:
07:57 PM, 03/20/2010
I gotta go test drive this car..
mikemartin says:
11:45 PM, 03/17/2010
Once again, Hyundai fails to get the suspension "right" on a new offering.
The suspension of any car is akin to the foundation of a house. If it's not right, the whole driving experience will feel singularly unsatisfactory, and the best efforts otherwise will be wasted.
I won't fault the Sonata for the numb steering complained of, as this is nearly epidemic in mid and large sized family sedans, save for Mazdas and BMWs.
I simply do not get Hyundai's inability to nail down a proper suspension.
alex38 says:
07:57 PM, 03/11/2010
@ moaltar:
And what's up with "Sorry about your underpowered Civic. Maybe you should have got a 350Z or Mustang or something"
What?? You comparing my Civic to a 350Z? The Nissan is like 50% more expensive! Why not just say "I should have bought a Porsche 911 Turbo?" instead..
just playin'.. k fine, i really don't want to post any more on this issue.. We'll just agree to disagree.
alex38 says:
07:39 PM, 03/11/2010
@ moaltar:
Yep, put the bong aside for a bit and lets revisit your comment on ratings.
Consumer Reports has temporarily suspended their 'recommended' ratings for 8 Toyota vehicles in the wake of this mess. This, as of early Feb:
Link: http://www.examiner.com/x-12378-Consumer-News-Examiner~y2010m2d1-Consumer-Reports-suspends-recommendations-for-Toyotas-recall-models
Yes, I'd say Toyota is 'kind of sucking' right now with reports of anywhere from 36-56 fatalitites as a result of its vehicles. Toyota has admitted fault but this issue FAR from being resolved. Just the beginning of class-action lawsuits. My point: it is not a wise decision to buy a Toyota right now, 0% financing or not as the company still can't say with certainty that the issue as been resolved.
Link: http://www.newsoxy.com/toyota/deaths-news-12718.html
Again I'm no Hyundai fanboy but just giving props where it is due. If I was looking for a vehicle in this class, I'd probably go with a Sonata in mid-upper level trim - and this from a brand snob. Why? With runaway Camry's and Prius' all over the place, I would want a safe vehicle and the IIHS has just been named a Top Safety Pick (being facetious here..)
http://www.thecarconnection.com/marty-blog/1042732_2011-hyundai-sonata-an-iihs-top-safety-pick
On that note, Consumer Reports had the Sonata TOPPING both the Camry and your beloved Honda Accord in terms of reliability since 2004:
http://www.automobile.com/hyundai-sonata-is-tops-in-consumer-reports-reliability-survey.html
I would say its less of people 'jumping on a bandwagon' and more consumers wising up to the facts. The Sonata has a DI engine that gets the best fuel efficiency in its class,
the most horsepower (says something when a company can get the most hp AND best fuel efficiency, no?) most interior room, most trunk room, tops in safety, tops in reliability (RECENT reports for the brand - I might wait for yr 2 of the Sonata tho to work out the kinks) and a warranty that knocks the socks off the competition.
It's probably going to be fastest in class (assuming lightest in class) and the interior is BY FAR, better than the vanilla Camry and the button-wild Accord imo. The exterior may polarize some buyers but I think it is fresh and aggressive, two thumbs up here. The fact that it is the least expensive is just the cherry on top.
No, I would not say it is a direct rip-off of Japanese makers but yes, your Honda and Toyota will still sell well..
moaltar says:
08:46 PM, 03/10/2010
Sorry, I didnt mean to come off as a Toyota lover ( I own a Honda, and most likely will for many years to come), I know it upsets people (on these post) to say anything in favor of anything except a Ford, Chevy, or new Hyundai. so I'll cut that out. GO Hyundai! Thanks for making another japanese-like car thats not japanese!
Also, for the record, the spontaniously combusting fords I speak of are not the pintos, but the range of Ford cars and trucks that had cruise control wires that were "hot" while the vehicles were turned off. I cant think the exact date that this had happened, but it was a few years ago. Look it up, I'm sure you'll find it. I would Google it for you, but I'm busy with my crack pipe.
I'll partly agree with you about Honda and Toyota being at the top because of past reliability, but you also have to look at current reliablity scores. Consumer Reports is a good source, and hey, look at that, a chunk of them are Honda and Toyota (once again, not a Toyota fan, just saying).
And yeah, Toyota is kind of sucking right now with all their recall issues, but come on. You know how the media likes to snowball things out of control, and now every recall they have is going to make the headline news. ALL car makers have recalls, japanese cars included. Im sure you could find one recall from...oh say...VW, that the media could have a field day with. Its just that Toyota finally made a big boo boo, and the media wants to point that out, since their reputation has been great up until now.
Sorry about your underpowered Civic. Maybe you should have got a 350Z or Mustang or something. We all know that the Civic is not anywhere as near as good as its competitors.
I guess I'm done ranting now. I just get a little tired of the Hyundai comment post. Yeah, they have come a long way, and I know they are good cars, but you have to see that some are just copies of cars that are already on the market. And if you have something to gripe about with Honda and Toyota, then logically, you shouldnt be all that happy with a Hyundai either.
alex38 says:
06:50 PM, 03/10/2010
@ moaltar:
Don't want to burst your bubble, however your beloved Japanese companies are not what they once were..
Post recall, Toyota may still have problems with vehicles - James Lentz, CEO Toyota USA
LINK: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100223/ap_on_bi_ge/toyota_recall
Apparently, there were early warning signs but management may have brushed these aside, not unlike what Ford did in the 70's..
Oh, Toyota is bring cars in bringing anywhere for 900k vehicles for 'oil leaks'. However, Toyota is not calling it a 'recall' per se, since it doesn't involve a safety issue. Yeah, right.. Like a car running out of oil on the highway is not a safety issue.
Semantics - it is a recall. That brings it closer to ~9.5M vehicles.
Finally, late breaking news: Toyota is EXPANDING an existing recall of Tundra trucks for rust 'n whatever.. Hitting the tapes as I type so Google it.
So there you have it moaltar, your 'unstoppable' Toyota continues to be the benchmark of 2010 and beyond. (I view it as the benchmark of what current manufacturers aspire NOT to be, seeing as how poorly they are handling this recall). But back on point, yes, your Toyotas will continue to sell well~
I won't stoop to your level and hope you drive a Prious/Camry off a cliff. That's not cool..
luvmyelement says:
04:56 PM, 03/10/2010
Moaltar, there are some of us who have not forgotten the Ford problems of yesteryear. I personally will never own one because of it.
As far as the new Sonata, kudos to Hyundai. The car looks good, apparently drives well, and was given a smart powertrain.
It won't be long until Honda and Nissan are biting at the heals of Hyundai in terms of quality. I would mention Toyota chasing them down, but they'll probably still be chasing their runaway Camry's and Prius's down the freeway.
Score another one for Hyundai.
alex38 says:
04:54 PM, 03/10/2010
@ moaltar:
Yep, remember vividly the issue with Ford SUV's rolling over. Again, in case you weren't paying attention, PART of the blame was for faulty Firestone tires owned by JAPAN'S BRIDGESTONE.
As for your comment: 'Not long ago, Fords spontaneously burst into flames while parked?' Are you for real? The Pinto issue was in the 1970's fyi. Not sure how old you are but if the 1970's, being more than 30 yrs ago is considered 'not long ago', then it's probably best you ease off the crack pipe a notch or three..
Without question, Toyota and Honda had a rock-solid reputation for quality in the 90's and I was a big fan, especially of Honda. However, Toyota has expanded too quickly which has led to major issues with quality control. And Honda - have you seen the Crosstour? The hideous pile of steel called the CRZ? WTF Honda..
I've owned a '88 Toyota Tercel (issues with rust and brakes), '95 Toyota Corolla (3 transmission oil leaks), '06 Honda Civic Coupe (way underpowered) and still have a 2000 Nissan Maxima (brake and brake rotor issues). I just sold my Ford Probe GT (Mazda MX-6 platform) and has been really enjoyable to drive. Personally, I don't think Japanese companies make vehicles any better or worse than Korean, German or American cars these days..
Agree tho, Toyota and Honda will continue to be top sellers - not because they build a superior vehicle, but because of their reputation built in the 80s and 90s. It is really unfortunate that there are so many uninformed and ingorant people out there. The president of Toyota USA said he is still not 100% sure the recalls will fix the problem. There are still a number of reports of unintended acceleration AFTER people have had them serviced.. I used to respect Toyota. Now I view them as a joke..
moaltar says:
08:46 AM, 03/10/2010
@ Alex38:
Dont be a 'tard dude! Have you forgot about the time that Ford was having issues with their SUV's rolling over, and not to long ago, their cars spontaiously bursting into flames while parked? Well there ya go! People forget things like that, and the market continues on just like nothing had ever happened (well, once the media finds something else to talk about.) So yeah, the Camry (and Accord) will continue to be Americas top selling cars.
As for the imitaition comment, what I mean by that is, Hyundai just seems to be copying others and hasent really found its own style yet. So to me it just seems more logical to buy the one thats being imitated rather than the one doing the imitating. And yeah, a long time ago, the Japanese guys were copying the others, but since then, they have found their own style, and have been the guys to beat. Just listen to all the Chevy and Ford commercials.
Dont get me wrong the, the new Hyundai's are nice, but I'll stick with my Honda. At least until something else comes along and consistently knocks the Hondas and Toyotas off the top.
I guess some people have to jump on the Hyundai band wagon. How else are they going to sell cars?