Our First Drive of the Sonata began, "That a Hyundai can compete at levels of world-class accomplishment is news. It's now clear that Hyundai is leaving no stone unturned in its quest to dominate the segment in every category, both objective and subjective. Our first brief fling with the Sonata suggests that it has the measure of the segment." We had witnessed the Hyundai's development through the years. But what did the future hold?
Next Hyundai told us V6s are dead. And for 2011 it planned to convince us by bolting a four-cylinder engine to every variant of its most popular sedan. The base 2011 Hyundai Sonata GLS had a normally aspirated 2.4-liter version. The Sonata Hybrid paired its 2.4-liter to an electric motor. The Sonata 2.0T utilized forced induction for its 2.0-liter inline-4. This was a strategic move Hyundai hoped would pay off across the board.
Why We Got It
The Hyundai Sonata was completely redesigned for 2011. Left behind was the predictable, uninspired family sedan styling adopted by all others in the segment. This new Sonata looked like nothing else in its class. Meanwhile, the lack of change from some competitors gave the appearance they were content simply with being good enough.
In addition to the new look, there was an upgrade under the hood for the 2011 Hyundai Sonata GLS. Its previous-generation 175-horsepower inline 2.4-liter received some attention. The new 2.4-liter direct-injected four-cylinder upped its rating to 198 hp and 184 pound-feet of torque. Gone was the five-speed automatic available last year. In its place was a new six-speed automatic transmission that sends power to the front wheels.
Durability
We had mixed impressions regarding how the Sonata drove. We generally agreed that our early fears of life with an underpowered, fuel-sipping GLS were unjustified. The 2.4-liter was quite a decent little engine. Even our full test of the Sonata 2.0T wasn't enough to win us all away from the normally aspirated four-cylinder as a commuter. We also agreed that while the steering was utterly lifeless to an enthusiast, it was perfectly acceptable for a $23,000 family sedan. But we had some ride quality disagreements.
Senior Editor Erin Riches did not care for the ride. "Specifically, the dampers are derelict in their duty. Even when I'm just driving around town there is far too much suspension movement over garden-variety bumps, ruts and seams, and it doesn't get any better on the freeway. Ultimately, you get a soft ride with the Sonata, but there's too little control for my taste. Mazda 6, please."
Senior Automotive Editor Brent Romans disagreed. "Erin wrote that our Sonata's ride quality wasn't to her liking. Normally, we come to pretty similar conclusions on cars, but this time my opinion differs. I certainly don't think our GLS rides too softly. It seems about right, actually, given the car's family sedan mission. If anything, I could see people asking for the ride to be softer than it is. I've noticed the suspension lets too many short, quick impacts from rough pavement into the cabin."
Inside the cabin the Sonata had a lot going on. On one side of the coin were questionably supportive seats, hard plastics and the less-than-desirable tan-on-gray color combination of our tester. Our GLS was wrapped in beige cloth, which had proved disastrous in prior durability tests. Not this time. The YES Essentials fabric seemed to be the difference maker. No spills, stains or odors, regardless of how many slobbering dogs or children traipsed across the backseat. On the shinier side was the usable voice navigation system, which allowed full use of navigation controls even when the car was in motion. All automakers should take note.
Our 2011 Hyundai Sonata was not without its problems. At 5,700 miles it happened the first time. Shift to park. Turn off the car. Remove the key from the ignition. Remove the key from the ignition. The key was stuck. Thankfully fate pitied us. Our impromptu series of grunts, flailing arms and ultimately sighs, released the key the times it did stick. But we didn't press our luck, scheduling a dealer visit promptly. The entire shift lever assembly was replaced per an open TSB and the problem solved. At the same visit our dealer retorqued the steering column shaft bolt, thereby addressing an open recall for that issue as well. Regularly scheduled maintenance at 7,500 and 15,000 miles marked our only other dealer needs.
Total Body Repair Costs: None
Total Routine Maintenance Costs (over 12 months): $130.79
Additional Maintenance Costs: None
Warranty Repairs: TSB for shift lever assembly, recall for steering shaft bolt
Non-Warranty Repairs: None
Scheduled Dealer Visits: 2
Unscheduled Dealer Visits: 1
Days Out of Service: 1
Breakdowns Stranding Driver: None
Performance and Fuel Economy
We first track tested the Sonata with 1,000 miles on the clock. Just prior to returning the car to Hyundai, we repeated the process. As always, the goal was to compare the two and record any performance changes over time.
Instrumented testing showed some variation. The quarter-mile remained 16.1 seconds at 88.3 mph even though the 0-60-mph time (with rollout) improved from 7.9 to 7.7 seconds. Slalom tests reflected an improvement from 64.5 mph to 66.0 mph, a result we attribute to improved grip from older, worn tires. The tires helped considerably less on the skid pad. Here the Sonata improved by 0.01g, generating 0.77g of lateral force.
One test showed clear degradation by year's end. We could only speculate as to why the brakes required 138 feet (an additional 10 feet) to reach a stop from 60 mph. Chief Road Test Editor Chris Walton attempted to explain. "Good initial bite, medium-firm pedal, with a bit of a plateau in the middle and then back to normal decel. Perhaps worn tires are causing near lock-up in the middle where ABS releases pressure, then reapplies it?"
Fuel economy was where we expected the 2011 Hyundai Sonata to leave its impression. EPA estimates rated the GLS at 22 city and 35 highway mpg, averaging to 26 mpg. Our average after 19,000 miles was just that, 26 mpg. We never quite met the highway figure, as our best single tank was 34 mpg. But fuel range was the X-factor here. We joined the 500-mile club several times over, 522 miles being the farthest on one fill-up of 87 octane.
Best Fuel Economy: 34.4 mpg
Worst Fuel Economy: 15.8 mpg
Average Fuel Economy: 25.6 mpg
Retained Value
One year ago we added a 2011 Hyundai Sonata GLS to our long-term fleet. At the time it had an MSRP of $23,465. We added more than 19,000 miles to the odometer and plugged it into Edmunds' TMV® Calculator. Based on a private-party sale the GLS depreciated just 21 percent during our ownership. This is noteworthy.
Past long-term tests of Hyundai products told a different story. No matter the quality or performance improvements, resale value was predictably poor. Look no further than our own fleet for evidence. Over one year our long-term 2006 Hyundai Sonata depreciated 30 percent, while the comparably equipped 2007 Toyota Camry (26 percent), 2007 Nissan Altima SE (26 percent) and 2008 Honda Accord (20 percent) lost far less value. Depreciation of 20 percent on a year-old vehicle is reserved for the elite. It is a distinction Honda held for years. Now Hyundai is closer to achieving the milestone than ever before.
True Market Value at service end: $18,638
Depreciation: $4,827 or 21% of original MSRP
Final Odometer Reading: 19,655
Summing Up
Hyundai has spent years working on brand recognition. First it was the company that sold affordable cars with a great warranty. Improved build quality came next, followed by public recognition as a true competitor against established nameplates. The introductory chapter was over. With its eye on the family sedan segment, Hyundai honed the Sonata.
When we look back on this test a few items stand out. First, this may be the most durable beige interior we've seen after a 12-month barrage of test filth. It looked as good with a year behind it as the day it arrived in our garage. Second, a 500-mile-plus range is a quite a feat, even in these days of fuel economy. But there is another, more significant reason this car made such an impression on us. Resale value.
Hyundai's resale value strategy seems to be paying off. Our 2011 Hyundai Sonata GLS retained far more value than any other long-term Hyundai product we've tested. Not only does it compare favorably to prior Hyundai products, but to the competition as well. This Sonata depreciated as little as the last long-term Honda Accord we tested. And Honda has ruled the used car lot for years. If you haven't paid attention to Hyundai yet, the Sonata might change your mind.
The manufacturer provided Edmunds this vehicle for the purposes of evaluation.
Add A Comment »
jsmit86 says:
11:29 AM, 07/16/2011
I've had a 2011 Sonata Limited for a bit over a year now, replacing my 2003 Infiniti G35 Sedan. While the Sonata is obviously a very different car, I can tell you I am pretty impressed at the bang for the buck. Leather, NAV, Sunroof, Heated F&R sears, backup camera.. etc.. I paid $26.4K for this.
The fuel economy is very good. I am averaging about 27MPG in mostly around town driving. The 2.4L 4 cyl. has been the biggest positive surprise. While it is no way anywhere near as quick as my G, this car compares very well to a couple of my previous rides; A 2001 I30t, and my 1999 300M. No kidding.
Handling is decent, if not sporty.
If Hyundai makes just a few tweaks this very good car will be even better.
> Add a Passenger Power Seat
> Add a little more sound insulation...(It's actually a bit quieter than the G, but could be a bit better)
> Put better speakers in the Premium sound systems. The Infinity in Chrysler's are better than Hyundai's rendition.
Overall, I am very satisfied. Coming from a G35 to a Sonata could have been a lot more painful.
carlos20 says:
05:50 AM, 07/15/2011
JERITAMPA
The family sedan segment isnt the one to shop for fun. When i was single my cars were
a 87 Civic SI , 89 CRX SI. a 97 Integra GSR, when i get married , well i ended up with a Accord
so my fun factor decline with a wife and two children on board.
Fun in a $ 23,000 family sedan ?. you will spend and get nothing.
bestjinjo says:
10:04 PM, 07/12/2011
tbone85,
I am the same way as you. To me a car is not an appliance. However, there are plenty of examples of inferior products far outselling superior products:
LCD outselling Plasma
Beats headphones and Bose speakers (both garbage)
Greasy Fast Food (McDs, Burger King) vs. Subway
The truth is, people who buy a Toyota Camry or a Honda Accord, etc. probably don't care at all about the car's handling/sportiness, looks or interior quality. They probably place highest priority on reliability/resale value/fuel economy, which is fair given that these 2 vehicles deliver on those fronts. The other possibility is that the same people simply can't tell the difference between any car they drive. I have some friends who simply can't "tell" the difference between a BMW M3 or their Honda Civic DX. They view all cars the same - just an appliance to get "safely" and "as cheap as possible" without any repairs from Point A to B.
The same people never had posters of Ferraris or Lambos or Pagani in their bedroom walls when they were 10 years old. I have asked my male friends who drive Civics and Accords if they won a lottery, what car would they get? It's never an Aventador or a Veyron or an F458, but it's almost always a "Lexus". There is never any point in trying to convince a Camry owner that their car is "boring" since they simply don't care about such things.
tbone85 says:
06:24 PM, 07/11/2011
Part of my relaxation in driving comes from a car that is responsive. I've rented several Camrys and I am always surprised at how poorly they handle. It is literally like a modern day boat-like LTD. It was roomy, but floaty and the interiors seemed cheap. I would probably only buy a Camry ahead of a Gallant or maybe a 200. I've found the Accord, Malibu, the Sonata/Optima, the Fusion, and certainly the Mazda6 to be much more pleasing ride/drive compromises. The Passat while not as trouble free, was a much better drive as well.
Americans buy the Camry because of reputation, expected resale value, expected reliability, and laziness/brand momentum. It would be impossible to find any reputable reviewer who would select the current Camry in a shoot-out with it's competitors. In terms of the actual vehicle, the Camry has been left in the dust in most areas except the most valued metric: sales.
j2j says:
11:06 PM, 07/08/2011
@mk40
"So ur saying that each new gen of Camry is worse than the previous... Can u please show me 1 review that has come to that conclusion?... You won't find one."
- Inside Line didn't even include the Camry in their last major mid-size comparison b/c they absolutely hated the Camry and figured it would finish dead last (which it has done in other comparisons).
But there is no need to even get to that.
Go to any Toyota board and they would say that the current Camry has one of the worst interiors in its segment and that the high point of the Camry was the generation that started with the 1992 model.
Since then, cost cutting has had its toll on the Camry.
leadfoot_ed says:
10:12 AM, 07/08/2011
Just curious. I own an SE 2.0T w. Nav. GLS was never really on my shopping list. But I noticed when I tried to configure one online, navigation isn't an option on the GLS now. I guess that was a mid-year change for the GLS.
mk40 says:
01:20 AM, 07/08/2011
arumage says:
02:16 PM, 07/07/2011
@mk40:
Are you kidding? The Camry only rides smoothly because the suspension can only be likened to a sponge. The plastic quality is poor and mismatched. Fit and finish is poor. It's the only car interior I know of that can be nearly taken apart without any tools. I've owned two Camry's (1996 and 1999), and they degraded with each generation. This generation Camry is competitive on paper, but upon a test drive and closer inspection, it's really a step behind the entire class.
--------------------------------------------------
what does that mean?... because it's cushioned that's the reason it rides well? You call it spongy someone else calls it compliant & it smothers bumps. Fact is many americans like that kind of tuning for a family sedan with no sporting intentions, but the Camry handles competently for a family sedan as well. Unless ur going to spend the extra money on the euro style dampeners it's not a bad way to tune this kind of suspension. the result is a very settled relaxed calm ride that goes right along with Camry's smooth reving pwrtrain. If u use stiffer springs &/or sway bars then u need stronger more precide dampeners or u get the loose suspension jitters.
I don't see how plastic that could be better effects how comfortable the car is to drive or ride in. There is room for improvement in the Camry... no surprise since it's been out for like 5 years, but it's held up incredibly well and it still is a more comfortable/relaxed car to drive or ride in than the Sonata.
So ur saying that each new gen of Camry is worse than the previous... Can u please show me 1 review that has come to that conclusion?... You won't find one. And the comment about taking appart the interior with tools... like ur taking about a lumina or something is more nonsense.
dg0472 says:
10:36 PM, 07/07/2011
It's like this: in five years, the five year old car with the highest resale value is much more like than not going to be the one with the most power, the one with the best fuel economy (especially), the safest one, the one with the best value, and the one that's the most stylish. Other than competition from its corporate cousin, the Sonata will still be leading those categories among five-year old cars. Barring some huge corporate scandal, the likelihood is that the Sonata will only extend its lead in resale value over the class, not see it evaporate. We've seen a more warmed-over than new Civic and it's looking like that'll be more the case than not for the new Camry. That kind of behavior is not going to grow or even likely maintain their current levels of resale value. People aren't willing to pay a premium for a Toyota or Honda JUST because that's what's on the trunk. In the past, there was indeed a higher level of fuel economy, reliability, performance, and safety. Those days are gone for now.
In other words, in five years these cars will be judged in the used car market by what's happened in the five years since they were new, not on Toyota's or Honda's reputation of a decade ago.
bestjinjo says:
10:07 PM, 07/07/2011
carlos20,
I think jerintampa is basically saying that he knows what a fun to drive car is like (such as his S2000). He also realizes that none of the mid-size family sedan cars are really fun to drive. If that's his thinking, then I agree with this sentiment. If you wanted a fun to drive front wheel drive car, you'd get the GTI or the MazdaSpeed 3, for instance.
But these are family sedans! I mean it's like saying what's more healthy, McDs, White Castle, Burger King or Wendy's? It's all the same. At the end of the day, if you purchased a $30k mid-size family sedan, your priorities for sportiness are almost non-existent. This isn't an M3 sedan or a CTS-V we are talking about. This is precisely why the Mazda 6 doesn't really do well in this class.
Compared to the bland cars in this class, Sonata looks pretty original and has great fuel economy and long-term warranty, while being priced less than the competition. That's a win-win in most people's books. Let's face it, most people who buy these family sedans aren't discussing slalom times or steering feedback with their friends. They want a reliable, cheap to own car that's sufficient to comfortably fit 4 adults.
socaln8v says:
07:42 PM, 07/07/2011
I wonder if the higher resale value is more a blip stemming from the current favorable market conditions for used cars. Hasn't the inventory challenges helped all used cars command higher prices? I hope their resale value does improve but I think we'll need to see year after year performance before we'll know for sure.