2026 Hyundai Sonata Review, Pricing, and Specs

Car and Driver

18-07-2025

Overview
It's a shame people have forsaken sedans in favor of SUVs when models like the 2026 Hyundai Sonata are simply nicer to drive, better equipped, and more fuel efficient than much of the high-riding competition. Not only that, the Sonata lineup caters to different shoppers with different needs with its trio of powertrains, ranging from a tame naturally aspirated four-cylinder to a thrifty hybrid to—our favorite—a muscle-bound 290-hp turbo four.
In terms of handling and ride quality, this family sedan isn't at the top of the class, but it's comfortable and positively packed with driver-assistance and convenience features to make your life easier.
Expert Tip: The Sonata is a great all-around package, but it's really hard to beat the Honda Accord.
What's New for 2026?
The SEL and SEL Convenience trims are gone, replaced by the SEL Sport. A low-level Blue Hybrid trim also joins the lineup. We don't know much about it yet, but if it follows the pattern of other Hyundai Blue models, it should offer superior fuel economy to other Sonata Hybrid trims.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
The price of the 2026 Hyundai Sonata is expected to start around $29,000 and go up to $39,000 depending on the trim and options.
SE
$29,000 (est)
Blue Hybrid
$31,000 (est)
SEL Sport
$32,000 (est)
SEL Hybrid
$33,000 (est)
N Line
$37,000 (est)
Limited Hybrid
$39,000 (est) 0 $10k $20k $30k $40k $50k $60k
Budget-minded shoppers will do just fine with the Sonata SE, which comes with all the driver-assistance tech you need, plus proximity keyless entry, a 12.3-inch infotainment system, and wireless smartphone-mirroring tech.
We'd, however, pick the 290-hp N Line. But then you probably could've guessed that.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
Engines: 191-hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder (standard), 2.0-liter four-cylinder with one electric motor for combined 192 hp (hybrid), 290-hp turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder (N Line)
191-hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder (standard), 2.0-liter four-cylinder with one electric motor for combined 192 hp (hybrid), 290-hp turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder (N Line) Transmissions: 8-speed automatic (standard), 6-speed automatic (hybrid), 8-speed dual-clutch automatic (N Line)
8-speed automatic (standard), 6-speed automatic (hybrid), 8-speed dual-clutch automatic (N Line) Drivetrains: front-wheel drive, all-wheel drive
The nonhybrid, nonturbo Sonata makes an adequate 191 horsepower from a 2.5-liter four-cylinder. It's not the sharpest handler in its class—the Honda Accord is more engaging to drive—but it's still composed and sufficiently responsive. We also commend Hyundai for continuing to equip its family sedan with a smooth-shifting conventional automatic transmission instead of the engine-drone-inducing continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) that other automakers have embraced.
During our time with the 192-hp Sonata Hybrid, which pairs a 2.0-liter four-cylinder with a motor-generator, we appreciated its fuel-saving efforts but disliked its noticeable transitions between gas and electric power sources.
As for the 290-hp Sonata N Line, it's our favorite of the lineup, delivering fast and frugal fun. Late-model-year models benefit from a retuned eight-speed dual-clutch transmission and a revised launch-control system, which together make the N Line much more pleasant to drive in traffic and more consistent off the line.
0–60-MPH Times
C/D 60-mph Tests: 5.4 seconds (N Line), 7.8 seconds (hybrid)
In Comparison: The Sonata N Line dusts both the Honda Accord and the all-wheel-drive Toyota Camry to 60, and its improved launch-control feature does a better job of mitigating tire spin off the line.
View Exterior Photos
Marc Urbano
|
Car and Driver
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
C/D 75-mph Highway Fuel-Economy Tests : 39-51 mpg
39-51 mpg EPA City Ratings : 23-44 mpg
23-44 mpg EPA Highway Ratings: 32-51 mpg
The EPA hasn't released fuel-economy information for the 2026 Hyundai Sonata yet, but the ratings shouldn't change. The 2025 nonhybrid Sonata earns estimates as high as 28 mpg city and 38 mpg highway.
The thriftiest 2025 model is the Sonata Hybrid, which earns EPA estimates of 44 mpg city and 51 mpg highway. On our 75-mph highway fuel-economy test loop, the electrified Sonata bore that out, seeing 51 mpg.
The turbocharged Sonata N Line is the least efficient of the bunch, with estimates of 23 mpg city and 32 mpg highway. In our hands, though, it proved much more economical, with an observed rating of 39 mpg.
For more information about the Sonata's fuel economy, visit the EPA's website.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
First Row: We have few complaints about the Sonata's interior. The front row is more spacious than the Accord's and the Camry's, and the seats are comfortable and supportive. Material quality is also better than we'd expect for a sub-$30,000 sedan.
Second Row: The back seat isn't the roomiest in the segment, but average-size adults will be fine back there for hour-long trips.
Cargo Capacity: The Sonata's 16-cubic-foot trunk is reasonably sized, capable of swallowing seven carry-on suitcases. We also appreciate the wide opening, as it makes loading easy.
View Interior Photos
Marc Urbano
|
Car and Driver
Infotainment and Connectivity
Infotainment: 12.3-inch touchscreen
12.3-inch touchscreen Connectivity: Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility
Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility Audio Systems: 6-speaker stereo (standard); 12-speaker Bose stereo (optional)
A pair of screens—one for gauges and one for infotainment—nestle into the dash and look right at home there. The gauge cluster's dimensions vary by trim, but all models receive a 12.3-incher in the center stack. The interface supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connections too. Several trims come with six speakers, but a few get a Bose system with twice that.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
Hyundai's suite of standard driver-assistance features is comprehensive. Sonata buyers get automatic high-beam assist, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear-cross-traffic alert, and automated emergency braking. Only some camera features and parking tech are optional.
Standard Safety Features: adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring
adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring Optional Safety Features: blind-spot view monitor, a 360-degree camera system, remote smart parking
For information about the Sonata's crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites.
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
Hyundai's powertrain warranty is legendary. The company also offers longer complimentary scheduled maintenance terms than Toyota and other rivals.
Limited Warranty: five years or 60,000 miles
five years or 60,000 miles Powertrain Warranty: 10 years or 100,000 miles
10 years or 100,000 miles Complimentary Maintenance: three years or 36,000 miles
C/D Test Results and Specs
We test every vehicle we can. Data in the chart below may be for a different model year if the model remained unchanged from when we last tested it.
Specifications
Specifications
2024 Hyundai Sonata N Line
Vehicle Type: front-engine, front-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door sedan
PRICE
Base/As Tested: $36,100/$37,310
Options: Aero Silver Matte paint, $1000; carpeted floor mats, $210
ENGINE
turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 16-valve inline-4, aluminum block and head, port and direct fuel injection
Displacement: 152 in3, 2497 cm3
Power: 290 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque: 311 lb-ft @ 1650 rpm
TRANSMISSION
8-speed dual-clutch automatic
CHASSIS
Suspension, F/R: struts/multilink
Brakes, F/R: 13.6-in vented disc/12.8-in disc
Tires: Pirelli P Zero All Season
245/40R-19 94W M+S
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 111.8 in
Length: 193.3 in
Width: 73.2 in
Height: 56.9 in
Passenger Volume, F/R: 58/42 ft3
Trunk Volume: 16 ft3
Curb Weight: 3625 lb
C/D TEST RESULTS
60 mph: 5.4 sec
100 mph: 13.0 sec
1/4-Mile: 14.0 sec @ 103 mph
130 mph: 24.2 sec
Results above omit 1-ft rollout of 0.3 sec.
Rolling Start, 5–60 mph: 5.9 sec
Top Gear, 30–50 mph: 3.1 sec
Top Gear, 50–70 mph: 4.1 sec
Top Speed (C/D est): 155 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 180 ft
Braking, 100–0 mph: 358 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft Skidpad: 0.87 g
C/D FUEL ECONOMY
Observed: 28 mpg
75-mph Highway Driving: 39 mpg
75-mph Highway Range: 620 mi
EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Combined/City/Highway: 27/23/32 mpg
C/D TESTING EXPLAINED
More Features and Specs