2006 Hyundai Sonata: Road Test
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2006 Hyundai Sonata ▼
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- MSRP: $17,895 -$22,895
- Invoice: $16,511 -$20,961
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Our road test for the 2006 Hyundai Sonata includes a full evaluation of the 2006 Hyundai Sonata from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2006 Hyundai Sonata, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2006 Hyundai Sonata help you decide if a 2006 Hyundai Sonata is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| GLS, auto. | GLS V6 | LX | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 7 | 7 | 5.6 |
Four-cyl weak from a stop, lacks reserve power for confident passing. Strong V6 more than adequate for most driving. Test GLS V6 did 6.9 sec 0-60 mph. Both transmissions shift smoothly, but hesitate briefly before downshifting; V6's 5-speed tends to hunt between gears on hilly terrain.
FUEL ECONOMY
| GLS, auto. | GLS V6 | LX | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 5 | 5 | 5.2 |
Test automatic-transmission 4-cyl GLS averaged 25.9 mpg in mostly highway driving. Test GLS V6 averaged 18.8 mpg in city/highway driving, 15.6 including gas-eating performance tests.
Extended-use-test LX averaging 21.0 mpg over its first 8266 miles. Both engines use regular-grade fuel.
RIDE QUALITY
| GLS, auto. | GLS V6 | LX | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6.1 |
Sometimes struggles to balance control, comfort. Compliant over small surface imperfections, but reacts harshly to sharp bumps, ridges, especially with 17-inch tires. Wavy pavement promotes bound, wallow, particularly as speed increases.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| GLS, auto. | GLS V6 | LX | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 6 | 6.1 |
Good control in less than aggressive maneuvers. Fast cornering reveals disappointing noseplow, body lean, steering imprecision. Once in the turn, 17-inch tires furnish markedly more grip than the 16s. Steering also slow to respond in parking lot maneuvers.
QUIETNESS
| GLS, auto. | GLS V6 | LX | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 6 | 6.2 |
Nice suppression of wind rush. Engine note rises with speed, but isn't annoying. Tires thump over ridges, thrum obtrusively on coarse surfaces, especially with 17-inch tires. Clunking noticed from rear suspension in extended-use test car.
CONTROLS
| GLS, auto. | GLS V6 | LX | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 8 | 8 | 6.8 |
Simple, white-on-black gauges easy to read in any lighting condition. Major controls fall readily to hand. Cabins highlighted by soft, padded surfaces--even storage bins are lined. Still, interior panels not as solid feeling, materials not as rich feeling as in Honda Accord, Toyota Camry.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| GLS, auto. | GLS V6 | LX | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 6.6 |
Sufficient space for large adults. Good driving position, aided by LX's standard tilt/telescope steering wheel, though some testers have difficulty finding comfortable seatback angle. Thin roof pillars, upright driving position contribute to excellent outward visibility.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| GLS, auto. | GLS V6 | LX | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
Enough head, leg room for large adults. Wide door openings, expansive footwells ease entry/exit. Seats comfortable, though firmer padding would enhance long-distance support.
CARGO ROOM
| GLS, auto. | GLS V6 | LX | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 4.5 |
Ample trunk space. Lockable, split folding rear seatbacks, nonintrusive strut-type trunk hinges. Abundant interior storage highlighted by generous glovebox, two-tier center-armrest console, and large door map pockets.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| GLS, auto. | GLS V6 | LX | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 6.1 |
Sonata's engineering falls short of the Honda Accord's. It's not as refined as the Toyota Camry and not as sporty as the Nissan Altima. Its strength is a crafty combination of comfort, roominess, mainstream design, and everyday performance at a price that compels shoppers to consider it. Sealing Sonata as a Recommended pick is the presence of curtain side airbags, antilock brakes, and antiskid control as standard on every model, not just the most expensive versions.
Total Score
| GLS, auto. | GLS V6 | LX | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 60 | 62 | 62 | 58.2 |
Total Score: 61
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