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2007 Hyundai Sonata Full Review
Date Published: 7/31/08
Also in the 2007 Hyundai Sonata Review:
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2007 Hyundai Sonata Review
This is the smaller of Hyundai's two midsize sedans. Sonata comes in GLS, SE, and top-line Limited trims. The GLS has a 162-hp 4-cyl. SE and Limited have a 235-hp V6. The GLS offers a choice of 5-speed manual transmission or 4-speed automatic. SE and Limited use a 5-speed automatic. ABS and traction/antiskid control are standard. So are front side airbags and curtain side airbags. The Limited includes leather upholstery with heated front seats and automatic climate control.
Competition
Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. Midsize Cars represent the heart of the U.S. car market. Most are price-sensitive, conservatively designed, family oriented sedans and wagons.
Our Best Buys include Honda Accord and Toyota Camry. Our Recommended picks are the Ford Fusion, Hyundai Sonata, Mercury Milan, and Saturn Aura.
New or significantly redesigned models include the Saturn Aura.
Our Best Buys include Honda Accord and Toyota Camry. Our Recommended picks are the Ford Fusion, Hyundai Sonata, Mercury Milan, and Saturn Aura.
New or significantly redesigned models include the Saturn Aura.
News
Though still a newbie, Sonata is in for a few near-term changes. For example, Hyundai says XM satellite radio with a free three-month subscription will standard by early 2007. The company also says it's considering an optional navigation system for Sonata, but won't say if or when it would be available.
Currently, only V6 Sonatas are built at Hyundai's Alabama plant, the first U.S. factory for a South Korean automaker. Four-cylinder models will still be imported. Hyundai says it will eventually build some 4-cyl Sonatas in Alabama, but will continue to source the engine from Korea.
Currently, only V6 Sonatas are built at Hyundai's Alabama plant, the first U.S. factory for a South Korean automaker. Four-cylinder models will still be imported. Hyundai says it will eventually build some 4-cyl Sonatas in Alabama, but will continue to source the engine from Korea.
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2007 Hyundai Sonata Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Ride | Automatic-transmission performance |
| Quietness | Steering/handling (16-inch tires) |
| Instruments/controls | Small trunk opening |
| Standard antilock brakes and traction and stability control | |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
Four-cyl weak from a stop, lacks reserve power for confident passing. Strong V6 more than adequate for most driving. Test SE 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.
| GLS, auto. | SE | Limited | Class Average |
| 4 | 7 | 7 | 5.9 |
Four-cyl weak from a stop, lacks reserve power for confident passing. Strong V6 more than adequate for most driving. Test SE 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
Test automatic-transmission GLS averaged 25.9 mpg in mostly highway driving. Test SE averaged 18.8 mpg in city/highway driving, 15.6 including gas-eating performance tests. Extended-use-test 2006 LX averaged 20.9 mpg over 11,170 miles. Both engines use regular-grade fuel.
| GLS, auto. | SE | Limited | Class Average |
| 6 | 5 | 5 | 5.1 |
Test automatic-transmission GLS averaged 25.9 mpg in mostly highway driving. Test SE averaged 18.8 mpg in city/highway driving, 15.6 including gas-eating performance tests. Extended-use-test 2006 LX averaged 20.9 mpg over 11,170 miles. Both engines use regular-grade fuel.
Ride Quality
Sometimes struggles to balance control, comfort. Compliant over small surface imperfections, but reacts harshly to sharp bumps, ridges, especially V6 models with standard 17-inch tires. Wavy pavement promotes bound, wallow, particularly as speed increases.
| GLS, auto. | SE | Limited | 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 V6 models with standard 17-inch tires. Wavy pavement promotes bound, wallow, particularly as speed increases.
Steering/Handling/Braking
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.
| GLS, auto. | SE | Limited | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 6 | 6.2 |
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
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.
| GLS, auto. | SE | Limited | 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
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. Interior panels, materials a near match for Honda Accord, Toyota Camry.
| GLS, auto. | SE | Limited | Class Average |
| 8 | 8 | 8 | 6.7 |
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. Interior panels, materials a near match for Honda Accord, Toyota Camry.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)
Sufficient space for large adults. Good driving position, aided by Limited'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.
| GLS, auto. | SE | Limited | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 6.8 |
Sufficient space for large adults. Good driving position, aided by Limited'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)
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.
| GLS, auto. | SE | Limited | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5.1 |
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
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.
| GLS, auto. | SE | Limited | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 4.8 |
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
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.
| GLS, auto. | SE | Limited | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 6.3 |
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. | SE | Limited | Class Average |
| 60 | 62 | 62 | 59.2 |
Scores for all Midsize Cars
| Low Score | 47 | |
| Average Score | 59 | |
| High Score | 69 |
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2007 Hyundai Sonata Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 12/07/2006
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
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| GLS 4-door sedan, manual | $17,345 | $16,218 | $600 |
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| GLS 4-door sedan, automatic | $18,445 | $17,246 | $600 |
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| SE 4-door sedan, automatic | $21,345 | $19,744 | $600 |
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| Limited 4-door sedan, automatic | $23,345 | $21,373 | $600 |
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's
manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker.
Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are
what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options.
The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price
and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently
throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's
window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national
manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings
may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
GLS
Powertrain
2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine, 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability, traction control.
Safety
Dual front airbags, front side airbags, curtain side airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, brake assist, antiskid system, tire-pressure monitor.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning, interior air filter, power steering, tilt leather-wrapped steering wheel, cruise control, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, center console, cupholders, split folding rear seat, heated power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/CD/MP3 player, satellite radio, digital clock, tachometer, illuminated visor mirrors, map lights, variable-intermittent wipers, rear defogger.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, 215/60R16 tires, wheel covers.
SE adds to GLS:
Powertrain
3.3-liter V6 engine, 5-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Steering wheel radio controls, driver-seat lumbar adjustment, trip computer, automatic headlights.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Fog lights, 225/50R17 tires, alloy wheels.
Limited adds to SE:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Automatic climate control, tilt/telescope steering wheel, leather upholstery, heated front seats, 8-way power driver seat, automatic day/night rearview mirror, universal garage door opener.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
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Premium Pkg.
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SE
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$1,950
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$1,755
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Preferred Pkg. plus power sunroof, AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer, upgraded sound system.
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Premium Plus Pkg.
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GLS automatic
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$1,400
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$1,261
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Power sunroof, power driver seat w/lumbar adjustment, steering wheel radio controls, trip computer, automatic headlights, unique interior and exterior trim.
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Premium Sport Pkg.
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GLS
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$1,700
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$1,531
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Premium Plus Pkg. plus 225/50R17 tires, alloy wheels.
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Preferred Pkg.
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SE
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$550
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$495
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Power driver seat, automatic day/night rearview mirror, universal garage door opener.
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Ultimate Pkg.
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Limited
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$1,750
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$1,575
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Power sunroof, Infinity AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer.
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Comfort and Convenience Features |
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Cargo mat
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GLS, Limited, SE
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$90
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$72
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Floormats
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GL
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$85
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$58
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Appearance and Miscellaneous |
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Mud guards
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GLS, Limited, SE
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$75
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$59
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Special paint
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GLS, Limited, SE
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$200
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$180
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Locate a Dealer
Get a FREE Price Quote:
2007 Hyundai Sonata Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | Hyundai Sonata 4-door sedan |
| Wheelbase, in. | 107.4 |
| Overall Length, in. | 188.9 |
| Overall Width, in. | 72.1 |
| Overall Height, in. | 58.0 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 3253 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 16.3 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 17.7 |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 40.1 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 43.7 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 38.2 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 37.4 |
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
| dohc I4 | dohc V6 | |
| Size, liters/cu. in. | 2.4 /144 | 3.3 /204 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 162 @ 5800 | 235 @ 6000 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 164 @ 4250 | 226 @ 3500 |
| Availability | Standard | Standard |
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EPA City / highway mpg
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| 5-speed manual | 24/34 | --/-- |
| 4-speed automatic | 24/33 | --/-- |
| 5-speed automatic | --/-- | 20/30 |
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft;
dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders;
V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions
per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--"
= measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
 Antilock Brakes Traction Control Antiskid System |
Front Side Airbags Curtain Side Airbags Rear Side Airbags |
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | Hyundai Sonata 4-door sedan |
| Front Impact, Driver | 5 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 5 |
| Rollover Resistance | 4 |
| Side Impact, Driver | 5 |
| Side Impact, Rear Passenger | 5 |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's
worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to
rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury:
5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact
crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%;
1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover
when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%;
2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
| Class | Years/Miles | Comments |
| Powertrain | 10/100,000 | -- |
| Bumper-to-bumper | 5/60,000 | -- |
| Corrosion | 7/unlimited | -- |
| Free roadside assistance | 5/unlimited | -- |
| Free scheduled maintenance | None/-- | -- |
Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive.
There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two
other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for
2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any
on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts
and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.
Built in:
South Korea
Drivewheels:
front-wheel drive
Locate a Dealer
Get a FREE Price Quote:
Also in the 2007 Hyundai Sonata Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
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