Acceleration

GLS 4-cylinder, automatic	Limited 4-cylinder	SE V6	Limited V6	Class Average
4	4	7	7	5.6

Four-cylinder Sonatas have adequate pep around town, and their passing reserves are comparable to rival midsize sedans. V6 versions are notably stronger in all driving conditions. A test SE V6 did 6.9 sec 0-60 mph. Both automatic transmissions shift smoothly. The 4-speed automatic is prompt to downshift for more power, but the 5-speed unit used on the V6 hesitates briefly before downshifting and tends to hunt between gears on hilly terrain. No manual-transmission Sonatas have been made available for us to test.

Fuel Economy

GLS 4-cylinder, automatic	Limited 4-cylinder	SE V6	Limited V6	Class Average
6	6	5	5	5.6

In Consumer Guide testing, 4-cylinder Sonatas with the automatic transmission averaged 25.9-26.4 mpg in mostly highway driving. A test SE V6 averaged 18.8 mpg in city/highway driving and 15.6 including gas-eating performance runs. Our extended-use 2006 LX (similar to 2008 Limited) averaged 20.9 mpg over 11,170 miles. Sonata uses regular-grade gas.

Ride Quality

GLS 4-cylinder, automatic	Limited 4-cylinder	SE V6	Limited V6	Class Average
5	5	5	5	6

The suspension struggles to balance control and comfort. Sonata is compliant over small surface imperfections, but it reacts harshly to sharp bumps and ridges, especially in models with 17-inch tires. Wavy pavement promotes bound and wallow, particularly as speed increases.

Steering/Handling/Braking

GLS 4-cylinder, automatic	Limited 4-cylinder	SE V6	Limited V6	Class Average
5	6	6	6	6

Good control in less than aggressive maneuvers. Fast cornering reveals disappointing noseplow, body lean, and steering imprecision. Once in a turn, the 17-inch tires furnish markedly more grip than the 16s. The steering is also slow to respond in parking lot maneuvers.

Quietness

GLS 4-cylinder, automatic	Limited 4-cylinder	SE V6	Limited V6	Class Average
6	5	5	5	6

Nice suppression of wind rush. Engine noise rises with speed, but it isn't annoying. Tires thump over ridges and thrum obtrusively on coarse surfaces, especially with the 17-inch versions.

Controls

GLS 4-cylinder, automatic	Limited 4-cylinder	SE V6	Limited V6	Class Average
7	7	7	7	6.3

Simple, white-on-black gauges are easy to read in any lighting condition. The climate controls fall readily to hand, but the high-set audio deck places some functions just out of easy reach.

Details

GLS 4-cylinder, automatic	Limited 4-cylinder	SE V6	Limited V6	Class Average
6	6	6	6	5.5

The cabins are highlighted by soft, padded surfaces--even storage bins are lined. Overall, the interior is nicely done, though some newer rivals meet and exceed Sonata for overall build quality. One test Limited model suffered from some unsightly panel gaps and poorly sealed rear windows that made them prone to heavy fogging in cold weather conditions. Our extended-use Sonata interior, however, remained tight and rattle free during its 11,170-mile test. We did notice a periodic clunking noise from the suspension, but dealer technicians were unable to find a cause before the vehicle was returned.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

GLS 4-cylinder, automatic	Limited 4-cylinder	SE V6	Limited V6	Class Average
7	7	7	7	6.7

Large adults have sufficient space, but some of our testers have difficulty finding a comfortable driving position. Taller adults in particular may feel that they sit too close to the steering wheel, even with the telescopic steering column set to its furthest forward position. Thin roof pillars and an upright driving position contribute to excellent outward visibility.

Room/Comfort (rear)

GLS 4-cylinder, automatic	Limited 4-cylinder	SE V6	Limited V6	Class Average
5	5	5	5	5.1

There's enough rear headroom and legroom for large adults. Wide door openings and expansive footwells ease entry/exit. The bench seat is comfortable, though firmer padding would enhance long-distance support.

Cargo Room

GLS 4-cylinder, automatic	Limited 4-cylinder	SE V6	Limited V6	Class Average
4	4	4	4	4

Trunk space is ample. Split folding rear seatbacks and nonintrusive strut-type trunk hinges further enhance Sonata's utility. Abundant interior storage is highlighted by a generous glovebox, two-tier center-armrest console, and large door map pockets.

Value within Class

GLS 4-cylinder, automatic	Limited 4-cylinder	SE V6	Limited V6	Class Average
7	6	8	8	6.2

Sonata is not quite as sporty or refined as its midsize-class rivals. Its main strength, however, is a crafty combination of comfort, roominess, mainstream design, and everyday performance. Sealing Sonata as a Recommended choice are its lengthy list of standard safety features, budget-friendly pricing, and Hyundai's strong warranty.

Total Score

GLS 4-cylinder, automatic	Limited 4-cylinder	SE V6	Limited V6	Class Average
62	61	65	65	63

Scores for all Midsize Cars

Low Score		48
Average Score		63
High Score		74