2011 Hyundai Sonata review

For 2011, the Hyundai Sonata is completely redesigned.
What we’re trying to do is win Hyundai’s Fuel Economy Challenge – an event organized as a part of the launch of the all-new 2011 Sonata.

This might not be an accurate representation of daily driving, but Hyundai is eager to show-off just how fuel efficient the new Sonata is.
The car’s new six-speed automatic transmission helps in both the fuel economy and performance arenas. A self-shifting feature is available for sportier driving, while the SE trim level gets paddle shifters.
Size-wise, for the most part, the Sonata retains the previous generation’s dimensions. Although, technically, due to the car’s interior volume, it is classified as a large car.

Hyundai designers created the Sonata to give it this sloping coupe-like look that has previously only been seen on pricier European models. With all these dramatic changes to the Sonata, Hyundai chose to leave one item pretty much untouched – the price. Three simple trim levels: GLS, SE and Limited make up the model offering and a well-equipped Sonata can be had for as little as $19,195, plus $1,000 for the automatic transmission.

Engine choices for the new Sonata include a 2.4-liter inline-4 or a 2.0-liter turbocharged variant. The SE trim's sport-tuned suspension helps the Sonata inch up closer to that bar, but in the process, the ride gets a little too rough.
Of course, being a Hyundai, the Sonata brings along a strong value proposition. The top-of-the-line Sonata Limited, meanwhile, comes standard with everything except navigation.

The 2011 Hyundai Sonata is a midsize family sedan available in GLS, SE and Limited trim levels. The sporty SE features all the above (except the navigation system and premium speakers) and adds 18-inch alloy wheels with performance tires, foglights, a dark chrome grille, a sport-tuned suspension, keyless ignition/entry, leather/cloth upholstery and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob. Opting for the turbocharged engine will also add dual-zone automatic climate control. Seventeen-inch alloy wheels are also standard. The turbocharged SE variant adds 18-inch wheels, dual exhaust tips and steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters.

The standard engine on all "Hyundai Sonata" trim levels is a 2.4-liter direct-injected four-cylinder engine good for 198 hp and 184 pound-feet of torque. A powerful 2.0-liter turbocharged engine is available on SE and Limited trim levels. In performance testing, a 2.4-liter GLS Sonata with the automatic transmission accelerated from zero to 60 mph in 8.2 seconds. The Sonata's EPA fuel economy estimates are impressive for a car of this size. The 2.4-liter engine with the manual transmission is rated at 24 mpg city/35 mpg highway and 28 combined, and 22/35/26 mpg with the automatic.

All Sonatas come well stocked with antilock brakes, traction control, stability control, front seat side-impact airbags, full-length side curtain airbags and active front head restraints.

In Insurance Institute for Highway Safety testing, the 2011 Hyundai Sonata earned a top rating of "Good" for frontal-offset, side-impact and roof-strength protection.
In Edmunds brake testing, a 2011 Sonata GLS came to a stop from 60 mph in 128 feet. So Hyundai could have emulated the Toyota's milquetoast formula.
The sporty SE grade's spring rates are increased by 23 percent in the front and 8 percent in the rear, with damper rates 24 percent in front and 14 percent out back.

The 3200-pound Sonata is only an inch longer than the old model, yet it provides more interior volume than any midsize sedan and at 16.4 cubic feet, nearly matches the Mazda6's trunk space--the class's cargo-hauling leader. Hyundai will blaze a different path. The new Sonata won't offer a V6. The sporty SE grade's spring rates are increased by 23 percent in the front and 8 percent in the rear, with damper rates 24 percent in front and 14 percent out back. The new Sonata won't offer a V6.