Hyundai Sonata

Name: 2011 Hyundai Sonata
Brand: Hyundai

EPA MPG: 26 mpg

Owner Reported MPG:

EPA MPG: 26 mpg

Owner Reported MPG:

RECALL ALERT: There are 14 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 14 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

RECALL ALERT: There are 14 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 14 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

Reliability Details

Owner Satisfaction Details

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Road Test

This version of the Sonata ranked among our top-rated family sedans. The ride is supple, yet composed. Handling is agile and responsive. The Sonata's swoopy, coupe-like styling comes with tolerable rear-seat room and visibility. The revised four-cylinder engine racked up impressive fuel economy of 27 mpg overall. On the other hand, complaints include noticeable road noise and inhibited rear-seat access due to the low roof line.

2011 Sedans & Hatchbacks Reliability

This Car

100

0 - 100

Hyundai Sonata

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Ford Fusion

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Good

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

Marginal

IIHS Side Crash

Good

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Good

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

Marginal

IIHS Side Crash

Good

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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Hyundai vs. Other New Car Brands

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Owner Reports

Owner Satisfaction Owner Satisfaction

2000

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Driving Experience

Comfort

Value

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Hyundai vs. Other New Car Brands

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Hyundai vs. Other New Car Brands

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Good

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

Marginal

IIHS Side Crash

Good

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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2011 Midsized cars Ratings

2011 Hyundai Sonata

$4,450 - $5,300

EPA MPG 26 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2011 Chevrolet Malibu

$3,775 - $4,725

EPA MPG 26 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2011 Chrysler 200

$3,600 - $5,200

EPA MPG 22 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2011 Dodge Avenger

$4,025 - $4,275

EPA MPG 24 mpg

Road test

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Owner Satisfaction

2011 Ford Fusion

$4,775 - $5,625

EPA MPG 25 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2011 Honda Accord

$6,825 - $7,675

EPA MPG 27 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2011 Hyundai Genesis

$6,375 - $6,550

EPA MPG 20 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid

$4,450 - $5,300

EPA MPG NA

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2011 Kia Optima

$4,800 - $5,525

EPA MPG 28 mpg

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2011 Mazda 6

$5,150 - $5,925

EPA MPG 24 mpg

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2011 Mercury Milan

$3,800 - $6,025

EPA MPG NA

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2011 Mitsubishi Galant

$3,975 - $4,400

EPA MPG 26 mpg

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2011 Nissan Altima

$4,100 - $5,275

EPA MPG 26 mpg

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2011 Subaru Legacy

$4,750 - $7,375

EPA MPG 26 mpg

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2011 Suzuki Kizashi

$2,850 - $4,225

EPA MPG 26 mpg

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2011 Toyota Camry

$6,275 - $7,250

EPA MPG 26 mpg

Road test

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Owner Satisfaction

2011 Toyota Camry Hybrid

$6,275 - $7,250

EPA MPG 33 mpg

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2011 Volkswagen CC

$4,100 - $5,125

EPA MPG NA

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Features & Specs

sedan

2 front, 3 rear

Front

2-liter 4 turbo (274 hp)
2.4-liter 4 hybrid (206 hp)
2.4-liter 4 (200 hp)
2.4-liter 4 (198 hp)

6-speed automatic
6-speed manual

In most cases, automotive warranties are based on the vehicle identification number (VIN), and the warranty will be valid regardless of ownership. The dealership can tell you exactly how much warranty is left.

Read more about extended warranties

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Model History

2020-Present

Current Generation

The redesigned 2020 Sonata has a sleek, coupe-like silhouette. The standard 191-hp, 2.5-liter four-cylinder is coupled to an eight-speed automatic provides unobtrusive, linear power, and 31 mpg overall. The uplevel 180-hp, 1.6-liter turbocharged engine provides readily available power at lower revs. The hybrid version gets an excellent 44 mpg but delivers rough shifts from its six-speed transmission. New for 2021 is the Sonata N-Line, a high performance version. Handling is responsive, but the ride is rather stiff. Rear seat room is decent, although the low stance compromises access. The modern cabin is marred by a counterintuitive push-button gear selector. An 8-inch touch screen came standard until the 2024 model year and is easy to use. A larger 12.3-inch screen became standard beginning with 2024. Heated and cooled front seats are optional, among other upscale features. Standard advanced safety features include forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, and lane keeping assistance.

2015-2019

2015 Redesign Year

The 2015 Sonata models may be less stylish than the previous generation but it remains a roomy, comfortable riding sedan with easy to use controls. The rear seat is particularly generous. Handling isn't particularly engaging, but secure. Most versions have a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine and six-speed automatic that make for an unobtrusive powertrain. We got 28 mpg overall. High end versions get a more powerful 2.0-liter turbo that makes the car quicker and quieter. The hybrid version has the same virtues, but with the added initial boost of the electric drive. Unlike other hybrids, it has a conventional automatic transmission rather than a continuously variable one, giving the car a more natural feel. We got an impressive 39 mpg with it.

2011-2014

2011 Redesign Year

The 2011 to 2014 generation was a major leap forward in terms of style and capability. The base four-cylinder supplies reasonable acceleration and returned 27 mpg overall in our testing. We also tested the more powerful 2.0-liter turbo that gives the car more oomph and got 25 mpg overall. Controls are easy to use. Handling is fairly nimble, but the ride is rather firm. Road noise is evident in all versions, which makes the car feel less substantial. We suggest finding a Sonata with the optional power driver's seat; otherwise the seat might be too low and lack some adjustments. The swoopy styling made for challenging rear visibility and rear-seat access.

2006-2010

2006 Redesign Year

Although stability control and side curtain airbags became standard for the 2006 Sonata, don't expect this generation to provide the same level of crash protection as the more recent Sonata models. The four-cylinder engine averaged 26 mpg, which was very good for that vintage. High-end versions came with a 3.3-liter V6, which was quieter and made the car smoother and quicker, but averaged only 21 mpg. Handling was rather ponderous, but ultimately secure. The ride seems absorbent at first, but broken pavement punches through in a pronounced way. The seats aren't very supportive, but the rear is roomy and visibility is unrestricted. Controls are easy to use.

1999-2005

1999 Redesign Year

The Sonata grew larger and benefited from a much-improved interior design. The standard 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine got more power, and a 3.0-liter V6 was optional. The Sonata was redesigned 1999, gaining a more refined V6 and a quieter interior. It has a decent ride and secure, if not very nimble, handling. 2002 brought a facelift and a larger V6.