Hyundai Sonata

Name: 2016 Hyundai Sonata
Brand: Hyundai

EPA MPG: 29 mpg

Owner Reported MPG:

EPA MPG: 29 mpg

Owner Reported MPG:

RECALL ALERT: There are 7 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 7 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

RECALL ALERT: There are 7 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 7 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

Reliability Details

Owner Satisfaction Details

See All Ratings & Specs

Road Test

With the Sonata's 2015 redesign, Hyundai made some significant improvements to a car that already competed credibly against such big dogs as the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry. They improved the ride and reduced road noise. The styling is now more upright and less sleek, but it still looks pretty sharp and the new design makes access easier and the view out appreciably better. The hybrid version is new for 2016.

2016 Sedans & Hatchbacks Reliability

This Car

100

0 - 100

Hyundai Sonata

vs. Similar Cars

Chevrolet Malibu

Ford Fusion

Honda Accord

Kia Optima

Mazda 6

See All Models Reliability

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Good

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

Good

IIHS Side Crash

Good

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

See All Ratings & Specs

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Good

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

Good

IIHS Side Crash

Good

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

See All Ratings & Specs

Hyundai vs. Other New Car Brands

See How All Brands Stack up

Owner Reports

Owner Satisfaction Owner Satisfaction

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

2022

2023

2024

Driving Experience

Comfort

Value

View all Owner Satisfaction

Hyundai vs. Other New Car Brands

See How All Brands Stack up

Hyundai vs. Other New Car Brands

See How All Brands Stack up

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Good

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

Good

IIHS Side Crash

Good

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

See All Ratings & Specs

2016 Midsized cars Ratings

2016 Hyundai Sonata

$6,775 - $8,875

EPA MPG 29 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2016 Chevrolet Malibu

$7,500 - $9,825

EPA MPG 31 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2016 Chrysler 200

$6,475 - $8,875

EPA MPG 23 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2016 Ford Fusion

$6,075 - $10,325

EPA MPG 26 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2016 Honda Accord

$11,225 - $14,825

EPA MPG 30 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2016 Hyundai Genesis

$10,925 - $11,250

EPA MPG 19 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid

$6,775 - $8,875

EPA MPG 42 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2016 Kia Optima

$6,550 - $9,625

EPA MPG 28 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2016 Mazda 6

$8,100 - $11,025

EPA MPG 30 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2016 Nissan Altima

$6,125 - $8,250

EPA MPG 31 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2016 Subaru Legacy

$8,500 - $11,750

EPA MPG 30 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2016 Toyota Camry

$12,450 - $14,500

EPA MPG 29 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2016 Toyota Camry Hybrid

$12,450 - $14,500

EPA MPG 39 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2016 Volkswagen CC

$4,725 - $10,975

EPA MPG 25 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2016 Volkswagen Passat

$6,175 - $11,775

EPA MPG 28 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

See All Midsized cars Ratings

Features & Specs

sedan

2 front, 3 rear

Front

1.6-liter 4 turbo (178 hp)
2-liter 4 plugin hybrid (202 hp)
2-liter 4 hybrid (193 hp)
2-liter 4 turbo (245 hp)
2.4-liter 4 (185 hp)

7-speed sequential
6-speed automatic

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

See All Ratings & Specs

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.