A car’s exterior styling can go a long way toward attracting customers, and apparently, word got back to Hyundai that the Sonata was due for a makeover. The previous model looked, well, somewhat odd.
The current version now gets a more modern and angular look. It includes a thin LED light bar that stretches nearly the width of the front of the car, with recessed headlights below. The look is quite futuristic, as if Hyundai’s designers were inspired by RoboCop’s helmet.
Although styling is very much subjective, many of our drivers liked what they saw, especially compared to the previous version. As one tester remarked, “Thankfully, it no longer looks like a sad catfish up front.”
Beyond the updated sheet metal, the new Sonata also received suspension tweaks, which resulted in a more comfortable ride. Other improvements include a new infotainment system and an easier-to-use gear selector. The ride and gear selector are particularly notable, as we deemed both as “Lows” in the previous model.
The result is a Sonata that is much more competitive within the midsized sedan segment.
“This is a solid, comfortable, and practical sedan option overall, and as Hyundai tends to do, you get good features for the money,” remarked one tester.
The Sonata shares a platform and a number of components with the refreshed 2025 Kia K5 (which we’ve also tested). Overall, the K5 has slightly sharper handling than the Sonata, but also a stiffer ride. Most testers, however, preferred the swankier look of Kia’s cabin over the slightly dour Sonata. Both cars are CR Recommended.
We bought a 2025 Hyundai Sonata SEL Convenience for $32,705—anonymously from an area dealer, as we do with every vehicle we test—for the purpose of this road test review. The Sonata is assembled in Ulsan, Korea.
Driving experience
As before, the Sonata offers three different engines. Base models use a 191-horsepower, 2.5-liter four-cylinder paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The hybrid is powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder paired with electric drive for a combined 192 hp, utilizing a six-speed automatic. (For the first time, the hybrid gets paddle shifters and adjustable regenerative braking modes.) The sportier N Line version gets a 290-hp, 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive comes standard across the board, with all-wheel drive available only on the second-tier SEL trim.
Our tested SEL with the base 2.5-liter four-cylinder, eight-speed automatic, and front-wheel drive provides an unobtrusive and smooth power delivery. It’s no powerhouse, but the acceleration is adequate. We measured a reasonable 8.7 seconds for its 0-to-60-mph dash. Fuel economy is 30 mpg overall.
The last hybrid version we tested managed an excellent 44 mpg overall.“The powertrain isn’t exciting at all, but it works pretty well. It’s fairly smooth and operates intuitively, barring an occasional low-speed hiccup. There can be a delay before things get going again in certain situations, such as when you slow down to turn onto another road, and then get back on the gas pedal,” remarked one tester.
One of the most noticeable differences between the old and new models is ride comfort, which has dramatically improved. Unlike the previous version, which rode stiffly, the new Sonata’s ride is much more comfortable and pleasant, absorbing bumps well. While this relaxed ride is also accompanied by a mostly serene cabin, some testers were critical of how raspy the engine sounded at higher revs.
We also appreciated the responsive and secure handling. The car stayed poised even when pushed to its limits on our track. However, if you’re looking for a sportier Sonata, you’ll want to check out the high-performance N version, which comes with special 19-inch wheels, and what Hyundai calls a "sport tuned" suspension.
Braking performance was excellent with short stopping distances and an easy-to-modulate pedal feel.
Cabin comfort
The interior fit and finish of our mid-level SEL Convenience model is nothing special. It’s nice enough for the price with a few classy touches like chrome-tipped window switches and knobs. But your passengers aren’t likely to be dazzled.
As with most sedans, the Sonata’s low stance might make it a challenge for some to get in and out—especially if you’re used to driving an SUV. Otherwise, the cabin is roomy, with ample elbow and shoulder room.
Most of our testers had all the adjustments they needed to dial in a comfortable driving position. Headroom proved ample, even for our taller drivers. It was actually our shorter drivers who ran out of headroom when they raised the seat up to get a better view out over the hood. Several drivers also noted that when the steering wheel was adjusted to a lower, more comfortable position that the upper part of the rim blocks the turn signal and headlight icons from view within the instrument screen.
The front seat is comfortable, and we appreciated the two-way lumbar support that comes on the second-tier SEL trim, which makes longer drives more palatable. The rear seat also has enough room for full-sized adults. The trunk is competitively sized, and we were pleasantly surprised to find concealed hinges, which means your luggage won’t get crushed when you close the lid—which is not always the case with sedans.
Controls and usability
The Sonata received an upgrade to its interior controls and displays. You’ll immediately notice what looks like one large, rectangular screen stretching across more than half of the dashboard. It actually comprises two 12.3-inch displays: one for the driver’s instrument screen, and the other for infotainment functions such as audio and navigation. The infotainment system is super easy to use. We’re also happy to see physical controls (rather than touch-capacitive “buttons” on a panel) for climate and audio functions, including knobs for both volume and tuning.
Lastly, we’re glad that Hyundai swapped out the previous model’s flush, center-console-mounted gear selector buttons for a new column-mounted twist-action electronic gear selector, which we prefer.
Active safety & driver assistance
Standard active safety and driver assistance features include automatic emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, automatic emergency braking that operates at highway speeds, blind spot warning, rear cross traffic warning, reverse automatic emergency braking, lane centering assistance, lane departure warning, lane keeping assistance, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams.
Kudos to Hyundai for making a rear occupant alert standard. This system is designed to remind the driver—based on rear-door logic—to check the rear seat when they turn the Sonata off to help prevent children and pets from suffering heatstroke or hypothermia if unintentionally left behind in the vehicle. Standard equipment also includes a rear belt minder as well as a Safe Exit Warning system, which can sense if a vehicle or bicycle is approaching from behind or alongside the Sonata when parked on a city street, and an occupant is about to open a door into traffic.