Hyundai Sonata 2011 Review

Hyundai Sonata

Hyundai Sonata Review
The result is Hyundai's most competitive Camry-Accord-Malibu-Fusion fighter yet.
Unlike the outgoing model, Hyundai says it does not plan to offer a six-cylinder powertrain -- but Hyundai does offer both a 2.0-liter Turbo model and a hybrid model.

Hyundai will offer the all-new Sonata in three trim levels, each offering a handful of optional equipment packages. For $750, the GLS automatic can be optioned with the Popular Equipment Package, which adds 16-inch alloy wheels, a power driver's seat with adjustable lumbar, upgraded interior trim and automatic head lamps. Another $950 adds a navigation system and premium audio upgrade.

An extra $2,600 adds a moon roof, navigation and premium audio.
From there, the Limited adds leather seats, dual zone automatic climate control, automatic-dimming mirror with compass, CD changer, HD radio, upgraded audio, 17-inch alloy wheels, moon roof, exterior mirror-mounted turn signals, upgraded interior trim and rear seat vents. Limited models come standard with the Dimension audio system and a CD changer but offer a 400-watt Infinity audio system.

The Hyundai Sonata is a four-door sedan built by South Korea's largest automaker. Initially a compact Korean-only car, the latest Sonata qualifies as a large car under U.S. EPA guidelines. Since 2005, Sonata sedans for the U.S. market have been built in a factory outside of Montgomery, Alabama. The 2011 Sonata competes against the likes of the Honda Accord; Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan; Subaru Legacy; Chevrolet Malibu; Nissan Altima; Suzuki Kizashi; and Toyota Camry.

The first Korean-market Sonata came with only four-cylinder engines. The Sonata broke into the mainstream as production moved to Alabama. In the same time frame, the Sonata architecture added another family member--the large Hyundai Azera, aimed more squarely at the Toyota Avalon and Buick Lacrosse.

The 2011 Hyundai Sonata is the latest version of this model line. A Hyundai Sonata Hybrid is being developed with lithium-polymer batteries complementing a four-cylinder engine. It's due as a 2012 model, along with a turbocharged four-cylinder Sonata

The good: The Sonata's optional navigation system features traffic with automatic rerouting. Bluetooth connectivity with audio streaming is standard, as are USB, iPod, and analog audio inputs. The voice command system is quite good, with onscreen prompts for valid commands.

Derivative or not, the Sonata's looks got people talking and necks turning wherever we went.
As an SE model, our Sonata featured leather-trimmed seats with cloth center inserts and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter meant to evoke a sporting feel. Factor in the great cabin technology suite and the Sonata's driver seat isn't an unpleasant place to be.

The system also features graphic lane guidance--which illustrates upcoming turns with lane data--and text-to-speech turn-by-turn directions. The standard XM Satellite Radio connection pulls in XM traffic, weather, stocks, and sports data. When routing, if the navigation system sees heavy traffic or an obstruction, it will attempt to route around it.

A voice command feature allows you to enter addresses and search for POIs via voice. The system displays prompts on the color touch screen to assist you in using valid commands and to display options when the system is unclear what street you meant.

All Hyundai Sonatas feature standard Bluetooth connectivity. Once paired, the hands-free system automatically downloads your phone's address book for voice-activated dialing. Bluetooth A2DP streaming is also enabled as an audio source if supported by the paired device.