2021 Hyundai Sonata Review
What do experts think about the 2021 Hyundai Sonata? Let’s take a look at the options, trims, powertrain, and everything else we can find.
2021 Hyundai Sonata – hyundainews.com | Shop 2021 Hyundai Sonata on Carsforsale.com
What’s New for the 2021 Hyundai Sonata?
There are several new features in the 2021 Hyundai Sonata. The SEL model now comes with upgraded Pirelli tires. SEL and above also have a new feature called Safe Exit that uses radar to ensure that you are safe to open your car and exit in traffic – be it pedestrian, bike, or vehicle. Hyundai also added a whole new trim level, N Line, with a new 290hp engine. This is also the second year of the new generation for Hyundai – and they keep adding value.
With many years of Hyundai Sonata available, you should learn more about used Sonatas too.
The Breakdown
Great fuel efficiency
A good choice of engines
Comfortable, upscale cabin for the price
Handling could be more exciting and refined
Not especially great acceleration from base engines
One of the best values with some performance sacrifice
2021 Hyundai Specs
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- 180 horsepower from base engine
- 181 lb-ft of torque from base engine
- 8 available trims
- 16 cu-ft of trunk space
- Plenty of standard safety features
- New tech, including a digital key
- Great standard warranty
2021 Hyundai Sonata Powertrain
We’re going to put this out there right away – while the 2021 Hyundai Sonata has three engines, we only find the N-Line option especially exciting with its 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine capable of 290 hp and 311 cu-ft of torque. Given the mpgs the Sonata is capable of, we are willing to accept the not overly fast performance of the base 2.5-liter not turbocharged engine capable of 191hp and 181 cu-ft of torque, which has middling performance – but is a great value still.
A slight upgrade gets you a 1.6-liter with 180 hp and 195 cu-ft of torque. All of the engines besides the N-line have an 8-speed transmission for extra fuel efficiency while the N-line receives an 8-speed dual-clutch.
Overall, the non N-line engines are smooth, but not fast. Thinking about what is physically possible for the price and horsepower, this is about what we expected. Hyundai doesn’t think you are going to race against a muscle car from a stoplight – you just want a smooth, comfortable car. Their powertrain mostly achieves this, though the ride isn’t as nice as some in-class competitors. For a smoother ride, we might suggest a Subaru Legacy.
The hybrid powertrain feels good too. You can kind of notice when the vehicle shifts to hybrid, but it’s not bad for the price, again.
2021 Hyundai Sonata Fuel Economy & MPG
The upgraded 1.6-liter 4-cylinder and 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engines actually get about the same mpgs at 27 city and 37 highway. The N-line achieves 23 city, 33 highway which is pretty good for the power. Hybrid enthusiasts will appreciate the 50 mpg city and 54 highway.
These results are pretty good. They make the 2021 Hyundai Sonata comparable to the new Toyota Camry.
Interior, Comfort, & Cargo Space
Did we talk enough yet about the value of the 2021 Hyundai Sonata? The interior offers a nice value for the dollar too. While the inside is a little bland to some, it’s nice and basic the way it is. Not too many hard plastics but not a lot of flash either. The infotainment system is easy to use and reach. The Sonata has enough space for the driver and the passenger, especially for a mid-size sedan. You can readily fit several suitcases in the trunk – which combines with good gas mileage and comfortable rear seats to make the 2021 Hyundai Sonata a good road trip vehicle.
The interior isn’t overly loaded either, with nicer automatically adjustable seats available in higher trims – but we also expected exactly this. Some people just don’t need to pay for several way adjustable seats.
Entertainment & Technology
The 2021 Hyundai Sonata starts with 8-inch infotainment screen which is easy to use and reach. Upgrades to the SEL package also add a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, which looks very sharp.
Hyundai has a cool new element going on here. They offer a digital key that uses your smartphone and near-field communication to allow you to start your vehicle and do a few remote functions from your phone. Tired of carrying a key fob in your purse or pocket. Do you have your phone well charged most of the time? This is a great idea to save space.
Hyundai has included the now rather popular Android Auto and Apple CarPlay on their 2021 models. These interface with your smartphone in a wired or wireless manner to allow you to make safer phone calls on the road, stream music or podcasts, and even project navigation onto your screen.
Safety Features
Surely a vehicle that relies on value skimped on safety features? Nope. The 2021 Hyundai Sonata keeps up with safety features. You get standard lane departure warning and lane keep assist as well as standard automatic emergency braking. While these options are becoming standard on many makes, it’s surprising to see them on a value vehicle.
The 2021 Hyundai Sonata also earned a 5-star NHTSA crash test rating and is a Top Safety Pick with the IIHS.
2021 Hyundai Sonata Trims & Pricing
SE $24,995
The SE starts with the 2.5-liter non turbo charged engine. Cloth seats and standard 8-inch touch screen. Lots of safety features still with driver attention warning, forward collision warning, and lane keep assist.
SEL $26,805
The SEL trim upgrades to 17-inch wheels, optional heated front seats, eight way power driver’s seat, rear cross traffic alert, and blind spot collision avoidance are added.
Blue Line Hybrid $28,775
The Blue Hybrid edition is quite similar to the SEL model with some subtle distinctions – and the less subtle difference that it’s a hybrid. The wheels are slightly smaller at 16-inch which helps it maintain one of the best in class fuel efficiency levels of around 52 mpg combined. You still get safety features like adaptive cruise control, which also helps with its eco-friendly approach.
SEL Plus $29,305
The 2021 Hyundai Sonata adds the 1.6-liter turbocharged engine, 19 inch wheels, the cool digital key, and options for leather seating. Wireless charging is a great feature for work and road trips.
Hybrid SEL $29,950
The hybrid SEL adds a bit more to the Blue Line, with LED headlights and taillights, wireless charging, and available heated seats. You also have the option of slightly larger 17-inch wheels.
N-Line $34,305
The N-line receives the new 2.5-liter turbocharged engine. You also get plenty of interior upgrades with sport seats, a pano sunroof, and Bose sound system. This doesn’t achieve the same gas mileage at 23 city and 33 highway, but it’s a lot of fun to drive!
Limited $34,995
The Limited comes with full LED lighting in the front and rear. There are more safety features available, including a 360 camera, front and rear parking sensors, and parking collision avoidance. The driver gets the option for a heads-up display. The Limited also adds ventilated seats. The screen gets better at 10.25-inch for navigation purposes.
Hybrid Limited $35,550
The hybrid limited expands on many of the limited options with the addition of the 2.0-liter hybrid motor. You also get a 12.3-inch driver info display, which looks sharp and clean.
Warranties
Hyundai offers one of the better warranties in the car industry. The powertrain warranty has remained at 10-years or 100,000 miles for years. The bumper to bumper warranty is still pretty good at 5-years or 60,000 miles.
What we think
2021 Hyundai Sonata – hyundainews.com | Shop 2021 Hyundai Sonata on Carsforsale.com
We like the 2021 Hyundai Sonata purely from a value standpoint. You get a pretty decent set of safety features on any trim level. We would choose the SEL Plus simply for the addition of the turbocharged engine. While the N-Line trim is cool, we’d like to wait a year or two to see how well it goes over and whether or not it sticks around – though it’s nice and quick.
