2009 Hyundai Sonata Las Vegas NV

November 3, 2009   By Alison Lakin, Associate Editor



2009 Hyundai Sonata
DriverSide Overview
In order to be competitive in a segment that produces many established adversaries, the moderately refreshed 2009 Hyundai Sonata has matched almost everything its Japanese and American midsize rivals like the Nissan Altima , Honda Accord , Toyota Camry and Chevrolet Malibu have to offer. It is actual quite surreal comparing the cars; offerings from the number of speakers (six) to standard cruise control and air conditioning (available across the board) are identical. What sets the very capable Sonata apart from the others is its outstanding starting price and, so far, unbeaten warranty coverage. For 2009, Hyundai has added more horsepower and torque to the Sonata’s inline-four and V-6 engines, polished up the exterior design and created a much more refined interior than in its previous models. These sophisticated modifications show that Hyundai is successfully staking its claim in this overflowing class.   



2009 Hyundai Sonata





What's to Like
The interior styling has been cleaned up beautifully; the simple design is effective and uncluttered. An iPod and MP3 connector, located in the center console storage area, is standard on all trims, and the Sonata’s first ever touch-screen navigation system, optional on the Limited trim, is fantastically easy to use and rivals systems from more upscale manufacturers like Audi.

What's Not to Like
Buyers might feel the exterior styling is a little uninspired, and it certainly doesn’t stand out from the crowd. The larger V-6 engine receives a boost in power, but not enough to make it a leader in the class.

The Drive:
DriverSide Driving Impressions
If a focal point of your car search is a smooth, comfortable and quiet ride, the Sonata should be at the top of your list. The front-wheel drive sedan floats along the roads elegantly and easily; in fact, the car traverses the streets so smoothly, the spacious interior cabin is practically silent, something that couldn’t be said about the previous model. The 4-cylinder, the smaller of the two engines, produces an adequate amount power to move this 3,300-pound five-seater. The V-6 pulls the car responsively and adds an extra 75 horses worth of enthusiasm to the drive. Although steering is sharper, thanks to a quickened steering ratio, it still feels a little flat and lackluster. However, it is just right for commuting and city driving, where the last thing you want to be doing is maneuvering an overly aggressive car.

Engine and Drivetrain
Both of the Sonata’s engines have received a boost in horsepower and torque from the 2008 model and are now available on all three trims. The 2.4-liter DOHC 4-cylinder engine produces 175 horsepower and 168 lb-ft of torque, up from last year’s 162 hp and 164 lb-ft of torque, making it more in line with its competitors. A 3.3-liter DOHC V-6 pu...

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