This version of the Sonata ranked among our top-rated family sedans. The ride is supple, yet composed. Handling is agile and responsive. The Sonata's swoopy, coupe-like styling comes with tolerable rear-seat room and visibility. The revised four-cylinder engine racked up impressive fuel economy of 27 mpg overall. On the other hand, complaints include noticeable road noise and inhibited rear-seat access due to the low roof line.
The Sonata Hybrid (which we also tested) is a far cry from the conventional Sonata. Although it gets better fuel economy than its non-hybrid doppelganger, the trade-offs in drivability, refinement and braking performance are too high. The car stumbles and hesitates as it makes the transition from electric to gas power, with occasional shakes and vibrations.