Hyundai Sonata

The Sonata is freshened inside and out for 2018. It also benefits from some equipment adjustments that should help this competitive sedan keep pace with its ever-evolving midsized sedan rivals. The engines essentially carryover behind that new grille, though the turbo four-cylinder gains an eight-speed automatic transmission. The last-tested Sonata had a comfortable ride, but some versions lacked grip. Hyundai has tuned the ride, handling, and steering response, hopefully making gains, without compromising the commendable dynamics. For 2018, even the base Sonata comes with a 7-inch infotainment display screen, along with standard Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility. Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert is standard . And Hyundai has added lane keeping assist to its lane departure warning system.

This competitive but ho-hum sedan has a quiet cabin, a comfortable ride, and excellent rear-seat room and access. Handling is sound and responsive enough. But the SE we tested had lackluster tire grip, hurting braking and emergency handling. The 2.4-liter four-cylinder returned a good 28 mpg overall; a stronger 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder is optional. The Eco uses a 1.6-liter turbo four-cylinder paired with a seven-speed automated manual. We found the controls to be easy to use, and the rear seat is one of the roomiest in the class. Safety features include forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking and blind-spot detection. Plug-in and hybrid versions are available; the latter returned an impressive 39 mpg overall in our tests and makes for a very pleasant sedan.

The 2015 Sonata models may be less stylish than the previous generation but it remains a roomy, comfortable riding sedan with easy to use controls. The rear seat is particularly generous. Handling isn't particularly engaging, but secure. Most versions have a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine and six-speed automatic that make for an unobtrusive powertrain. We got 28 mpg overall. High end versions get a more powerful 2.0-liter turbo that makes the car quicker and quieter. The hybrid version has the same virtues, but with the added initial boost of the electric drive. Unlike other hybrids, it has a conventional automatic transmission rather than a continuously variable one, giving the car a more natural feel. We got an impressive 39 mpg with it.

The 2011 to 2014 generation was a major leap forward in terms of style and capability. The base four-cylinder supplies reasonable acceleration and returned 27 mpg overall in our testing. We also tested the more powerful 2.0-liter turbo that gives the car more oomph and got 25 mpg overall. Controls are easy to use. Handling is fairly nimble, but the ride is rather firm. Road noise is evident in all versions, which makes the car feel less substantial. We suggest finding a Sonata with the optional power driver's seat; otherwise the seat might be too low and lack some adjustments. The swoopy styling made for challenging rear visibility and rear-seat access.

Although stability control and side curtain airbags became standard for the 2006 Sonata, don't expect this generation to provide the same level of crash protection as the more recent Sonata models. The four-cylinder engine averaged 26 mpg, which was very good for that vintage. High-end versions came with a 3.3-liter V6, which was quieter and made the car smoother and quicker, but averaged only 21 mpg. Handling was rather ponderous, but ultimately secure. The ride seems absorbent at first, but broken pavement punches through in a pronounced way. The seats aren't very supportive, but the rear is roomy and visibility is unrestricted. Controls are easy to use.

The Sonata grew larger and benefited from a much-improved interior design. The standard 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine got more power, and a 3.0-liter V6 was optional. The Sonata was redesigned 1999, gaining a more refined V6 and a quieter interior. It has a decent ride and secure, if not very nimble, handling. 2002 brought a facelift and a larger V6.