Just In: 2011 Hyundai Sonata

One of the automakers most poised to benefit from Toyota shoppers now looking around is Hyundai. In a fortunate coincidence for Hyundai, the new 2011 Sonata midsized sedan just went on sale at a time when Camry intenders may be tempted to shop other brands.

Not that the old Sonata was a bad car. On the contrary, it was quite competent. It had a well-trimmed interior and impressive fuel economy from its four-cylinder. Plus, it was a great value. However, it has never been rewarding to drive and its styling is quite humdrum.

Hyundai aimed higher with the redesigned Sonata. Its styling picks up cues from previous Lexus ES's and the Volkswagen CC. Size-wise, the new Sonata grew to rival the big-for-its-class Honda Accord; it makes the Hyundai Azera redundant. 

We just purchased a 2011 Sonata GLS for testing at our Connecticut test track. Our car has the $750 "popular equipment package," which was worth it for the power driver's seat alone. At $21,800, it undercuts a similarly-equipped Camry LE by about $1,000. (Then again, Toyota dealers are probably wheeling-and-dealing right now; there isn't much margin or incentives on the brand-spankin'-new Sonata.)

Right now, the only engine offered on the Sonata is a 2.4-liter direct-injection four-cylinder. Our car has 198-horsepower and a six-speed automatic. Gone is the optional V6. This has turned off some V6-owning customers, according to the salesman who sold me our car. They should definitely reconsider--this drivetrain is pleasant, with ample power and a smooth-shifting transmission. Hybrid and turbocharged versions are coming, but we're not really sure who would bother paying more for the turbo.

Handling is improved from the current Sonata, with more responsiveness and better-weighted steering. A more tied-down suspension yields improvements in composure, getting rid of the previous-generation's float on highway undulations. Still, this isn't a sports sedan and it doesn't quite match sporty-handling family sedans like the Ford Fusion, Honda Accord, and Mazda6. Noise levels are fairly low and although it's evident this is a four-cylinder, the engine is relatively civilized.

Inside, the Sonata puts its larger dimensions to good use. The cabin is airy with generous space for the driver, and there is plenty of leg and head room under the domed roof. The console's shape slightly impairs knee room though. The rear seat is one of the roomiest in the class.

Interior fit and finish is solid, with a semi soft-touch dash top and ample contrasting trim. There are also lots of fit lines though. Controls are fairly simple. Without the optional navigation system, our car has the easier-to-use radio; the touch-screen navigation system lacks a radio tune knob or preset hard keys.

As family sedans get redesigned, there has been a trend of reducing driver visibility for swoopier styling. The Sonata is no exception. Compared to the upright old car, this 2011 version took something of a step back, with shorter side windows and a high rear deck. But despite the Sonata's coupe-like styling, visibility remains decent, with moderate-sized pillars and reasonable glass area all around. (In other words, this is no Passat CC.)

The previous Sonata was a trendsetter in the family sedan class by having standard stability control. Not surprisingly, the 2011 Sonata has it standard as well. What's more, with the redesign, the Sonata has received the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's (IIHS) Top Safety Pick award for getting the highest rating in the Institute's front, side, rear, and rollover tests. That's a solid improvement over the previous Sonata which was rated good for front and rear protection, acceptable for side impact, and marginal for rollover protection.

Our initial impression is that the new Sonata addresses most of the current car's shortcomings while building on Hyundai brand strengths. It is a very pleasant sedan and has the potential to give the class's best a run for their money.

— Tom Mutchler and Gabe Shenhar