2018 Hyundai Sonata | CarGurus Test Drive Review

Search new Sonata listings: goo.gl/CmLMrN
The Hyundai Sonata has offered a practical midsize sedan option for years now, with 2.0T trims adding a little driving spice. The competing Camry and Accord both got redesigned for 2018, so the new Sonata got a big refresh, including new looks as well as new standard and optional features that aim to make the daily commute as safe and comfortable as possible. We’re eager to see whether 2018 improvements can boost sales to more accurately reflect the Sonata’s quality and value.
The Sonata offers three engines, from the Eco trim’s 1.6-liter 179-hp 4-cylinder to a 2.4-liter four with 185 hp powering most versions to the turbo 2.0-liter four that produces 245 hp in 2.0T trims. (The Sonata Hybrid is a separate model.)­­ The 2018 Sonata gets standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, blind-spot detection with rear cross-traffic alert, and lane-change assist, as well as optional adaptive cruise, auto high beams, rear parking sensors, lane-keep assist, and automatic emergency braking. Read more on CarGurus: cargur.us/kjT7Z
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On paper, the 2018 Hyundai Sonata is one of the smartest picks in the midsize family sedan segment. So why isn’t this car more popular?
Affordable and a great value, the 2018 Hyundai Sonata is roomy and safe, it comes with a killer warranty and roadside-assistance plan, and it offers the latest technologies. Plus, you can get it in regular-strength, turbocharged-strength, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid versions. There’s something for everyone here! Best of all, thanks to a long list of changes for 2018, the Sonata is better than ever.
Sedans & Hatchbacks
• Sedans and Hatchbacks

[@suvari225]

With the rebates of Hyundai, this car is steal!

[@stonecold5373]

I rented a 2015 or 2016 a couple years ago and it was absolutely the best car I've ever driven. I drove more than six hours and it was the most comfortable car ever, and I have back problems. I just loved it.

[@daddyeagen]

Thwompthing we have a 2015 eco and drove 1900 miles in 2 days. 37 mpg and though I was tired I had no aches or pains. Amazing long distance cruiser.

[@stonecold5373]

nice, i got a 2013 7 months ago and find the seat a bit stiff but not uncomfortable. i like it.

[@stolenhal0]

I have rented these as well on two separate occasions. I was sad to return it because it was indeed the best car I have ever driven.

[@dougn2350]

@@daddyeagen ... Sonata really shines as a highway cruiser. Big enough that you don't feel at all cramped. Comfortable but stable ride. And even the 2.4 does well passing and climbing mountains.

[@Anonymous-ji4sb]

Thwompthing I have a pretty bad case of whiplash right now and I stay really comfortable in my 2015 Sonata. I had a 2018 Camry as a rental and I couldn’t go on a 15 min. drive with out my back hurting really bad in that car.

[@ClutchMaster14]

Normal everyday people don't research enough when buying a vehicle. They pick the badge they want to buy and that's it.

[@laquandathomas701]

I Love That TRUE statement.

[@Hersses-tech]

I bought the sonata 2017 15 days ago. Love the car trade my Accord 2016 I am happy with my sonata a lot extras for less money. This car drive like luxury car recommended.

[@JWard2]

Do the side mirrors auto fold in when you lock it?

[@edkelly145]

Nice job on the review. I have owned 3 Optima's and still drive a Optima. Never had a problem. This car has made some nice improvments.

[@heyyo8266]

I’ve always been a Honda guy . I have owned 3 Accords and my wife has had a Civic and now a HRV . The price for a 18 Accord with the 2.0T was ridiculous. $9,000 more than what I payed for my 2012 EXL V6 . I was going to buy a 18 Civic touring instead which is a nice car but decided to try the Hyundai Sonata sport 2.0T . I loved it and bought it for just a little more than what the Civic would have cost me .So far (8,500 miles) I love it as much as the Accords I’ve owned.

[@chinojarjos]

Da Bear honda cars are a little overpriced right now it is hard to get a well equipped honda for the right price. On top of this in my area the dealerships add $2000 to $3000 in add ons to all their vehicles which makes them very pricy. Mazda, Hyundai and even the ford fusion become very appealing after a little while of shopping for a reasonable new Honda. It get's crazy after a while.

[@JWard2]

Do the side mirrors auto fold in when you lock it?

[@danielpayne4077]

Your car reviews are good...informative and pragmatic. Thanks Chris!

[@petersymes8467]

Thank you for a positive review of the new Sonata. I am on my 3rd one and it is time to trade in on a new model. I have driven the new Camery XSE and it does impress, but there are some things missing that the Hyundai include such as, navigation, Android & Apple car play. Hyundai just tries harder to impress with a full slate of technology and improved driving feel. I still have to test drive the Accord before I make my decision. Thanks again.

[@1NJRIVERA]

I got a brand new 2019 Sonata SE for 17K OTD. Yes it’s a “boring” car but for the price, amenities, interior space, how quite it’s inside, crazy warranty and MPGs makes this a no-brainer.

[@alligatorpc]

Great review ! Thank you.

[@baldheadlogic]

Hey Chris. Great Review.

[@lawdog516]

Great review, I have a 2015 which I really love, it does everything I need it to do and does it extremely well. Does the 2.0T have start/stop technology and if it does can you turn it off like my wife’s 2017 Escape Titanium? I HATE START/STOP!! If it has it and it can’t be turned off (which is a pain in the ass) that would be a deal breaker and the 2.4 would be the option I would pick. Keep up the great reviews, thanks

[@hbk92701]

The stuff you get with this car, even the lowest SE model is incredible. I don't get it, this car should be selling like hot cakes, more bang for the buck.

[@stolenhal0]

I absolutely love this car. If I had my choice this would definitely be the one. Some say "it looks boring" which I actually like. Meanwhile the Toyotas & Hondas are just plain hideous.

[@TowDow3]

that road reminds me of the road during the intro to this show called "tales from the Darkside" @1:00

[@pontiacperformance1993]

I love my 2019 sonata sport drives like a go cart on my 19s I threw on it there’s actually a 2018 sport 2.0 for sale in my city with a panoramic sunroof and it’s blue really rare

[@AyeeKG]

The price, warranty, and customization of this car still has me in it to this day 👌🏾💯

[@thomasbcampbell413]

Had this car for 6 months - liked everything but the seats were heated/vented and it was like sitting on a wood bench. Brutal! One 8 hour ride in the car and had to move on to something more comfortable.

[@DavidFernandez-sc5ws]

Was looking at getting either an Accord Sport 2.0T or this. The Sonata is has way better options for the same price. About 28k. The Sonata is slower to 60 than the Accord by about 1 second. Which can be fixed with a tune. I don't have any experience with the Hyundai warranty. But the value and warranty is what is making me choose a Sonata.

[@CRV1958]

This guy does the best reviews on all cars. Very thorough and fair.

[@dogdaybreak3157]

you need to watch more reviews.

[@juelzm149]

I do like this car, huge improvement for sure. I just don't know that I would choose it over the V6 Camry..I do agree with the point about the Santa Fe sport however, that thing is way past due for a replacement

[@ianalexander2017]

Looks good

[@kblitz21]

I just bought last night a 2018 sonata SEL with only 5 miles. I love leather seats and sunroof, but the sel trim does not have those option. But after test driving the sonata, I fell in love. Lol

[@dougn2350]

I bought an SEL 2 weeks ago. Mine is red with grey interior. Nice car. My 2nd Sonata.

[@kblitz21]

D N I always wanted a Sonata. Before buying the 2018, I looked at a 2014 but it had 108k on it. But decided to go directly to a Hyundai dealership.

[@JWard2]

Do the side mirrors auto fold in when you lock it?

[@Tylertyow]

I have the 2018 sonata limited 2.0t Plus model and it has the panoramic roof. It wasn’t discontinued, it’s just on the top top model.

[@cjsgamingworld7568]

Tylertyow It wasn’t offered when it launched, they re-added it several months post-release, and the 2019 had it from the get-go.

[@JWard2]

Do the side mirrors auto fold in when you lock it?

[@BanBiofuels]

The Sonata is beautiful. The Camry is just weird looking, as if it is from another planet.

[@depecheddurand]

yea right give me a break!

I agree...

[@stonecold5373]

I have a 2013 still and I just love it! And I LOVE the 2018!!! HOLY COW! What a looker. I find that the 2018 Civic is way too futuristic looking. Yuck.

[@karimsanchez8058]

I have this car and I love it !

[@JWard2]

Do the side mirrors auto fold in when you lock it?

[@dougn2350]

I own the '17 Sonata 2.4 GDI. Its rated at 36 mpg highway. I regularly get 40+ mpg driving 65 to 70 mph. I bet i could get 35 mpg or better out of this turbo Sonata.

[@JWard2]

Do the side mirrors fold in when you lock it?

[@romanseano]

@@JWard2 No.

[@JWard2]

@@romanseano bummer

[@Paisis1]

I bought a 2018 Hyundai Sonata Sport for under 20K! Try that with any other midsize sedan. And I don't have to worry about it for many years to come. Yes it may not be the fastest or best handling but for every day commuting or long trips is perfect. Very good economy matches or exceeds EPA recommendations. 3 year Blue Link that no to other car offers that allows starting the car or unlocking it etc . For the best bank for your buck check it out. Enough said! And this is from an car fanatic who bought 40 cars in the last 35 years!

[@msims1910]

Ditto for me! Owned 2 camrys last 2 decades. Got a 2018 Sport+ with 5k miles for under 20k! Any other comparable Sedan with similar features is at least $7k more! This car drives absolutely beautifully! How can Toyota get away with no Android or Apple Car options?

[@JWard2]

Do the side mirrors auto fold in when you lock it?

[@wellrounded713]

Hey Chris, so many other reviews have mentioned the wind noise and just cabin noise in general compared to competitors, how come you haven't?

[@dougn2350]

I'm on my 2nd Sonata. A 2018 SEL. The previous was a '17 SE. These cars are amazingly quiet at high speeds. I took a few friends on a long day trip and hit over 100mph on the interstate. They were totally oblivious we were traveling that fast. And that was in the SE.

[@bitemyshinnymetalass1569]

Unfortunately they didn't improve on performance or reliability due to the massive engine recall for all hyundai 2.0 and 2.4 gdi engines. I like the 2015-20 hyundai sonata. I'm interested but I'm worried about the engine and trans failure and lack of help from the local dealerships. I can't speak for all since I have heard some stories from owners with good experiences and great satisfaction from their local dealerships.

[@davidtierney8782]

Hyundai makes great cars, for great prices. Their last thing to work on are the sales tactics at their dealerships.

[@TruthHasSpoken]

I would add: Honda, Toyota and others ALL have to work on their dealership tactics.. Chris, Perhaps you could create a national dealership survey. I know others exist. Dealers will improve only when consumers change their purchasing patterns - through more information - and avoid the ones who create a poor buying experience.

[@chinojarjos]

David Tierney with the available new technology dealerships are becoming more of a problem when it comes to buy a car than any help they actually discoursge you. I can not wait for the day these obsulete institutions desappear! And they will soon be all gone!! My wife askrd me the other day if you could buy the car directly from the manufacturer which is not a terrible idea... I don't think dealerships play any important role any more in the car buying experience than bumping up the price of the car and making an awful experience out of it... dealerships as they stand are practically pountless... they could use a lot of help. If we had better public transportation we would not have to play these dumb games.

[@jackclass5446]

Good honest sales people are needed, people will always be needed. Bad sales people hurt a very respectable profession, very few things sell themselves. Shame is in car sales they dont get good training a lot of times.

[@dougn2350]

I've bought 4 new Hyundai cars. The very worst part by far is that Finance JERK that closes the deal. He hard sells extended warranties and prepaid car washes etc etc that I never buy. When you decline he insults you. If that happens one more time I'm walking out and let the damn sales guy lose a sale.

[@PartyUpLive]

@@dougn2350 I am thinking of getting a loan from my bank or credit union before I even go into the dealership. My last car I was financed at the dealer and later I refinanced through my bank and saved a lot of money.

[@jaffarbaqi]

Any idea when the new Sante fe is coming out?

[@slocavky]

The high pressure fuel pump buzzes way to much I think that's why people aren't buying them. I had a 2015 sport 2.0T and it was so loud and sounded awful.

[@K03sport]

It needs a wagon and N version...the low operating trunk is to help keep rain out until you get to the back; are we that lazy...

[@isaachuerta]

Is it Reliable?

[@dougn2350]

Super reliable. Ive owned 2 Sonatas and other Hyundai cars. Never had a warranty repair issue.

[@nissanzee5796]

What I look in any car is transmission , engine and comfortable seats , it does not matter if it looks like shit .

[@stolenhal0]

Transmission is good (outside of ECO mode), engine is superb, seats are pretty good but not great for say more than 4 hour plus drives in my opinion.

[@fantom5894]

0-60 with the 2.0T?

[@stolenhal0]

I could only find it for the 2.4L I-4 according to Consumer Reports which lists 8.3 seconds for the 2018 SEL model. Which is up from 9.2 seconds for the 2015-2017 SE model 2.4L I-4, also according to CR.

[@dougn2350]

@@stolenhal0... I have a '17 Sonata 2.4 GDI and I've done 0-60 in 8.5 seconds consistently. I even raced a co-worker with a '15 Escalade and beat it by a car length to 60mph.

[@fatbowe]

...I like your review style...;--),,,,,,

[@hamzawaleed7066]

love tha car

[@rafftime9831]

I won a 2012 sonata its a good car ....The problem isn't the car its the service department they're terrible ..

[@Dialysisforever]

The 2013 Hyundai Sonata has more HP and Torque, gets better MPG, is quicker, has a panoramic sunroof, bigger trunk with a handle inside the trunk lid and in my opinion it has better looks. This new Sonata's hood reminds me of a Ford Fusion.

[@daddyeagen]

Dialysisforever your claims require an asterisk. There was a well known issue with hyundais claims, their websites still has a link for people seeking restitution. Their mpg and power claims both had to be restated, and then in 2017 the epa updated their methodology so nearly ALL ratings were lowered (maybe 2016?). Thats what makes Honda and Toyota's 2018 models so impressive is their ratings with the current testing.

[@AA-rx4vf]

Those sucky prices are probably from somewhere in the US? We pay $100 million for the base sonata here in Canada

[@martybaker8736]

$100 million dollars seems a little high to me. I'll stick with my $19,000 2015 Hyundai Azera.

[@ssdivizion]

Dude,if you want to learn how to make perfect car reviews just go to european channels Carwow or Carbuyer,they have great reviews and very educational too

[@canomalo3662]

had the 2015 sonata ultimate and traded it in for the 2018 optima sxl because the lack of a pano roof, and got tired of the boring look of it,sales will continue too plummet for this car because the lack of a pano,new accord and new camry a drastic re vamp needs to happen for the next sonata

[@chinojarjos]

Camry did a great job with the new model but that is because it was completely updated. The Sonata killed the camry's previous model which was very very poor and outdated one... if someone is looking for a competely new one go camry then either accord or sonata follow very closely but if you are looking for used car The Sonata and the accord are above the previous camry model which was a very poorly designed car.

[@stolenhal0]

I would also suggest buying one of these used and save at least $5-6k+. Just make sure that it is used certified to retain the manufacture warranty.

[@adenovirus.]

why does he called it "Hunday" when it is "Hi-unday"

[@seansean681]

Jemmo because in America it rhymes with Sunday. Here’s a Hyundai commercial with the pronunciation of the name. kzbin.info/www/bejne/rIqQZpekaNlnrq8

[@robertsparks3584]

Cars are good the service is where its lacking always a cocky service advisor that does nothing but make excuses why they can't fix your car. I know I'm not the only one

[@mikeharris7261]

I'll take a v6 Camry over a 4cylinder turbo any day.

[@BillySmith808]

Mike Harris enjoy your shitbox with no AppleCarplay🤣

[@wellrounded713]

@@BillySmith808 oh, so sorry mr. Apple head!

[@jayduke3373]

for just 33000 dollars you can have a fully loaded sonata....... haha how much money do car reviewers make? like seriously? new car prices are ridiculous these days...

[@pbentsonable]

The panoramic roof is back for 2019 lol

[@JohnFT3414]

Let the right people at Hyundai know that the Infinity radios' treble control in ALL 2018 Hyundai Sonata Limited 2.0Ts DO NOT WORK! The treble controls slider goes from -10 to +10, but there is no change in the high frequency sound, like there should be! I tried the new cars in dealers, and they ALL DO NOT WORK AS THEY SHOULD! The bass and midrange controls work as they should, even though I would prefer the frequency of the midrange control to be higher in frequency, around 3kHz! It is too low in frequency now to do any good! Anyway, the treble control should work! Hyundai and Infinity need to fix this now and produce an update for the radio! Show less REPLY

[@paparazzi8472]

Hyundai Sonata - Samsung on wheels

[@Dialysisforever]

Hyundai's problem is the name. It has been associated the cheap for so long, its going to take a long time to change the peoples way of seeing Hyundai. Drive it before making up your mind. I can see by the comments people have already made up their minds.

[@stolenhal0]

They drive very well. I have driven the Sonata, Elantra & Accent each for several weeks, not just for a test drive. The Sonata is a superior driving machine, the Elantra was pretty good but didn't handle as well, Accent was alright but majorly lacking in the features department.

[@keytothegate68]

Cost way more than 2017 Sonata

[@stolenhal0]

That's because this is a top of the line trim model. Their base price is still around $23k for an SE.

[@dougn2350]

If you can find a new 2018 the incentives are substantial. I saves $6000 on an SEL model.

[@chinojarjos]

Just 33k haha! These guys reviewing cars are just marketers (the new sales man)

[@Steven58]

You might as well get a Ford Fusion for that sorry MPG result. For me, all signs are pointing to leasing a 2018 Accord. Upscale Interior good gas mileage good safety, highly adjustable driver's seat with 4-way lumbar? Barring a poor test drive experience coming up, it looks like Honda has me once again. I'm coming off of the VW diesel debacle. I did test drive the 2018 Camry and I did notice a more Germanic Driving Experience. It was nice. If Honda plays ball with its driver handling experience then that's the car for me.

[@keytothegate68]

Would any sane person pay 33K for this?

[@rudfil]

Only an insane person would throw money away and get less on a Toyota, Ford , Honda , or Chevy... ; )

[@bbokdoong]

comparably equipped Toyota Camry is $38k.

[@daddyeagen]

No, no they won't. Currently 27k for this where I live

[@stolenhal0]

I would pay $23k for the SE model but not this price for the limited or sport model.

[@q-bert6454]

VERY EXPENSIVE for a Hyundai

[@kylielee4852]

Blah blah blah

[@swanblake]

Doesn't really compete on anyfront with the new Accord or Camry. Those are the best sellers. This will sell sparsely. Very boring

[@aayonce4]

Blake Swan have you seen it in person? It looks pretty badass from behind!

[@thevoxdeus]

It's a better car than the Camry IMO and while it's not a better car than the Accord, it will kill the 2.0T Accord on price. No one will do a deal on an Accord, which is nice for the resale value, but if you're paying thousands more up front than a thousand dollars of resale on the back end isn't actually delivering value. I'm deciding on a mid sized sedan right now and for me it's down to the Sonata and Mazda-6. I really like the Accord, but I'm not paying a premium of thousands of dollars for a car that's marginally better than the competition, even though I've had Hondas in the past and I trust the brand a lot. I also don't really like the "fastback" look on the Accord. YMMV though.

[@jackclass5446]

The price and features......The others have more powerful engines...Sonata has more feautres than the Camry. I can get one fully loaded for 26k with pano roof.

[@chrislove481]

You get what you pay for, a Honda Accord is the best. buying a Hyundai Sonata it's like buying a mobile home with cheap mansion furniture. And a cheap resale value. Honda Accord all the way.

[@dougn2350]

Hows that CVT working out for ya?