Is the NEW 2021 Hyundai Sonata SEL Plus an even BETTER sedan to BUY?

The Sonata is in its second year sitting on an all new platform and redesign. For 2021 Hyundai has upgraded the Sonata with an SEL Plus trim. Under the hood is a 1.6L turbocharged inline-4 producing 180HP and mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission. On the outside you will find the new unique design of the Sonata with the one major edition being upgraded wheels and tires. On the inside you will find a well laid interior with full digital dash. Is the NEW 2021 Hyundai Sonata SEL Plus an even BETTER sedan to BUY?
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[@NileshR12]

"over 12 inches of visual display pleasure in your face” - that almost had a second meaning to it 😂

[@RaitisRides]

LMAO!

[@filthymcnasty2081]

Giggity lol

[@blk_fist3057]

Lmmfao

[@osio.2391]

Dirty mind!😉

[@Marchant2]

I just bought a 2021 Sonata. It has more extras in it, with leather seating navigation, etc, and I absolutely LOVE it.

[@RaitisRides]

Congrats! I am so glad that you love it!

[@johnl119]

I used to watch quite a few car reviewers. But now I've just narrowed them down all to only one. And that's u Joe. Love everything about your channel. The car reviews are frequent, relevant, and detailed enough so that I know what I need to know fairly quickly without spending 30 mins to learn about a car. And also your reviews follow a set pattern or sequence so I know where to find specific details if I'm quickly looking for them. Others have some or all of these above mentioned details as well, but the reason u stand out is because of your humor. Breaks up the monotony. Thanks from a long time subscriber 👍😊

[@ellenhill5826]

I love your videos and the detail. I actually just purchased this SEL PLUS, with the Tech Package, in Shimmering Silver. I had to get the panoramic sunroof. Would have gotten the limited version, but I couldn’t justify the extra cost for functions that I’m not going to use. I mean, if I gotta worry about using the park assist feature, I’d be worrying about dings in my door to repaint. No thank you, I’ll park far away and enjoy walking back to my beautiful car with no dings. As the former owner of a Volvo S40 T5 and a Lexus SC40, I have to say this is a really fun car to drive. Best value for the money for sure.

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks for taking the time to say that Ellen! Congrats on your new Sonata.

[@kumard6784]

Hi Ellen, Nice review on the car. I am also planning to purchase SEL PLUS, with the Tech Package. May I know how much it cost including taxes vs without tax. Could you please let me know it would be helpful for me.

[@travisp11]

Now you are speaking my language! I love reviews of the lower trim models. The SEL Plus Hyundai’s offer a great value!

[@ango10_]

Props to Joe man! This guy can review every segment of any car in one take. It takes a lot of natural talent my friend! (I’m wondering, how long does filming these vehicles usually take you?)

[@davidclark6071]

Beautiful car, beautiful price, amazing channel. Love you man! Thanks for the content

[@broadwayblues]

I love my 2020 Limited in blue. So much tech in an inexpensive platform. Great review.

[@pbj5521]

I love my 2020 Sonata SEL. Even great price and tech for the standard edition

[@jesusmata669]

@Raiti's Rides, you persuaded me to get this man.. I gotta say it is a ride like no other!! Thanks bro, stay safe GODBLESS 🤙

[@RaitisRides]

Congrats Jesus! Thank you for taking the time to let me know that! I hope you have a blessed weekend!

[@joepiano2520]

Keep up the good work. It sounds like you have a design background. I like how you talk about candy, food, ranch dressing. I like this review because you point out the rear vents and USB for an affordable car model. Now I am considering a Sonata for my next car.

[@autonewstv86]

I love the 2021 Hyundai Sonata, it’s very nice and great price,, I love the LED LIGHTS!

[@mohammed.alahmadi3069]

How do u turn the light on?

[@kitrocks8058]

I have the 2020 sel plus and it’s amazing inside and out

[@iqsuperkid7523]

@@mohammed.alahmadi3069 lol

[@kimijonghighball9626]

Un

[@sametyldrm8837]

I got the 2022 sonata sel plus

[@zavalabaceti]

I recently bought a Hyundai Sonata 2020, but mine is the Sel Plus with technology package. I'm just loving it.

[@AYouTubeChannelwithNoName]

You’re lovin’ it, aren’t you?

[@andreacuenca6825]

Hi! How’s the cabin noise???

[@codezalo5773]

SEL has the DCT?

[@joesh9845]

Joe you are the best!!! I really like watching your videos!!

[@martinn4186]

Those wheels look good, so much better than the ones I’ve seen on the other trim levels. This is one of the few cars that a front plate (required where I live) will make the car look better by breaking up that huge grill.

[@RachelHendricks]

The wheels look great.... The tires are horrible in rain. 😒

[@charlesmccaskey3019]

Just bought this car after watching several of your videos. Thank you for the in-depth analysis.

[@dheeradjlachman9658]

Very nice car review Raiti i like the new Sonata!! Thankyou! Stay safe and have a great day!

[@RaitisRides]

I am so glad that you liked this one.

[@soacca]

Appreciate your reviews

[@randybourdon2791]

I have the 2020 which I purchased in July. Absolutely love this one. I have the 2.5 litre engine. This is a great cruiser on the highway. I got the blue one as well. This is my third Sonata. Only downside so far is no place to store your sunglasses overhead and I miss the flip up door on the cubbyhole. I’m from Canada and I bought the base model called the Preferred.

[@BSchoon55]

Very impressive car for the money Joe! Amazing alternative to an Accord or Camry. I like this specific trim level too. When you have some time, try and get us a new GT350R diving video! It’s obviously been trending all over car news sites and social media the last day or so. We need it!!!

[@ChrisJohnson-hk6es]

Just bought one about a month ago. It's a very nice car! Still learning new things every single day. So many options and it is definitely a perfect family car.

[@kevinmenjivar3111]

How’s the car treating you since you bought it? I plan to buy the SEL plus as well. Any feed back?

[@ChrisJohnson-hk6es]

@@kevinmenjivar3111 car had been running great! No issues whatsoever. It's definitely a nice ride!

[@fbddjsbe23]

Love your reviews. !

[@virgil1468]

Love the videos brother! One question though, when are you gonna get your hands on an N-Line version? Been looking forward to see how the Kia K5 GT and the Sonata N-Line stack up against each other.

[@temsopsinternational6744]

Great review. Hope you'll cover the N-Line also! :)

[@thatsochianti]

i know NOTHING about cars and im looking at getting one for grad. i can always count on ur videos to give me an idea of what to look forward to. i can't wait to see ur review on the 2022 tuscon. thats really what i want 😭

[@Marcarlv]

Very similar to 2020 which I have and absolutely LOVE!

[@RaitisRides]

Very true. Just some fine tweaking.

[@Jupiter2796]

Joe, does the buyer have to buy the limited trim to get the sunroof? Sunroof is a necessity for me. Thanks for the great reviews.

[@Aschoolbusandsimulatorfan2219]

My dream Hyundai sedan!! Great job Joe.

[@chiemekaa]

9:53 Who doesn't like over 12 inches of visual display pleasure in their face? Joe, you and your words!

[@jbluntico6821]

Whoa. 😂😂

[@atom0824]

lmao

[@Kjohnson518]

I don’t know shit about cars but he kept me entertained and interested the whole way through. Love this

[@joeyGalileoHotto]

The only reason I'd get the Limited over the SEL Plus is the cameras that activate when you turn left or right. That's something I love in my Honda Civic.

[@RaitisRides]

I love that feature!

[@junz2445]

except it's a lot better in graphics.

[@broadwayblues]

Yep. The larger screen looks great and I love the 360 view when backing up, but my favorite is the HUD. I feel like a fighter pilot lol

[@ronaldhull8057]

This is a great everyday driver. Nice design and technology for the price! Thanks for the video. 👍😎

[@natasharomanoff679]

@Ronald Hull agree with you☺

[@TristanVash38]

good vid. MIL just bought it. I approve. Thanks for the video.

[@earthsperfectphotos9765]

Mother just bought this 2021 Hyundai sonata 1.6t sel pluse in the gorgeous yellow / gold color. Apparently a very rare paint job. Currently sitting at 32 miles on the odometer. Family has had 4 sonatas now. 2013 15 18 and now 2021. Love this one very much. Wasn't expecting on getting the turbo but it runs great. And gets great gas mileage!. Love how a little more peppy it is than the regular 4 cylinder. Easily pull the sonata around. Anyways great review!.

[@skrskrwoah1644]

This car is perfect from the design to the windshield wipers 👌🏽

[@fordTH7335]

Pretty damn good lookin car even though I haven't driven a 2021 yet. Those daytime running lights are pretty awesome looking in person though and I like the black grill. On a black car it looks even cooler

[@tracywo]

Great Review! Definitely subscribing✨

[@chetlovesmer9549]

Love your channel, brother. There are a half dozen other guys doing what you do. Yours is the channel I watch. I watch your reviews even on cars I have no intention to buy. The "twinkie" size comparison for compartments is nothing short of brilliant. Keep up the good work.

[@dal0768]

Nice vehicle at a decent price. The only thing I'm not crazy about is the silver trim down the sides of the hood.

[@rko316632]

Love it! Do you have a review of the 2021 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid SEL?

[@RaitisRides]

Not yet but stay tuned!

[@pigybak]

looks awesome in red in the background

[@RaitisRides]

Oh yeah!

[@DatSunny280z]

Hyundai has been hitting grand slams! I got a 2020 Sonata SEL in Phantom Black a few months back and this car has been amazing as a daily driver. At this price point, I was glad to choose it over the Accord, Camry, and even the redesigned Optima. Your zonks are definitely warranted, but like you said this car is well balanced for what it offers. The N Line is sure to also be a winner as well and I cannot wait for you to review it alongside the new Elantra as well.

[@MrMuchachos75]

Did u look at the Mazda 6

[@MetalMan73100]

Every time I see Joe reviewing a beautiful sedan, I click on Like before I start watching.

[@Gen10civic]

I need that raitis rides polo shirt! Merch possibly soon!?

[@NaimFennell]

I have the same car with the same color but it is a 2020. I really enjoy driving this every day. Hyundai brings great value and I can't see myself switching to another brand. I just wanted something that looks nice to commute everyday. Great job Hyundai!!! Awesome review 👍👍.

[@kevinmenjivar3111]

How’s the car treating you since you got it? Any feed back? I plan to get the SEL plus

[@NaimFennell]

@@kevinmenjivar3111 The car is great!!! Nothing so far. I had it for two years and no problems at all.

[@tylerhill9510]

I rented one to drive from asheville nc to daytona beach and back in one day 15hr straight and it was a joy to drive, well it drove itself a good amount. You gotta keep your hands on the wheel and pay attention but its really nice.

[@nathanielwalters158]

One of the best car reviewer in the business. Sense of humor is 8ft tall, lol. I had to become a subscriber today.

[@dragoh7102]

Got one in Hampton gray LOVE IT

[@nenad285]

I just bought myself one of these in the exactly color over memorial day weekend, I love it!. The LED headlights are my favorite part since my previous car had halogens, I see the road so much better at night. The car is comfortable, quiet and gets great gas mileage!. The open area behind the shifter is fine for me as it allows easier access to my phone.

[@RachelHendricks]

How has your experience been in rain? I find doesn't have great traction.

[@nenad285]

@@RachelHendricks Hey Rachel, I have had no issues in the rain so far. Although, the tires aren't the best ones out there, they still hold up well 👍

[@christonjones7592]

So it is good on gas

[@nenad285]

​@@christonjones7592 Yes, depending on the traffic in my commute, i get anywhere from 28-36 MPG

[@christonjones7592]

@@nenad285 thanks

[@yes8032]

Great car I wonder how it would go against the Camry accord and others Btw will the comparison reviews come?

[@filthymcnasty2081]

Seems very similar to the 2020. Understandable. Thanks for the video, but I'll wait for the N-line.

[@mystictk4149]

Yessir I get to watch before work.

[@RaitisRides]

That is so awesome! Thanks for getting us in!

[@mystictk4149]

Raiti's Rides It really is man :) always gotta fit y’all in.

[@StrikeForce571]

Definitely love my sonata I have the same model although mines is silver. You can't go wrong with this baby...

[@lisasteele8275]

Any updates on a review for the 2021 Elantra?

[@johnedwards2932]

Is the plastic condom over the key fob suppose to stay on . . . depending on the situation?

[@loganmccullough987]

I’m debating on 2020 Sonata, 2021 Elantra, and a 2021 K5. What’s your opinion on it???

[@jbshp2011]

Joe..on the SEL PLUS you can get the larger infotainment screen but you have to add the $2000 tech package fyi

[@JT-fq2bl]

Fun fact: The 2021 Hyundai Sonata SEL Plus is equipped with 19in wheels. Unfortunately, there's no good twisty roads in Florida to test the upsized wheels.

[@RaitisRides]

TOTAL FACT

[@SaintMecha]

You don't have a road like Angele crest highway in the east coast?

[@JT-fq2bl]

@@SaintMecha I lived in NC where all the back roads are twisty. The best back road for testing your vehicle's handling in NC is the Tail of The Dragon.

[@brolyv5802]

Nice rims - dual or quad exhaust must be standard ti project sportiness

[@atger1]

Can you do a review of the 2021 KIA Cadenza?

[@robbyu.672]

Okay wow under $30k. This is probably the first one you’ve done I’ve enjoyed almost as much as a Mazda.

[@yordan826]

So Raitis what's new besides the wheels?

[@brzt7741]

How long until the Sonata N line comes out? I been waiting for a whole year for it!!! I’m about to call it quits and get a Camry 🥺

[@priscillastephens3978]

At first, I didn't find these cars all that attractive BUT color DOES make a difference with these new Sonatas. I saw one yesterday, an all-black, tinted out and immediately became attracted to this car. Black REALLY makes this car look sharp. I also like the Hampton Grey but something about the black.

[@melvinjacobs2328]

Love the video and the car

[@thinkabout602]

That is one beautiful car, the color, design, tech and value. You did it again Joe 👍

[@RaitisRides]

I totally agree with you! Thank you so much for letting me share it with you!

[@michaelpierre208]

Listen man U have to be real tho I love ur videos but when u say this car is beautiful Is just a lie This car is the ugliest car in the world

[@thinkabout602]

@@michaelpierre208 opinions are like belly buttons - everybody has one 👍

[@michaelpierre208]

thinkabout yeah I’m sure u got one either 🙌🏼

[@gaganbot3606]

It would be rly cool if u could compare models!!

[@tuxedoblackcat1680]

This reminds me of my dream superhero car that you reviewed in my dreams.

[@dannydelreal7023]

When will you review the 2021 sonata n line?

[@zaleyahasante-tannor126]

how does it ride in the snow where I live it snows a lot in the winter

[@RachelHendricks]

Just got one yesterday. Love it.

[@RaitisRides]

Congrats Rachel!

[@RachelHendricks]

A month later still enjoying this car. Some of the alerts are naggy but it's a really nice sedan for the price. Plenty of space for storage and people. I can keep a wheel chair in the trunk and still have room for like 30 dozens of donuts. 😏

[@RachelHendricks]

So follow up review. 4 months out. The tires are really bad if it's wet out. I made the same left turn I've been doing to work and it was raining and the car ended up in the shoulder. I was surprised by that. It wasn't a dramatic thing, but enough for me to consider getting winter tires.

[@alexdavis2448]

Such an amazing car, I have the same car, but a 2023 in serenity white, best car I’ve ever owned

[@kevinmenjivar3111]

My question is this one faster than the regular SEL? Having less HP but of course more torque

[@derekanderson5830]

It looks very nice. If it had a 2 liter motor it would be able to complete with the Accord Sport 2.0T at the same price.

[@mrhawk1924]

Can you do a review on a Azera 2021?

[@85NDanielle]

Coming from my first car, 2014 Hyundai elantra (brand new when purchased) it was time for a new car... Lol. So, I purchased my new Sonata Sel plus with the tech package in November 2021, I'm so happy I did. I loooooooooove this car! I keep finding cool things on this car. I must say this car gives me a luxury car feel without the price tag. I've always been a fan of Hyundai. ♥️

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks for sharing that great experience with us!

[@85NDanielle]

@@RaitisRides, thanks for liking my comment 😊. I do have a question for you, when in reverse, my backup camera doesn't cover the full screen as yours did in the video. Is there a setting I can change?

[@G12m]

Your sweets and snacks references are hilarious. 😄

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks for letting me bring some laughs and some cars to you!

[@bhagatsingh1491]

Skittles

[@Tinrs80]

So ive been in front of this version on the road with the LED DRLs like this. Looked in the mirror...You dont see the strip running up as good and can see the difference in brightness majorly with the bottom. People talkin bout how nice this is but im sayin not as good in effect after you see it.

[@jameskyle2238]

Help me Joe!! this, or a 2020 Kia optima SX 2.0 T?????? I'm torn now!!

[@davidefland1985]

I have a red 2020 SEL plus. Wish l had those 19” wheels and tires though.

[@dkmurphy6129]

Took the same test drive when I took my Vera Cruz for a test drive 7 years ago at Fitzgerald. Now looking for a sedan. This or the k5.

[@RaitisRides]

Very cool! Very small world!

[@mohammedsaid1625]

The Koreans make the competition with them exhausting . Always Kia and Hyundai achieve the difficult equation, which is beautiful designs plus advanced technology with the best prices. Thank you for your continuous work.

[@vincentmaltese7005]

Joe, I'm a short guy, so please tell me your secret-lol. Great review as usual. I like the interior and love the wheels. Not loving the overall styling of the exterior (really loved the 2011 version of the Sonata)-but nice car, especially for the money. Keep up the great work!

[@lakb2482]

When are you gonna do the 2021 stinger bro?? Lol I’m waiting 😂

[@VeronicaUSA]

I’ve got SEL plus in Hampton grey color 😎👌

[@kimojoseph8057]

Nice 👍 one joe the color and the interior and those seats 💺 is so cool it have a lot off space and it’s sounds so low when it driving awesome 👏 ride big up to crown 🤴 Vic Lori and you joe 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍💯💯💯💯💯💯👌👌👌✊✊✊✊✊😉😉😉😉☝️✨✨✨✨✨💺💺💺💺💺💺🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@RaitisRides]

You are the best!

[@frankenelimtangco2400]

Literally bang for a buck! Hyundai already step up the game!

[@brittoncoil2518]

It’s weird the sonata debuted with these wheels but they didn’t come out until the 2021 model year🤔

[@BarikSingh]

Nice review Joe!! Can’t wait to see the new Sonata N-Line. I’ll stay tuned.

[@RaitisRides]

Same here man! Thanks for your dedication!

[@CrazeyP]

Hyundai and genesis is doing great right now

[@RaitisRides]

You are so right about that.

[@kitrocks8058]

As someone who’s Sonata had minor damage to the front bumper that black gloss plastic does not look good when they were chips in it

[@kimijonghighball9626]

I'm only getting 31mpg highway in mine. But the engine hasn't been broken in. It onlybhas 181 miles.

[@zafarshaikh5463]

Thanks to Raiti’s Rides I have been driving around zonking vehicles I don’t like

[@RaitisRides]

It's great to have you as past of the Raiti's Rides family!

[@zafarshaikh5463]

Raiti's Rides thank you for your very informative and hands down the most entertaining car review videos :)

[@ristekostadinov2820]

One zonk that i have in terms of car design, and is not specificaly for the Sonata is "when you are designing practical family car with sloping roof why not making it hatchback (or as audi calls it sportback)".

[@tj3much]

Kia k5 gt line , or hyundai sonata sel plus?

[@rainman7992]

turbo...longevity is not our dominion...how long will yours last before needing replaced ? short term lease, no problems...but after 60,000 miles...?

[@_IIN01]

SEL Plus 1.6T priced at $29,930? So now I’m wondering how the N-Line is going to be priced at if it’s going to slot between the SEL and Limited... since it offers better performance then it must trade off some technology features I’m assuming...I’m confused on how Hyundai is going to price the N-Line now :/

[@andradeavila1383]

My next car 🤩😍 I'ma wait a year or two to get it a bit used

[@jackrandom4893]

CVT or Dual Clutch?

[@jasonbatista6273]

Is the 2021 already available for purchase? I'm buying a sonata this month, dont know if I should.go for the 2021 or just do the 2020

[@kbtravel3066]

Not sure if there are slot differences. I bet you get discount on 2020

[@toddaspinwall4127]

They are out. The only difference with the 2021 is the wheels on the SEL and SEL Plus. All the rest of the models are the same as 2020.

[@HarfelJ]

I think I remember hearing that the 2020's cabin is rather noisy, and that for the 2021 that was addressed. That might be worth looking into

[@levisingleton4921]

Just want to say I really like Fitzgeralds. They didn't have the car my wife wanted, but they have always been super cool compared to some other Hyundai dealers.