2026 Hyundai Sonata Review

The base engine setup—found in both the SE and SEL Sport—delivers 191 horses from a 2.5-liter four-cylinder matched to an eight-speed automatic transmission. It handles Valley highways and daily driving without breaking a sweat, and the SEL Sport lets you add HTRAC all-wheel drive if you occasionally venture into Flagstaff or Sedona.

Here's where things get interesting, though. The N Line throws in a turbocharged version of that same 2.5-liter engine, but now you're working with 290 horses and 311 pound-feet of torque available from way down at 1,650 rpm. The power delivery is immediate and addictive. Hyundai paired it with a dual-clutch eight-speed that bangs through gears lightning-fast, then backed everything up with bigger brakes, sharper steering response, and grippier performance rubber on 19-inch wheels. The result feels more like a sport sedan than typical family transportation, yet it's still totally practical for everyday errands.

The hybrid trio combines a 2.0-liter gas mill with electric assist for a combined output of 192 horsepower—essentially matching the standard engine's punch while sipping significantly less fuel. What's clever is how the paddle shifters work double-duty. Most of the time they control regenerative braking, helping you recapture energy when slowing down. Flip into sport mode and they switch to manual gear selection. That instant electric boost around town makes the hybrid feel peppy and smooth.

Starting with the SE and Hybrid Blue, you get straightforward cloth seating with reasonable support and manual driver's seat adjustment. The trunk swallows 15.6 cubic feet of cargo, and the split-folding rear bench handles longer items when needed. It's honest transportation without pretense.

Moving to the SEL Sport or Hybrid SEL brings noticeable upgrades. The seats feature H-Tex material with microfiber accents that punch above their price point, and the power-adjustable driver's seat with lumbar support makes finding your ideal position easy. Heated front seats and a warmed steering wheel seem excessive for Arizona until you experience those chilly January mornings. The Hybrid SEL tosses in a panoramic sunroof that makes the cabin feel significantly more open during our perfect spring and fall weather.

The N Line shifts into sport territory with leather-wrapped seats designed to hold you planted through aggressive driving while remaining day-long comfortable. Power adjustment for both front seats, plus heating and cooling with three intensity settings each—those cooled seats become essential equipment when summer temperatures soar past 110. Even details like the aluminum pedals reinforce the performance character.

At the top, the Hybrid Limited wraps everything in genuine leather and adds a memory system that automatically restores your preferred seat and mirror positions. The passenger gets power adjustment too, creating a genuinely upscale environment that rivals pricier brands.

Every Sonata—yes, even the base model—includes a substantial 12.3-inch touchscreen with wireless connectivity for both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Proximity keyless entry and push-button starting come standard across the lineup, eliminating that awkward key-fumbling in Arizona heat.

The entry models feature six-speaker audio that handles streaming services and podcasts admirably for most listeners.

Mid-level SEL Sport and Hybrid SEL trims introduce wireless phone charging to keep devices topped off without cable mess. The auto-dimming rearview mirror is one of those subtle conveniences you appreciate every night drive when headlights from behind automatically dim themselves.

Top-tier N Line and Hybrid Limited models integrate navigation into that big screen and pair it with Bose premium sound featuring a dozen speakers strategically positioned throughout the cabin. The audio quality genuinely impresses, creating immersive listening experiences. Natural voice commands work surprisingly well—just speak normally rather than using robotic phrases. The Hybrid Limited adds a head-up display projecting key information onto the windshield, plus smartphone-as-key functionality through Hyundai Digital Key 2.0 Premium.

What really impresses about the Sonata lineup is how Hyundai equipped even the most affordable trim with advanced safety systems. Every version includes forward collision prevention with pedestrian and cyclist detection, lane-keeping assistance, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alerts, and adaptive cruise that handles stop-and-go traffic. The rear occupant alert and safe exit warning prove especially important in desert conditions where vehicle interiors heat dangerously fast.

The N Line and Hybrid Limited incorporate highway driving assistance that manages steering, speed, and braking in freeway conditions—dramatically reducing fatigue on extended drives. The blind-spot view monitor displays live camera feeds directly in your gauge cluster when you activate turn signals.

The Hybrid Limited goes furthest with comprehensive parking aids including collision avoidance, distance warnings from all directions, and surround-view cameras. The remote parking feature legitimately impresses—stand outside with your key fob and guide the vehicle into or out of challenging spaces. It's genuinely practical in tight parking situations rather than just a gimmick.

The standard gas engine achieves EPA estimates of 23 mpg city and 32 highway—respectable numbers that might drop slightly when air conditioning runs constantly during summer months. The turbocharged N Line sacrifices some efficiency for performance, though specific figures weren't available.

The hybrid models deliver a compelling value proposition for high-mileage drivers. For anyone logging serious miles commuting across the Valley or making frequent longer trips, the reduced fuel spending accumulates meaningfully over time. Arizona's spread-out geography means even moderate drivers cover significant distances.

Performance enthusiasts accept the N Line's higher operating costs for driving enjoyment. Average drivers find the gas SE and SEL Sport offer the lowest upfront investment with reasonable running expenses.

Each configuration serves a distinct buyer profile effectively. There's no single "best" Sonata—just the right one based on what matters most to you and how you'll actually use the vehicle.  Schedule a test drive.