Hyundai
2011 Hyundai Sonata GLS
What it Is: A large four-door, five-passenger family sedan.
What's Hot: Sexy styling, high-end options not reserved for high-priced models.
What's Not: Tight head room in rear seat.
Family Friendly Options: Navigation (GLS), Heated rear seats (Limited)
How It Got Its Score: The newest Sonata adds much-needed style to the large family sedan market, and backs it up with very good fuel economy and a low price, making it the most Family Friendly sedan we've seen.
The 2011 Hyundai Sonata's sleek new styling should erase any memories of the bland previous generation car, or the downright odd looking earlier Sonatas. Yet this isn't just a styling statement. The Sonata is a large sedan, with room for five and ample (16.4 cu.-ft.) trunk space. Hyundai isn't just making a bold move with the styling, either. While most competitors offer either a four-cylinder or V-6 engine, the Sonata will come only with four-cylinder engines, a potentially risky gamble. The current engine puts out 198 hp (200 hp in SE models), making it the most powerful four-cylinder in the class. Later this year, a turbocharged version will be added to the lineup for those who want more power. The Sonata is also the only car in its class to offer Bluetooth standard, and an option package for the GLS includes a navigation system, a rarity on base models. Our First Drive of the 2011 Hyundai Sonata left us impressed, and we Recommended Hyundai's new sedan without hesitation.
Specifications
Price |
|
| MSRP |
$20,195 |
| Destination |
$720 |
| |
| |
| |
|
Other Models (Base Price) |
SE ($23,315)
Limited ($26,015) |
Mechanical
Engine Size |
2.4 liters |
|
Engine Type |
Inline-4 |
|
Horsepower |
198 hp |
|
Torque |
184 lb.-ft. |
|
Fuel |
Regular Unleaded |
|
Drivetrain |
Front Wheel Drive |
|
Transmission |
6-Speed Automatic |
|
Optional Transmission |
6-Speed Manual |
Fuel Economy
EPA City |
22 mpg |
|
EPA Highway |
35 mpg |
|
EPA Combined |
26 mpg |
Utility
Vehicle Type |
Large Car |
|
Family Friendliness |
8.3 |
|
Doors |
Four |
|
Seat Rows |
Two |
|
Passengers |
Five |
|
LATCH Positions |
Two |
|
Cargo Space |
16.4 cu. ft. |
|
IIHS Front |
Good |
|
IIHS Side |
Good |
|
IIHS Rear |
Good |
|
Stability Control |
Standard |
|
Traction Control |
Standard |
|
Brake Assist |
Standard |
|
Side Airbags |
Thorax and Curtain |
|
Collision Avoidance |
Not Available |
|
Active Cruise Control |
Not Available |
|
Photos
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