2009 Hyundai Sonata Review | Buyer Guide
Updated Sonata More Attractive
It’s no easy deal competing against the Toyota Camry and the Honda Accord, but Hyundai is giving it its best shot. When owners of the current generation Sonata complained that they were unhappy with certain features of their cars, Hyundai got right on it and made changes for the 2009 model.
One of the things owners didn’t care for were the front seats, which they said were not very comfortable. They also felt that the center control panel for the radio and air conditioning was confusing. Hyundai took the criticism to heart and made improvements to the cabin, and to other aspects of the car as well.
Hyundai’s American design staff in Michigan enlarged the seats, making them longer and wider, while at the same time, adjusting the seating angle and improving the backrest. The seats are now as comfortable as those found in a Camry or an Accord.
Equally impressive are the changes made to the center control panel. Hyundai enlarged the air vents and moved them to a higher spot on the dash. They also moved the climate controls up, where they are easier to access, and added a storage compartment where the climate controls used to be. The new setup is not only more functional, it is more esthetically pleasing. However, I wish Hyundai would use better-looking material on the top of the dash—it still looks drab.
Those who are familiar with the 2008 Sonata will notice that the ’09 model sports a new grille. The new grille features three horizontal bars and is all chrome. Headlights and taillights received minor changes too.
In addition to the enhancements made to the cabin and bodywork, Hyundai also upgraded the engines. Both the 2.4-liter, 4-cylinder and the 3.3-liter, V-6 get more horsepower. The four-banger jumps from 162 hp to 175. The V-6 now generates 249 hp, up 15 from last year. Furthermore, these motors get better gas mileage. The inline-4 delivers 22-32 mpg, and the V-6 gets 19-29. Sonatas come equipped with 5-speed manual and 5-speed automatic transmissions.
Feedback from customers also revealed that last year’s Sonata wasn’t as crisp in its handling as some would have liked. Hyundai got the message, and quickened the steering and stiffened the suspension a notch to provide better driving dynamics. I like the sharper way the steering reacts now when turning into a corner. I also like the better control of ride motions that the revised suspension provides. The Sonata is no sport sedan, but it can hold its own with other midsize sedans.
One thing that Hyundai didn’t change was the value factor of the Sonata. It is still a good deal. Buyers get a roomy cabin (EPA classifies the Sonata as a Large Car) and a huge 16.3 cu.-ft. trunk. Features like XM satellite radio, input jacks for iPods and flash drives, as well as electronic stability control are all included in the base price. Additionally, cars with automatic transmission get a standard manual shift mode. Yet, the Sonata is priced lower than the leading competition. The starting price is just $18,795— about $1000 less than a Camry or Accord.
Snapshot Review
Improved Interior
Better Handling
Good Gas Mileage
Valued Priced
