SE V6 4dr Sedan
2010 Hyundai Sonata

2010 Sonata Photos
The Best Mid-Size Base Model Money Can Buy One might think that the shapely, coupe-like roofline (yes, we said it) would take its toll on interior volume, but it's quite the contrary in the Sonata. Hyundai's clever packaging has made for a car that has more interior volume than most of its competitors, with good amounts of headroom for passengers both fore and aft. Rear legroom is a bit of a sore spot, though – at only 34.6 inches, even a Volkswagen Golf offers more comfortable accommodations. Once you're settled in, the first thing you'll notice about the Sonata's interior is how the exterior design carries over onto certain parts of the cabin, namely the front doors, steering wheel and dashboard. The Hyundai easily has the most stylish interior among all mid-size sedan offerings, though all interior functions are still quite intuitive. The Volvo-esque airflow monitor, backlit instrument cluster gauges and Hyundai-standard soft blue lighting really make the Sonata's interior seem more upscale than its price tag would suggest. As you would expect, many of the touchable surfaces inside the GLS aren't as soft or smooth as what you get in SE or Limited trims, but they certainly aren't lacking in quality. The whole package is more attractive than what you'll find inside a Ford Fusion while being less cluttered than a Honda Accord. By comparison, the Chevrolet Malibu feels downright third-world. Most people shopping the mid-size sedan segment value style, comfort and levels of standard equipment more than power or driving dynamics, but Hyundai still delivers in this regard. Gone for 2011 is any sort of V6 offering, and while hybrid and turbocharged powertrains are on the way, the vast majority of Sonatas will be equipped with the automaker's all-new direct-injected 2.4-liter inline four-cylinder engine. This engine makes its debut in the Sonata, and with an EPA-estimated 35 miles per gallon on the highway (22 in the city), Hyundai has topped the Ford Fusion for the title of most fuel-efficient non-hybrid mid-size sedan. That's a great line for a press release, yes, but it's also a huge selling point for consumers who demand frugality in new car purchases. These aren't fluffed-up numbers, either, as we easily managed an average of 33 mpg during our week-long test through metro Detroit. Rated at 198 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, the GDI 2.4 never feels underpowered, and unlike many older four-cylinder mills, you don't have to rev the bajeezus out of it to accelerate quickly. A relatively linear powerband coupled with a smooth-shifting six-speed automatic make for pleasant cruising. Pleasantly quiet, too – Hyundai's abundant use of sound-deadening materials make for an eerily quiet ride, with very little in the way of engine or wind noise making its way inside the cabin. That isn't necessarily a bad thing, though, because while the 2.4 liter is a honey of an engine, it's certainly not an aural treat. Not that you'll really notice. Those of you clamoring for a manual transmission will be …
Full Review
The Best Mid-Size Base Model Money Can Buy One might think that the shapely, coupe-like roofline (yes, we said it) would take its toll on interior volume, but it's quite the contrary in the Sonata. Hyundai's clever packaging has made for a car that has more interior volume than most of its competitors, with good amounts of headroom for passengers both fore and aft. Rear legroom is a bit of a sore spot, though – at only 34.6 inches, even a Volkswagen Golf offers more comfortable accommodations. Once you're settled in, the first thing you'll notice about the Sonata's interior is how the exterior design carries over onto certain parts of the cabin, namely the front doors, steering wheel and dashboard. The Hyundai easily has the most stylish interior among all mid-size sedan offerings, though all interior functions are still quite intuitive. The Volvo-esque airflow monitor, backlit instrument cluster gauges and Hyundai-standard soft blue lighting really make the Sonata's interior seem more upscale than its price tag would suggest. As you would expect, many of the touchable surfaces inside the GLS aren't as soft or smooth as what you get in SE or Limited trims, but they certainly aren't lacking in quality. The whole package is more attractive than what you'll find inside a Ford Fusion while being less cluttered than a Honda Accord. By comparison, the Chevrolet Malibu feels downright third-world. Most people shopping the mid-size sedan segment value style, comfort and levels of standard equipment more than power or driving dynamics, but Hyundai still delivers in this regard. Gone for 2011 is any sort of V6 offering, and while hybrid and turbocharged powertrains are on the way, the vast majority of Sonatas will be equipped with the automaker's all-new direct-injected 2.4-liter inline four-cylinder engine. This engine makes its debut in the Sonata, and with an EPA-estimated 35 miles per gallon on the highway (22 in the city), Hyundai has topped the Ford Fusion for the title of most fuel-efficient non-hybrid mid-size sedan. That's a great line for a press release, yes, but it's also a huge selling point for consumers who demand frugality in new car purchases. These aren't fluffed-up numbers, either, as we easily managed an average of 33 mpg during our week-long test through metro Detroit. Rated at 198 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, the GDI 2.4 never feels underpowered, and unlike many older four-cylinder mills, you don't have to rev the bajeezus out of it to accelerate quickly. A relatively linear powerband coupled with a smooth-shifting six-speed automatic make for pleasant cruising. Pleasantly quiet, too – Hyundai's abundant use of sound-deadening materials make for an eerily quiet ride, with very little in the way of engine or wind noise making its way inside the cabin. That isn't necessarily a bad thing, though, because while the 2.4 liter is a honey of an engine, it's certainly not an aural treat. Not that you'll really notice. Those of you clamoring for a manual transmission will be …
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Retail Price

$24,050 MSRP / Window Sticker Price
Engine 3.3L V-6
MPG 19 City / 29 Hwy
Seating 5 Passengers
Transmission 5-spd w/OD
Power 249 @ 6000 rpm
Drivetrain front-wheel
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