Today I'm driving home from San Diego, where I went for a press preview of the all-new 2011 Hyundai Sonata. Hyundai has asked us not to write up our driving impressions until next week -- a bit silly, since the cars are showing up in dealerships now, which means that readers like you can test-drive one, form your own impressions, and write about them all you like -- but I can show you all the interior photos I shot, which I've added to my 2011 Hyundai Sonata photo gallery. The previous-generation Sonata was basically a cut-rate Camry clone -- affordable, comfortable, roomy and reliable, but a but dull. The new one? Well, it's still affordable, comfortable, roomy and reliable, but it's not -- oh, wait, that's a driving impression, so I can't write it. Guess you'll just have to wait until next week. Meanwhile, take a closer look inside the new Sonata in my 2011 Hyundai Sonata photo gallery. -- Aaron Gold
Photo © Hyundai
Aaron….I know you’re not able to do a review till next week but I question the new engine. I was looking at the SE with the 200 hp engine and I wonder if it will be enough HP to make it a “sporty” drive. The cars have not arrived yet where I live. I wonder if it will have the “oomph” that it should? Is it possible to shed a little light on that before next week?
I just saw this car at the Toronto Auto Show. It was the most impressive production non-super car there. I can’t believe this car is going to be so cheap to buy.
Go Hyundai!
The big three can take a lesson here. They probably won’t, but then again Hyundai has not filed for bankruptcy.
Al — No way to shed light on it without making myself unwelcome at Hyundai’s doorstep. But I would look at the 2011 Sonata’s torque figure (184 lb-ft) and compare it to the V6 engines of a few years ago. Then ask yourself how much time you spend in day-to-day driving with your foot to the floor. That should give you some idea. For now. I hope. And don’t forget, there’s a more powerful turbocharged 2-liter engine and a hybrid version on the way. I should get a chance to drive those cars later on this year. — Aaron
Wow first impression. Hyundai made a pretty decent car. Has mixed some of the best topics of Toyota, BMW, Audi and GM. The big tree should start worrying….
Although I’m not a Hyundai fan, this looks like a nice car. The last car was one of the nicer looking mid-sized sedans around. It’s what GM and Chrysler should have been building all along.
Sorry Al. This is a work-a-day 4-door grocery getter sedan. No matter what they do to it stylistically, there will never be anything “sporty” about it or any other 4-door grocery getter sedan. Not even the Charger and Pontiac G-8. They may go fast, but there’s more to “sporty” than speed and torque IMO. I also consider styling and door count. It’s a paradigm I’m stuck in from the past. The auto industry is trying to “move my cheese,” and I just don’t like it.
Thanks Aaron….got it!
I agree Eric! I grew up in the 60’s and 70’s when horsepower was horsepower and sporty had a whole different meaning. The cars I had back then burned oil and gas but moved so sweetly down the road!
Is this another Tiburon? All looks and weak performance? Guess we all just have to wait.
Another Tiburon, I doubt it. Besides, it’s called the Genesis Coupe now and it’s hard to find any negative press regarding weak performance (interesting that it’s a two door sports car, a concept that apparently sticks to some ludites definition of a sports car).
I almost feel sorry for Toyota. Hyundai seems to be blowing them away in just about every tangible aspect all while they’re going through these massive recalls. I didn’t think I would ever hear myself saying this, with such little doubt, but I would rather own a Hyundai. Oh well, no one ever said it was going to be easy being the King.
Luddite? I really have no problem at all with technological change. I love all the technological advancements in the new Dodge Challenger, Ford Mustang and Chevy Camaro compared to the original cars from the 60’s/70’s. I still love the older cars too. I have a 60’s era Muscle car personally. I guess I’m not sure where styling enters into technological change, other than aerodynamics, and that really has nothing to do with door count.
Hey Eric, I didn’t mean for that to be taken so literal. Luddite (thanks for correcting my spelling, I was wondering about that. Did you discover that after you looked up the definition?) can be used more broadly to refer to someone that resists change or advancement of any type not just technological. If I’m technically wrong about the definition please forgive me but I believe my point is clear.
“I also consider styling and door count. It’s a paradigm I’m stuck in from the past.”
You preceded this with:
“there will never be anything “sporty” about it or any other 4-door grocery getter sedan. Not even the Charger and Pontiac G-8.”
Luddite
Point taken, although I’m really not sure exactly how the 4-door “sport sedan” is “advancement.” equipping a 4-door grocery getter with bucket seats, a console and floor shifter, and a trunk spoiler and calling it “sporty” is certainly change. It brings visions to me of the folks who took a 68 Plymouth Belvedere 4-door sedan and put Mag wheels, bucket seats and a big wing on the trunk. Did it dress the car up a bit? Yes, but it still wasn’t a Roadrunner.
The 4-door “sport” sedan may be change. It’s just not a change I’m in favor of.
Hey Guys, I went to the Dealer, and the Sonatas have fnally arrived.
The dealer had Camry, Fusion, Sebring, Last Gen TSX, VW CC there as comparative cars.
1. The Sonata interior is on a whole different planet than Fusion. Fusion compared to Sonata is a very overrated car.
2. The Camry is a Joke on the interior front.
3. It looks 10 times better in person.
4. Sebring is a Chinese Car compared to Sonata.
5. VW CC is very damm competitive in the interior department. They are equally matched.
6. Sonata’s interior= as good as Last gen TSX
Actually I dont understand how the Fusion won NACOTY, unless it was a nod to Ford saying “Thanks you actually have a good US Ford product.”
I was not impressed at all, with all the Ford Hoopla I expected so much better.
Its on par with Current gen KIA Optima.
I did not like that Fusion at all, very dissappointng.
1. The Interior is bland,
2. The fit and finish is good (for an American product), but if it was a Hyundai id be very mad, and would call a California number up to speak to someone on the inside about it.
3. The seat materials are rock bottom quality. Just from the interior I wouldnt bother driving one.
Ford still has a long way to go to impress me. I have been actually impressed with Ford until I saw the Fusion today and got very angry that the media has been lying to us about “new Ford”. These guys are Hyundai 5 YEARS AGO!!!!
After looking at that Fusion interior, I almost want to take back the good things I said about Ford.
The Sonata should be treated like a near luxury product, and not an Economy car product in my eyes after today.
Maybe I shoulnt judge the Fusion or Camry to Sonata. Its not really a fair comparison, honestly. Fusion or Camry is not even on the same planet as Sonata, and this is not Hyundai Fan Boy talk, this is just plan and simple honest observation.
Sonata is a Mercury Milan, if Ford did it better
Tiburon=Hyundai’s Kharman Ghia.
Its old school Hyundai (crap) stuff we must scrap.
Why do a Tiburon when you can do an Accent Hatch just as powerful, and gets the fuel economy that a small car like Accent needs to get in the 2010s? I like it. It was neccessary for the era, but the key word is era. Its not needed anymore, like Entourage. It wasnt one of Hyundai’s Gems of long term relability either, that’s for sure.
Yes, Hyundai has the tech to do it, and the first example of this new Tech will be Next Gen Accent Sedan.
@hyundaismoke: I thought I was the one who was so biased…. Ever been to their Plant near busan or changwon? I have. If so you will see that your “superior”kias or hyundai’s (what;s the difference anyhow) are made on the production equipment is supplied by Demag (another great German company….) And please have a little respect to Kharman Ghia. Maybe in 50 yrs from now Tiburon might come close but presently it is just a nice badge with some modifications….
Hey don’t get me wrong. The sonata looks nice. I guess it even drives nice but as with many other things. Just not my cup of tea. And yes I am blessed cost of ownership is not my main driver when I buy a car. So wish you well in your new Sonata and many happy save miles with it
Im an Accent Fanatic Peter. That car is the future of Hyundai. That car brings in new buyers.
Im not a Sonata guy, but its so damm good I like it man.
I own a 2011 Sonata SE with NAV and sunroof. This is my 5th Hyundai.
Al’s concern about horsepower is understandable, until you realize thie new Sonata has a GDI (Gas Direct Injection) engine in. Yes, it’s a 4-banger, but unlike one you’ve ever seen. It burns fuel much more efficiently and performs better than fuel injection, giving you much better mileage and sportier driving.
The car is comfortable. The paddle-shifters on the SE trim level makes driving much more fun and adds to the sportiness. It handles well, and accelerating is easy and precise, even on hills and when passing.
You can fit a Hyundai Accent in the trunk. Rear seating and legroom is considerable and comfortable – after all, this is considered a large car as it has over 120 CF of cargo space.
I’m getting over 30 MPG in town and 40 MPG on the interstate.
The stereo rocks. Anywhere I go, people look at the car and ask questions. This is good, as I not only own it, but I sell Hyundai’s as well.
JD Powers lists Hyundai as the 4th highest in quality, behind Lexus, Porsche and Cadillac. This means they beat Toyota, Honda, Nissan and everyone else.
Fortune magazine says, “Hyundai is for real. Competitors hate them – Customers Love them”.
If you want something more “sporty”, buy the Genesis Coupe. I owned one of those also. Motor Trend says, “The Genesis is just more fun to drive,” beating the V-6 Mustang, Camaro and Challenger.
Compare Hyundai against any other manufacturer… Look at warranty (the BEST!), trim levels/options, and pricing. Hyundai is the one to beat.
That’s my story and Hyundai keeps me sticking to it.
Nuff said.