2011 Hyundai Sonata GLS
04/15/2010
Shahed Hussain
Among affordable sedans, the Sonata stood out for providing a long list of standard features at an attractive price. Since its introduction in the US over 20 years ago, Hyundai cautiously kept the Sonata's styling conservative to avoid turning off potential customers. For the new 2011 Sonata, Hyundai boldly transformed its best-selling sedan into a sleek, coupe-like 4-door that breaks free from its anonymous past.
Hyundai offers the Sonata in three variants: GLS, midlevel SE, and the luxurious Limited. Sonata pricing starts at $19,195 (GLS) and progresses up to $27,395 for a Limited with Navigation. We drove a Sonata GLS equipped with the optional 6-speed automatic, and the Popular Equipment Package, which adds 16-inch alloy wheels, power driver's seat with lumbar support, and other interior trim upgrades. As equipped, the sticker price would be $20,945 plus a $720 freight charge for a total of $21,665.
For the first time since the late 1980s, Hyundai eliminated the V-6 option for the Sonata, leaving a new 2.4L direct-injection four as the sole powerplant; a turbo 2.0L will be added to the lineup later. The 2.4L is rated at an impressive 198-bhp @ 6,300 RPM and 184 lb.-ft. @ 4,200 RPM; dual exhausts yield an additional 2-bhp and 2 lb.-ft. in the Sonata SE. Only the base GLS is available with a 6-speed manual, all other trim levels are equipped with the 6-speed automatic. Hyundai is justifiably proud of the Sonata's stellar fuel consumption rating of 22/35 MPG (city/hwy.); the 6-speed manual achieves 24/35 MPG (city/hwy.).
Among the numerous changes to the Sonata is the newly redesigned interior, which compares favorably to sedans costing over $30K. Attractive piano black and matte silver trim are strategically applied around the dashboard. Inset within the tachometer and speedometer are LCD gauges for the coolant temperature and fuel level. Trip computer functions are shown on the center digital display. Controls for audio, cruise, and Bluetooth phone are integrated on the steering wheel spokes. Climate control settings are adjusted via simply labeled knobs and buttons on the center console.
The standard cloth seats in the GLS are upholstered in a patterned fabric which appears durable, but not particularly attractive. With the optional 8-way power adjustments and adjustable lumbar support, we had no trouble getting comfortable in driver's seat. Front headroom and legroom is adequate for occupants up to 6-ft. tall. The rear seats have generous legroom, but passengers taller than about 5'-10" will brush the headliner. Moving up to the Sonata SE adds upgraded cloth/leather upholstery; full leather is standard on the Limited, which also includes front and rear seat heaters.
During our short drive of the Sonata GLS, we were impressed with its balance of ride comfort and precise handling. Body roll was minimal, while the suspension soaked up the worst potholes on the patched roads near Hyundai's technical center in Ann Arbor. For more sporting handling, the Sonata SE gets firmer front and rear springs, as well as a stiffer rear stabilizer bar; front and rear damper rebound rates are also increased. The sport suspension will likely appeal to enthusiasts, but may be too stiff for the typical Sonata customer.
As the standard powerplant, the 2.4L inline-4 is commendably refined, but engine noise becomes intrusive near the 6,500 RPM redline. The 6-speed automatic upshifts at an indicated 6,200 RPM, even when shifting manually, so the manual shift mode is best used for quick passing maneuvers. We did not sample a Sonata GLS with the manual gearbox, but Hyundai admits that few customers are opting for the standard transmission.
We were impressed with how rapidly the Sonata has advanced into the front ranks of mainstream sedans. While the previous generation Sonata was certainly competent, it stood out primarily as an exceptional value among family 4-doors, but without any other compelling attributes. The 2011 Sonata is a completely different proposition, offering the most powerful standard engine and class-leading fuel economy, while maintaining a sizable pricing advantage over comparable Japanese and American midsize sedans.
