2018 Hyundai Sonata Limited 2.0T Review

2018 Hyundai Sonata Limited 2.0T

2018 Sonata, Front Exterior
2018 Sonata, Front Exterior

Hyundai’s current Sonata is two-times unlucky, being a victim of both inside and outside forces. Fate has not been kind in that the last generation was such a game changer for the company, with radically good looks and a compelling value proposition. Compounding this, the new generation was released into a dramatically shrinking market segment, which gives much less leeway for halfhearted efforts.

Hyundai tried to remedy these factors with a facelift last year, comprising a fascia with features a more prominent grill, along with fresh details like smoked trim for some of the chrome. Inside the Sonata Limited, a smattering of moldings now feature upgraded materials and there’s a bit more adventurousness on display. But the Hyundai’s cockpit is still a generally workmanlike place to spend time. The

2018 Sonata, interior
2018 Sonata, interior

touchscreen infotainment system is intuitive but not the most responsive, though it does offer Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. The seats are broad and flat but provide heating and some of the most potent cooling in the industry, a boon for hot summer days.

The Sonata Limited’s handling balance is unremittingly front-led, its steering lifeless and its body inert unless one is inappropriately aggressive with fore-aft weight transfer. This despite numerous changes last year including uprated bushings and stiffer control arms. More relevant to this luxury model, ride quality is not as good as others in the segment; the Hyundai’s wheels fall into bumps and the low profile

2018 Sonata, side/rear view
2018 Sonata, side/rear view

rubber doesn’t cushion over pavement blemishes in the way more talented partners like the new Honda Accord and Toyota Camry, or even several year old Mazda6, do. The Sonata’s smooth, 245hp/260lb-ft, 2.0-liter turbo, now coupled to an eight-speed automatic and does a serviceable job. While it has a surprising amount of lag off the line, its midrange is strong and 0-60mph can be dispatched in under seven seconds. There’s nothing inherently wrong with the Sonata Limited; it seems well screwed together, is roomy and loaded with equipment. But that’s not enough in a shrinking market; there is nothing unique or compelling enough about this generation of Hyundai sedans to make them easy to recommend, now that they’ve reached price parity with more talented rivals.


[easyazon_infoblock align=”right” identifier=”B01GOO66YE” locale=”US” tag=”coloradoavidg-20″]0-60mph: 6.7sec

EPA ratings: 23/32mpg; 26mpg

Price as tested: $33,460

Here is what Hyundai has to say.

3 Stars


Contact Isaac Bouchard for help saving time, money and hassle when buying or leasing one at [email protected]

GET COLORADO GOLF NEWS DIRECTLY TO YOUR INBOX