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Hyundai Sonata: Playing Up to the Competition

The 2015 Hyundai Sonata is an all-new, U.S.-built vehicle largely based on 2013's HCD-14 concept with styling and engineering cues from the redesigned Hyundai Genesis.

Tariq Kamal
Tariq KamalContributing Editor
Read Tariq's Posts
December 11, 2014
Hyundai Sonata: Playing Up to the Competition

 

2 min to read



Much has changed since the 2009-MY, when the sixth-generation Hyundai Sonata debuted with enough style and drivability to finally entrench the mid-size sedan as a worthy competitor to the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord and Nissan Altima.

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But the Sonata has lost much of its mojo as redesigns of those models and new entries from Ford, Mazda, Volkswagen and Hyundai’s cousin, Kia, crowded into the segment.

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Enter the 2015 Sonata, an all-new, U.S.-built vehicle largely based on 2013’s HCD-14 concept with styling and engineering cues from the upscale (and recently redesigned) Hyundai Genesis. With good looks, a fresh crop of engines and a plethora of standard and optional equipment, the new sedan is worth a long look from fleet buyers.

The new base engine is a 2.4-liter inline four that delivers 185 horsepower (hp) at 178 pound-feet (lb.-ft.) of torque. Sport and Limited models feature a 2.0-liter turbo I-4 with 245 hp (30 fewer horsies than the outgoing 2.0) and 260 lb.-ft. of torque.

Specs for the 2015 Hyundai Sonata.

The mileage-conscious Sonata Eco comes equipped with a unique seven-speed transmission (mated to a 1.6-liter turbo) that delivers 177 hp at 195 lb.-ft. and 38 miles per gallon (mpg) on the highway — a slim improvement over the base engine’s 37 highway gallons.

The cabin was redesigned from the inside out. The prior generation’s chrome-trimmed center stack and rough plastic surfaces gave way to a simple, elegant, semiluxurious look and feel. Limited models are decorated with imitation wood trim and an upscale, two-tone design scheme; the Sport 2.0T features a unique steering wheel and instrument cluster.

Sport and Sport 2.0T editions also add performance-inspired design cues to the new exterior, which features Hyundai’s Fluidic Sculpture 2.0 design language and a drag coefficient of 0.27. The 2014 Sonata’s buzz-saw façade and blocky hood rails were replaced by a bigger but decidedly understated grille and a single, clean shoulder line that extends backward from the headlights.

The base SE comes with 16-inch alloy wheels, power windows, mirrors and locks, cruise control and a six-speaker sound system with Bluetooth and iPod connectivity. Sport and Eco models include 17-inch wheels, automatic headlights, power driver’s seat and more. Limited and 2.0T trim adds all that and a slew of upgrades.

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The 2015 Hyundai Sonata is in showrooms now with a starting MSRP of $21,150.


Originally posted on Work Truck Online

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