2018 Hyundai Sonata Pros vs Cons

The 2018 Hyundai Sonata is a mid-sized sedan that is already generating a lot of buzz. Drivers have a seemingly endless amount of good things to say about this vehicle, and it is being hailed as a top competitor for the Toyota Camry and the Honda Accord. While the Sonata isn't perfect (especially the base trim), its shortcomings are easily cast aside for its long list of fantastic features and precise performance.

What's New for 2018?

The 2018 Hyundai Sonata has been given a huge overhaul for the model year. The steering and handling have been improved thanks to Hyundai revising the suspension. Blind spot monitoring is now standard across the line-up. Hyundai also got rid of the HID/xenon lights and replaced them with nice LEDs. The sunroof, which is optional, is no longer unreasonably massive, and the 2.0T trims have a swift new 8-speed automatic transmission instead of the outdated 6-speed.

Ten Reasons You May Like the 2018 Hyundai Sonata – The Pros

1. Numerous Standard Features

There is a long list of standard safety and technological features that can be found in the 2018 Hyundai Sonata. These features include Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and adaptive cruise control, just to name a few. Drivers can also take their pick of optional add-on features to make the driving experience even more enjoyable.

2. Spacious Cabin

The Sonata's cabin is one of the most spacious that can be found on a vehicle in its class. Drivers and passengers alike will find that there is plenty of head, leg, and shoulder room throughout the vehicle.

3. Tons of Trunk Space

Something that wasn't changed from 2017 was the generous 16.3-inch cubic feet of cargo space. This is some of the best cargo space in the mid-sized sedan class, and it is easy to store bulky items in this wisely-designed trunk.

4. A Redesigned Touchscreen Interface

The entire center console has been redesigned, making it even more user-friendly than before. The 7-inch touchscreen interface is easy to read and lacks the touchiness or sluggishness found on its competitors. In fact, it is difficult to find a more refined interface on most vehicles.

5. A 10-Year Powertrain Warranty

The 10-year powertrain warranty might just be reason enough to buy the 2018 Hyundai Sonata. Most other automakers do not offer such an extended warranty on their powertrains, so it might be a prudent decision to take advantage of this offer.

6. Strong Braking Abilities

The brakes are not too squishy or too stiff. In fact, they feel just right. Drivers can easily make a normal stop and can make a safe emergency stop without too much worry. When tested, they can stop in 119 feet from 60 to 0 mph, which is quite good for this class. They also handle going downhill extremely well.

7. Easy Entrance and Exit

Getting into and out of the 2018 Hyundai Sonata is simple for most people. The doors open wide and allow plenty of space to get in, even in the rear. Also, there is plenty of space for feet, so drivers and passengers won't get tripped up while trying to get out of the Sonata.

8. A Tilt-and-Telescoping Steering Wheel

Something that the 2018 Toyota Camry doesn't have is a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel. And, guess what? The Sonata has it! This makes the steering wheel extremely adjustable so that drivers of any size can easily find a comfortable driving position that works for them.

9. Excellent Visibility

Roof pillars on the Sonata are slender and make both frontal and rear visibility nice and clear, even despite the windshield's slightly awkward slant. The rear window is broad and tall, making it easy to see what is behind the vehicle. This, of course, is boosted by the blind spot monitoring system that comes standard on each trim level.

10. A High-Quality Interior That Includes Leather

The Sonata's interior makes it look way more luxurious than what you might expect to see on your average mid-sized sedan. The three-spoke leather steering wheel adds a touch of luxury to the vehicle that isn't easy to find in other cars in its class. The cabin features an array of eye-catching textures that enhance its sense of luxury.

Reasons You May Not Like the 2018 Hyundai Sonata – The Cons

1. Base Engine Isn't Very Powerful

If you plan on buying a Sonata, upgrade from the base engine if you want more power. The base engine is a 2.4-L 4-cylinder that, when paired with the 6-speed automatic transmission, only generates 185 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque, putting it below industry standard. The higher-level 2.0-L turbocharged engine produces exponentially more power, generating 245 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque.

2. A Little Lacking In Rear Legroom

Legroom in the rear is lacking, but only slightly. For most adults, it won't be much of a problem. For longed-legged people, however, this space might start to feel rather cramped and confined.

3. Subpar Performance From the Most High-Powered Turbo Engine

Unfortunately, even the 2.0-L turbocharged engine performs slightly below those found on its competitors. If you are not looking for high-level performance, it won't be a huge issue. However, it seems like this is something that should have been considered when Hyundai was overhauling for the 2018 model year.

4. Lots of Engine Throttle

Driving down main roads, you will not notice much in the way of noise or vibrations. Get this car up-to-speed on the highway, however, and you will start to feel some throttling. While the vibrations are a bit worse than they are on other mid-sized sedans, they are not the worst. In fact, it is only during acceleration that they're really noticeable.

How it stacks up to the competition:

2018 Hyundai Sonata vs. 2018 Toyota Camry

The 2018 Toyota Camry is one of the top competitors in this class. With its comfortable ride quality and great fuel economy, it's easy to see why. However, the Camry lacks the tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel and has a slightly less luxurious-looking interior.

2018 Hyundai Sonata vs. 2018 Honda Accord

The 2018 Honda Accord is the other main competitor this model year. Its recent overhaul gives it an incredibly well-tuned suspension, and fuel economy remains consistently good. The one thing it lacks that Hyundai gets right is the refined touchscreen interface.

Conclusion

The 2018 Hyundai Sonata is a top contender for mid-sized sedans, as it offers comfort, luxury, and security. While the engines could use some tweaking to improve their power, many other aspects of the Sonata make it one of the most driver-friendly sedans on the market this year.