2019 Hyundai Sonata Trim Levels with Comparisons & Configurations.

Backed by one of the best warranties in the business, the 2019 Hyundai Sonata remains a great pick for any family. You'll like the Sonata's generous amount of interior room and available high-tech features. Stylish appearance upgrades also put the Sonata among today's best-looking midsize sedans. Although the Sonata may not deliver world-class performance, it's still entertaining enough to deliver an enjoyable drive.

Unlike some of its competitors, the Sonata didn't receive any significant updates for 2019. All-wheel drive is still not offered. You'll have a total of six trims to choose from. Let's examine the differences between each trim.

Compare the 2019 Hyundai Sonata SE vs Eco Trims. What is the difference?

You should definitely give the base Sonata SE some thought. An MSRP of $22,300 makes it one of the strongest values in the segment. Today's most sought-after features come standard, including a 7.0-inch touch screen with smartphone integration and Bluetooth streaming. Important safety technologies are found on the base Sonata SE as well. Aside from a backup camera, you'll also benefit from blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert.

The SE trim is also quite attractive. A chrome exhaust tip and projector headlamps come standard. Fold-away side mirrors also give the Sonata SE a nice touch. In terms of performance, the Sonata SE's four-cylinder engine develops a competitive 185 horsepower. A six-speed automatic transmission comes standard.

Stepping up to the Eco trim doesn't get you any extra features. However, you can take advantage of the Sonata Eco's fuel savings. It comes equipped with a smaller turbocharged engine, which is paired to a seven-speed automatic transmission.

Compare the 2019 Sonata Eco vs SEL Trims. What is the difference?

Unlike the Sonata Eco, the Sonata SEL comes equipped with the base four-cylinder engine. Before you even step inside of the Sonata SEL, you'll notice a few appearance upgrades. LED running lights and and a more attractive set of 17-inch alloy wheels give the SEL trim a more upscale appearance.

Cold-weather features, such as heated side mirrors and heated front seats, make the Sonata SEL better prepared for the winter. Meanwhile, satellite and HD radio give you a bit more entertainment. You will also appreciate the Blue Link communications system, which can connect you to an emergency service provider. Some of the Sonata SEL's other standard equipment include a hands-free smart trunk, wireless phone charging, a rear USB port, and keyless ignition.

A Tech package is also available for the Sonata SEL. It includes automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-keep assist, and smart cruise control. Along with the package also comes an electronic parking brake.

Compare the Sonata SEL vs Sport Trims. What is the difference?

You'll find the same base four-cylinder engine under the hood of the Sonata Sport. However, it looks a bit meaner. A more aggressive sport grille and a rear diffuser highlight the Sonata Sport's more powerful look.

On the inside, the Sonata Sport welcomes you to leather sport seats and a race-style steering wheel with paddle shifters. You can also enjoy the Sonata Sport's sunroof. A Tech package remains available as an option.

Compare the Sonata Sport vs Limited Trims. What is the difference?

The Limited trim does not look as aggressive as the Sport trim. It looks more like the lower SEL trim. However, Adaptive LED headlights are found on the Sonata Limited.

While behind the wheel of the Sonata Limited, expect to be treated to a more luxurious driving experience. Front-seat ventilation brings enhanced comfort on humid days. Full leather upholstery adorns the cabin. Some of the other nice features include dual-zone automatic climate control, driver-seat memory settings, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. The Tech package, which provides safety innovations like automatic braking and lane-keep assist, come standard on the Sonata Limited.

For an extra $2,300, you can further bolster the Limited trim's luxuriousness by adding an Ultimate package. While the Infinity premium sound system will catch the attention of music lovers, HD Traffic helps you to avoid highway congestion. An 8.0-inch navigation display makes long-distance traveling more enjoyable. Some of the other upgrades include rear parking sensors, a panoramic sunroof, and rear window sunshades for the kids.

Compare the 2019 Sonata Limited vs Limited 2.0T Trims. What is the difference?

In terms of features, there's not much separating the Sonata Limited and the Sonata Limited 2.0T. Nevertheless, expect the Sonata Limited 2.0T to deliver a stronger performance. It comes equipped with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, which generates a total of 245 horsepower and 260 lb.-ft. of torque. An eight-speed automatic transmission also helps the sedan to deliver more responsive acceleration.

Final Thoughts

If you're looking to keep your monthly payments as low as possible, the base Sonata SE should keep you happy. Like the rest of the lineup, it's protected by a 100,000-mile powertrain warranty. You'll also love using the touch-screen infotainment system. While the Sonata SE lacks automatic emergency braking, you will benefit from blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert.

There's only around $350 separating the SE trim from the Eco trim. While the Sonata Eco isn't better equipped, it will save you more fuel in the long run. Furthermore, expect the Sonata Eco's turbocharged engine to have a more formidable punch.

Priced at slightly less than $24,000, the Sonata SEL is arguably the best value in the entire lineup. While upgraded wheels give the Sonata SEL a sharper look, heated front seats and satellite radio make it more pleasurable to drive on an everyday basis. You'll also like the hands-free smart trunk, which is among the sedan's most underappreciated features. Although the Tech package is rather costly, you may not want to go without automatic emergency braking and lane-keep assist.

The Sport trim is a solid choice for the drivers who desire a more exciting look and feel. Aside from paddle shifters, no other performance upgrades come equipped on the Hyundai Sonata Sport.

Even with a starting price of $27,500, the luxurious Limited trim still proves to be a legitimate steal. It comes with all of the available safety technologies plus adaptive LED headlights. Heated/ventilated front seats and dual-zone automatic climate control seek to keep you relaxed regardless of the outside temperature.

If you desire the powerful Limited 2.0T, prepare to spend nearly $32,000. You must decide if the extra performance is worth the cost. Luckily, getting the more potent engine doesn't result in poor gas mileage. Fuel economy estimates stand at 23 mpg in town and 32 mpg on the freeway.

2019 Hyundai Sonata Key Features

Before you make a final decision when choosing a Sonata trim, evaluate the performance of the available engines. While the base four-cylinder engine can return up to 33 mpg, it's not a very impressive performer. Extra torque makes the Eco trim's turbocharged engine feel more responsive. Fuel economy also increases to 28 mpg in the city and 37 mpg on the open road. To get the most fun out of the 2019 Hyundai Sonata, go for the Sonata 2.0T. You'll find its 245-horsepower engine to be far more potent.

Unsurprisingly, the base six-speaker stereo system sounds wimpy at high volumes. After experiencing the eight-speaker Infinity audio system, you'll notice a big difference in sound quality. While the Infinity unit is not among the best in the segment, most people will have to major complaints.

Unlike rival midsize family sedans like the 2019 Toyota Camry and the 2019 Honda Accord, the 2019 Hyundai Sonata comes standard with blind-spot monitoring. It gives you the okay to change from one lane to the next. Rear cross-traffic alert is included with the system, which makes backing up less dangerous. While automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection and lane-keep assist aren't standard, you can get these advanced safety technologies starting on the SEL trim.

While a larger 8.0-inch navigation display with navigation is offered, most drivers will enjoy using the standard 7.0-inch touch screen. Not only are the graphics sharp, but the screen is also quick to respond. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included on every new 2019 Hyundai Sonata. This means many of your smartphone's functions can be accessed via the infotainment system. Voice controls allow you to make verbal commands while driving.

Hyundai's hands-free smart trunk is a feature worth getting. It gives the 2019 Hyundai Sonata an edge over some of the competition. In order to open the trunk, you won't need to wave your hands or swipe your foot underneath the car. As you approach the vehicle with a proximity key in pocket, the trunk will automatically open. This feature is a big help when grocery shopping and loading travel bags.

While even the base Sonata rewards families with good comfort on the road, there are some worthy upgrades available. When tested on a summer day, the ventilated seat cushions effectively cooled the front passengers. Expect the heated seats to work just as good. You'll also be impressed with the Sonata'a available dual-zone automatic climate control system. The system does a great job of maintaining the set temperature.