2012 Hyundai Sonata review

1. Stay on the road longer

The 2012 Hyundai Sonata should be appreciated for what can make a car great: fuel economy. If your priority is gas mileage, you'll love the Sonata's EPA-estimated 24 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway.

 With an 18.5-gallon tank to boot, the 2012 Sonata can keep you on the road and away from the gas station longer, helping you get where you want to go more efficiently.

2. Available alloy wheels

Perhaps the colorful slick rims of the 2012 Hyundai Sonata caught your eye in the parking lot, but these rims are more than eye candy. Alloy wheels—which are made of a mixture of metals like aluminum and magnesium—offer improved performance, weight balance, and corrosion resistance compared to their steel counterparts. That means smoother steering and braking, thanks to sophisticated heat conduction. Upgrade to the Limited or SE trim on the 2012 Sonata to enjoy this improved wheel technology.

3. Two powerful engine options

The 2012 Hyundai Sonata offers two engine options: a standard 2.4L four-cylinder with 190 hp and 179 lb-ft of torque or a 2.0L four-cylinder that packs anywhere from 198 to 274 hp, depending on the trim (Limited or SE only). All these models come standard with 2WD, which makes them solid commuter vehicles and lifestyle cruisers.

4. A feast of available features

The base GLS model of the 2012 Hyundai Sonata has cruise control, power locks, mirrors and windows, side airbags, and traction control. If you're looking for more, the next-level Limited trim adds front seat heaters, a smart key, and a turbocharged engine. Optional features you can find on certain models include leatherette and cloth upholstery, Bluetooth^® connectivity, a Dimension sound system, and a panoramic sunroof.

5. A roomy ride in a compact frame

If you need a compact sedan that can squeeze into tight parking spots and also make room for passengers and cargo, the 2012 Hyundai Sonata is a worthy contender. With seating for five, the Sonata offers 45.5 inches of front-row legroom and 34.6 inches in the rear row. At 189.8 inches in overall length, the Sonata is a great choice for swooping around city streets while you're waiting to pick up the kids from school, or for taking your crew on a weekend getaway.