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2012 Hyundai Sonata review

Research, photos, specs, and expertise

Hyundai Sonata highlights

Customer rating

RepairPal reliability rating

Pros

  • Lots of standard and optional features
  • Stylish interior design
  • Strong acceleration

Cons

  • Sleek styling affects rear headroom
  • The ride in the SE trim feels a little rough

Mileage (EPA estimate)

22 city, 34 highway, 26 combined

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All Hyundai Sonata years

Not sure what year to select? Learn about each Hyundai Sonata generation from 2012 to 2026

5 reasons to buy the 2012 Hyundai Sonata

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.

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Ratings & reliability

Customer ratings

4.5 out of 5

73 customer reviews
The 2012 Hyundai Sonata excels with fuel efficiency, a spacious interior, sleek styling, and smooth handling. Although cabin noise and some visibility issues are noted, its strong value and practicality make it highly recommended by 93% of reviewers.

RepairPal reliability rating

4
Excellent

RepairPal gave the Hyundai Sonata an overall reliability rating of 4 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Excellent. This rating ranks Hyundai Sonata 9th out of 28 among Midsize Cars.

View RepairPal's full rating of the Hyundai Sonata

Hyundai Sonata features and specs

Curious how Hyundai Sonata trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities

SE 4D Sedan 2WD

Standard Features

  • ABS Brakes
  • Air Conditioning
  • Cruise Control
  • Leatherette & Cloth
  • Overhead Airbags
  • Power Locks
  • Power Mirrors
  • Power Seat(s)
  • Power Windows
  • Rear Defroster
  • Side Airbags
  • Smart Key
  • Traction Control
  • Alloy Wheels
  • Automatic Transmission
  • Turbo Charged Engine
  • Bluetooth Technology
  • AM/FM Stereo
  • Auxiliary Audio Input
  • CD Audio
  • Satellite Radio Ready

Optional Features

  • Rear View Camera
  • Sunroof(s)
  • Bluetooth Technology
  • Dimension Audio
  • Navigation System

Drive Wheels

Front Wheel Drive (2WD)

Engine size

2.0L

Horsepower

274

Torque (ft-lbs)

269

Engine type

Turbo Gas

Fuel capacity

18.5

Wheelbase

110"

Overall length

189.8"

Width

72.2"

Height

57.9"

Leg room

F 45.5"/R 34.6"

Head room

F 40"/R 37.8"

Front tires

P225/45R18

Rear tires

P225/45R18

Seating capacity

5

Transmission

Automatic

2012 Hyundai Sonata FAQ

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Statements of fuel economy or EV range are based on EPA and other third-party estimates for vehicles when new. Fuel economy and EV range will degrade with time and vary based on age, driving conditions, vehicle history, and other conditions. See fueleconomy.gov for more info.

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