2016 Hyundai Sonata review
Hyundai Sonata highlights
Customer rating
Pros
- Lots of standard features for the model year
- Spacious interior
- Quiet ride, even on the highway
Cons
- Optional turbocharged engine is slightly disappointing
- 2.4L engine feels unrefined
Mileage (EPA estimate)
23 city, 32 highway, 26 combined
Pricing for current inventory
From $14,599*
Shop with your budget in mind
Getting pre-qualified lets you shop with personalized monthly payments, and it doesn't impact your credit score.
All Hyundai Sonata years
Not sure what year to select? Learn about each Hyundai Sonata generation from 2012 to 2026
What is new for the 2016 Hyundai Sonata?
- Sonata trims have been upgraded with Heated Steering Wheel, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto as standard equipment this year.
- The SE trim now comes with Rear View Camera as standard equipment.
5 reasons to buy the 2016 Hyundai Sonata
1. Helpful driver assistance features
If you're looking for a vehicle that offers the best of both convenience and technology, the 2016 Hyundai Sonata boasts an array of features that make it a standout among other sedans. Highlights include adaptive cruise control, blind spot detection, and lane departure warning, all of which can provide an extra layer of confidence out on the road. Plus, this car features a rearview camera and rear park assist, giving you peace of mind in tight parking lots.
2. Spacious and comfortable cabin
Drive or be driven comfortably in the 2016 Hyundai Sonata. The spacious cabin can comfortably accommodate up to five passengers with room to spare. The padded front seats and spacious rear offer enough legroom and headroom to make long road trips and afternoon cruising as hassle-free as possible. The cabin is also designed with luxury-style amenities that you'd expect in a sportier ride, such as heated seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, and an easy-to-use touchscreen and control center.
3. Balanced performance
Balancing performance and time spent refueling, the 2016 Sonata includes a 2.4L four-cylinder engine that delivers 180 horsepower and 178 lb-feet of torque. The SE trim with this engine gets an EPA-estimated 25 mpg in the city and 38 mpg on the highway.
There's also the option of a turbocharged 1.6L four-cylinder engine, increasing horsepower to 245 and torque to 260 lb-ft. The best part? The impact on your mpg is minimal as the more powerful engine still gets an EPA-estimated 25 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway. This makes the 2016 Sonata a great option for long commutes or road trips.4. User-friendly technology
The 2016 Hyundai Sonata is packed with easy-to-use technology for an even more enjoyable drive. For starters, it comes equipped with a sophisticated infotainment system that includes a large touchscreen display, smartphone integration, and voice recognition technology. This system allows you to easily access your favorite apps, music, and navigation while keeping your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road. Step it up with Hyundai's Bluelink®, which allows you to remotely start, lock, and unlock your car doors and take advantage of other helpful features like a remote car finder, destination search, and on-demand diagnostics.
,5. Smooth and responsive ride
Though the 2016 Hyundai Sonata isn't a sports car, you can expect your drives to be controlled, quiet, and smooth. Its steering is precise and well-weighted, giving you confidence and control while navigating tight turns and winding roads. Its engine delivers consistent power, with responsive acceleration and smooth shifting transmissions.
Shop with your budget in mind
Getting pre-qualified lets you shop with personalized monthly payments, and it doesn't impact your credit score.
Ratings & reliability
Customer ratings
3.9 out of 5
39 customer reviews| 5 Stars | 24 |
|---|---|
| 4 Stars | 4 |
| 3 Stars | 3 |
| 2 Stars | 1 |
| 1 Star | 7 |
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 SonataHyundai Sonata features and specs
Curious how Hyundai Sonata trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities
Base 2WD 4D Sedan
Standard Features
- ABS Brakes
- Air Conditioning
- AM/FM Stereo
- Automatic Transmission
- Auxiliary Audio Input
- CD Audio
- Cloth Seats
- Cruise Control
- Dimension Audio
- Overhead Airbags
- Power Locks
- Power Mirrors
- Power Windows
- Rear Defroster
- Rear Spoiler
- Satellite Radio Ready
- Side Airbags
- Traction Control
Drive Wheels
Front Wheel Drive (2WD)
Engine size
2.4L
Horsepower
185
Torque (ft-lbs)
178
Engine type
Gas
Fuel capacity
18.5
Wheelbase
110.4"
Overall length
191.1"
Width
73.4"
Height
58.1"
Leg room
F 45.5"/R 35.6"
Head room
F 40.4"/R 38"
Front tires
P205/65HR16
Rear tires
P205/65HR16
Seating capacity
5
Transmission
Automatic
2016 Hyundai Sonata FAQ
The 2016 Hyundai Sonata is available in multiple trims, each with its own estimated fuel economy, here are the EPA estimates for each trim:
- Base: 25 MPG City and 38 MPG Highway
- ECO: 28 MPG City and 38 MPG Highway
- Limited: 25 MPG City and 38 MPG Highway
- SE: 25 MPG City and 38 MPG Highway
- Sport: 25 MPG City and 38 MPG Highway
The Hyundai Sonata received a rating of 4 out of 5 stars from RepairPal, which RepairPal describes as Excellent. This rating ranks the Hyundai Sonata as 8 out of 28 among Midsize Car
The 2016 Hyundai Sonata has received an average 3.9 out of 5 stars from our customers. If you're in the market for a 2016 Hyundai Sonata, check out reviews from customers just like you. 2016 Hyundai Sonata Reviews.
Here is what's new for the 2016 Hyundai Sonata:
- Base
- Sunroof(s)
- Heated Steering Wheel
- Dimension Audio
- Apple CarPlay
Research other vehicles
- All things EV
- Used Hyundai buying guide
- 2025 Hyundai Sonata review
- 2012 Hyundai Sonata review
- 2013 Hyundai Sonata review
- 2014 Hyundai Sonata review
- 2017 Hyundai Sonata review
- 2018 Hyundai Sonata review
- 2019 Hyundai Sonata review
- 2020 Hyundai Sonata review
- 2021 Hyundai Sonata review
- 2022 Hyundai Sonata review
- 2023 Hyundai Sonata review
- 2024 Hyundai Sonata review
- 2023 Kia Sorento review
- 2024 Kia Sorento review
- 2014 Lexus GX 460 review
- 2015 Lexus GX 460 review
- 2013 Lincoln MKS review
- 2014 Lincoln MKS review
- 2015 Lincoln MKS review
- 2024 Lucid Air review
- 2018 Mercedes-Benz E43 AMG review
- 2025 Nissan Kicks review
- 2023 Nissan Maxima review
- 2025 Porsche 718 Boxster review
- 2025 Porsche 718 Cayman review
- 2025 Porsche 718 Spyder review
- 2025 Ram 1500 review
We hope you found this information helpful. This content is intended to inform and is not meant to indicate that a particular vehicle is currently available or recommended for you.
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.
Unless otherwise noted, information related to featured vehicles comes from third-party sources, including manufacturer information. Product and company names may be trademarks or registered trademarks of third-party entities. Use of them does not imply any affiliation with or endorsement by these entities. By clicking on any video links, you will be taken to a third-party site maintained by YouTube, Inc.
We make every effort to provide accurate information, but please verify before purchasing.









