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2021 Hyundai Sonata review

Research, photos, specs, and expertise
6 photos

Hyundai Sonata highlights

Customer rating

RepairPal reliability rating

Pros

  • Lots of helpful standard technology features
  • Big trunk and lots of interior storage space
  • Gets sporty performance from the Sonata N Line

Cons

  • Average interior comfort
  • The use of hard plastics lessens the interior feel
  • Performance from the base engine is inconsistent

Mileage (EPA estimate)

23 city, 33 highway, 27 combined

Pricing for current inventory

From $17,998*

View our Hyundai Sonata inventory
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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 2021 Hyundai Sonata?

  • New trim option added for enhanced customization.
  • All models now come standard with advanced safety features.
  • Updated infotainment system with improved connectivity options.
  • Increased fuel efficiency ratings across all trims.
  • Removal of the base engine option in favor of a more powerful alternative.

2021 Hyundai Sonata trims

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

SE:

  • 191-hp, 181-lb-ft of torque 2.5L
  • Cloth Seats
  • Rear View Camera
  • Lane Departure Warning
  • Power Mirrors
  • Side Airbags
  • Automated Cruise Control
  • Overhead Airbags
  • Traction Control
  • View our Hyundai Sonata SE inventory

SEL:

SEL Plus:

Limited:

  • Includes all features available on the SEL Plus
  • Parking Sensors
  • Head Up Display
  • Sunroofs
  • Memory Seats
  • Heated Steering Wheel
  • Leather Seats
  • Panoramic Sunroof
  • Automated Parking
  • View our Hyundai Sonata Limited inventory

N Line:

Hyundai Sonata photos

5 reasons to buy the 2021 Hyundai Sonata

1. Impressive mileage

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata is a stylish midsize car that begs to be shown off around the city and down the highway. It's sleek and cool, and thanks to its great fuel economy figures, you don't have to worry about wasting gas while making a statement. The base-model 2021 Sonata SE with the 2.5L four-cylinder engine and automatic transmission gets an EPA-estimated 32 mpg combined.

2. Head-turning looks

In 2020, the Sonata was redesigned inside and out to create a more appealing look from top to tail. With an athletic aesthetic, the 2021 Hyundai Sonata is the perfect combination of sharp lines and curves on the outside. The materials inside the cabin are soft to the touch, with good looks that are sure to turn heads. If you feel that your car is an extension of yourself and you want to show off your good taste, the 2021 Sonata is an ideal choice.

3. Comfort throughout

The soft-touch materials inside the 2021 Hyundai Sonata aren't just for looks—they're comfortable, too. The vehicle seats five with ample space. Passenger volume is 104.4 cu-ft, with 46.1 inches of legroom in the front and 34.8 inches in the back—plenty for most adults, as well as children. Speaking of children, the 2021 Sonata has two complete sets of LATCH connectors for the rear outboard seats and a tether anchor for the middle seat, so you can fit up to three child seats. On top of that, there's plenty of room for shopping bags or sports gear, with a 16 cu-ft trunk at your disposal.

4. A personal connection

As a modern driver, you probably want strong connectivity within your car, especially if you spend a lot of time on the road. The 2021 Sonata features Bluelink®, Hyundai's telematics system, that keeps you connected with the vehicle via the app, unlocking features like remote start, remote lock, find my car, and SOS.

The Sonata also offers Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ connectivity, which can be played through the available 12-speaker Bose® premium stereo.

5. N Line trim

Brand new for 2021 is the N Line trim, created entirely for drivers who want a boost to their hp. The 2021 Hyundai Sonata SE and SEL trims have the base 191-hp 2.5L four-cylinder engine, while SEL Plus and Limited trims have a 180-hp 1.6L turbocharged four-cylinder engine. If power is your preference, the N Line is the way to go, offering 290 hp through a 2.5L four-cylinder engine—an impressive level of grunt.

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Ratings & reliability

Customer ratings

4.7 out of 5

15 customer reviews
The 2021 Hyundai Sonata impresses with its sleek design, comfort, fuel efficiency, and advanced technology like user-friendly dashboards and safety aids. While praised for ride quality and value, it faces minor critiques for power and occasional features issues. Overall, it offers reliability, spacious interiors, and strong appeal at a competitive price.

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

SEL Plus 4D Sedan 2WD

Standard Features

  • Power Windows
  • ABS Brakes
  • Blind Spot Monitor
  • Power Mirrors
  • Power Locks
  • Air Conditioning
  • Side Airbags
  • Rear View Camera
  • Power Seat(s)
  • Lane Departure Warning
  • Leather & Suede Seats
  • Rear Defroster
  • Remote Start
  • Front Seat Heaters
  • Smart Key
  • Traction Control
  • Overhead Airbags
  • Automated Cruise Control
  • Heated Mirrors
  • Alloy Wheels
  • Automatic Transmission
  • Turbo Charged Engine
  • Apple CarPlay
  • AM/FM Stereo
  • Bluetooth Technology
  • Auxiliary Audio Input
  • Satellite Radio Ready
  • Android Auto

Optional Features

  • Panoramic Sunroof
  • BOSE Sound System
  • Navigation System

Drive Wheels

Front Wheel Drive (2WD)

Engine size

1.6L

Horsepower

180

Torque (ft-lbs)

195

Engine type

Turbo Gas

Fuel capacity

15.9

Wheelbase

111.8"

Overall length

192.9"

Width

73.2"

Height

56.9"

Leg room

F 46.1"/R 34.8"

Head room

F 40"/R 38.4"

Front tires

P245/40WR19

Rear tires

P245/40WR19

Seating capacity

5

Transmission

Automatic

2021 Hyundai Sonata FAQ

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Hyundai Sonata inventory

Check out our Hyundai Sonata inventory

2021 Hyundai Sonata SE

2021 Hyundai Sonata SE

$17,998*53k Miles

Wichita, Kansas

2022 Hyundai Sonata N Line

2022 Hyundai Sonata N Line

$22,998*58k Miles

Wichita, Kansas

2019 Hyundai Sonata SE

2019 Hyundai Sonata SE

$16,998*48k Miles

Independence, Missouri

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