2021 Hyundai Sonata review
Hyundai Sonata highlights
Customer 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 - $18,998*
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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?
- The Sonata is available in a new trim called the N Line.
- Sonata trims have been upgraded with Remote Start and Rear Spoiler as standard equipment this year.
2021 Hyundai Sonata trims
Curious how Hyundai Sonata trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similaritiesSE:
- 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:
- Includes all features available on the SE
- Front Seat Heaters
- Power Seats
- Smart Key
- Remote Start
- Blind Spot Monitor
- Satellite Radio Ready
- View our Hyundai Sonata SEL inventory
SEL Plus:
- Includes all features available on the SEL
- 180-hp, 195-lb-ft of torque 1.6L
- Leatherette & Cloth
- Leather & Suede Seats
- Turbo Charged Engine
- View our Hyundai Sonata SEL Plus inventory
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:
- Includes all features available on the Limited
- 290-hp, 311-lb-ft of torque 2.5L
- Rear Spoiler
- View our Hyundai Sonata N Line inventory
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
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
SE 2WD 4D Sedan
Standard Features
- ABS Brakes
- Air Conditioning
- Alloy Wheels
- AM/FM Stereo
- Android Auto
- Apple CarPlay
- Automated Cruise Control
- Automatic Transmission
- Auxiliary Audio Input
- Bluetooth Technology
- Cloth Seats
- Lane Departure Warning
- Overhead Airbags
- Power Locks
- Power Mirrors
- Power Windows
- Rear Defroster
- Rear View Camera
- Side Airbags
- Traction Control
Drive Wheels
Front Wheel Drive (2WD)
Engine size
2.5L
Horsepower
191
Torque (ft-lbs)
181
Engine type
Gas
Fuel capacity
14.8
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
P205/65HR16
Rear tires
P205/65HR16
Seating capacity
5
Transmission
Automatic
2021 Hyundai Sonata FAQ
The 2021 Hyundai Sonata is available in multiple trims, each with its own estimated fuel economy, here are the EPA estimates for each trim:
- SE: 28 MPG City and 38 MPG Highway
- SEL: 27 MPG City and 37 MPG Highway
- SEL Plus: 27 MPG City and 37 MPG Highway
- Limited: 27 MPG City and 37 MPG Highway
- N Line: 23 MPG City and 33 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 2021 Hyundai Sonata has received an average 4.7 out of 5 stars from our customers. If you're in the market for a 2021 Hyundai Sonata, check out reviews from customers just like you. 2021 Hyundai Sonata Reviews.
Here is what's new for the 2021 Hyundai Sonata:
- N Line
- Remote Start
- Rear Spoiler
- Heated Mirrors
- Panoramic Sunroof
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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.
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