2012 Hyundai Sonata

Basic Specs

Base Price $19,695
Drivetrain Front Wheel Drive
Curb Weight (lbs) 3161
City (MPG) 24
Hwy (MPG) 35
Horsepower 198@6300
Torque (lb-ft) 184@4250
Wheelbase 110.0
Length (in.) 189.8
Width (in.) 72.2
Height (in.) 57.9

With standout styling, a thrifty yet powerful engine and plenty of features and amenities, the latest Hyundai Sonata is a strong contender in the ever-crowded mid-size sedan segment. Aside from the standard Sonata discussed herein, Hyundai also offers the thrifty Sonata Hybrid and turbocharged Sonata 2.0T.

Styled at Hyundai 's Irvine, California, studio, the Sonata is a fresh design that takes a few subtle cues from the Subaru Legacy and Volkswagen CC .

Slightly larger than the outgoing Sonata, the new car feels roomier inside with special attention has been paid to materials and design, which is more upmarket than before.

Although completely redesigned just one model year ago, Hyundai has also updated the latest model year with the addition of Blue Link, the Korean automaker's own infotainment system, as a standard feature.

Blue Link offers Bluetooth hands-free calling, current traffic and weather information, a lifeline to emergency services and roadside assistance. Blue Link can also be linked with a smart phone to let the owner know where the car is, how fast it is driving, or provide diagnostics from the vehicle's engine.

Other updates and packaging changes include the addition of the three-piece panoramic sunroof as standard equipment on the Limited trim level, a new seven-inch touch screen for navigation with HD Radio, an available rear backup camera on the SE when equipped with the Sunroof and Navigation Package.

Underhood, the Theta II gasoline direct-injection 2.4-liter four puts out 198 horsepower (bumped up to an even 200 ponies on the sportier SE trim level) and 184 lb-ft. of torque yet delivers an estimated class-leading 35 mpg on the highway with the optional six-speed automatic transmission (a six-speed manual is standard on the base GLS). Regardless of transmission, the Sonata is expected to be rated at 23 mpg in the city, but the manual will be rated at 34 mpg on the highway.

The 16-valve four-cylinder features continuously variable valve timing and variable induction and Hyundai says that some markets will get a PZEV variant. Unlike the outgoing model, Hyundai says it does not plan to offer a six-cylinder powertrain -- but Hyundai does offer both a 2.0-liter Turbo model and a hybrid model.

Hyundai offers the all-new Sonata in three trim levels, each offering a handful of optional equipment packages. For $750, the GLS can be optioned with the Popular Equipment Package, which adds 16-inch alloy wheels, a power driver's seat with adjustable lumbar, upgraded interior trim and automatic head lamps. Another $950 adds a navigation system and premium audio upgrade.

The GLS gives way to the SE, which adds a middling two horsepower but also 18-inch alloy wheels, unique dark chrome exterior touches, fog lights, dual exhaust, a sport-tuned suspension and steering combination, proximity entry with push-button start and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear knob. The SE comes only with the automatic transmission and starts at $23,095. An extra $2,600 adds a moonroof, navigation and premium audio.

From there, the Limited adds leather seats, dual zone automatic climate control, automatic-dimming mirror with compass, CD changer, HD radio, upgraded audio, 17-inch alloy wheels, panoramic moonroof, exterior mirror-mounted turn signals, upgraded interior trim and rear seat vents. The Limited comes with the standard 198-horsepower 2.4-liter four-cylinder and starts at $26,345.

Another $2,100 adds a package that includes navigation, a rear backup camera and Infinity-branded speakers.

Hyundai is especially proud of the trio of audio systems tailored to the all-new Sonata. GLS and SE models get an AM/FM/CD player with six speakers and XM capability, but they will offer a Dimension-branded premium system with a touch-screen navigation. Limited models come standard with the Dimension audio system and a CD changer but offer a 400-watt Infinity audio system.

Key Competitors
Hyundai designed the Sonata to go head-to-head with the most popular entrants in the mid-size sedan segment, which include the smooth and reliable Toyota Camry and the oft-lauded Honda Accord. Other worthy rivals include the Ford Fusion, which offers a relatively sporty driving experience, as well as the quirky but capable Suzuki Kizashi.

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    • General
    • Body Style: Sedan
    • Size: Midsize
    • Market Segment: Standard
    • Weight: 3161 lbs
    • Exterior
    • Length: 189.8 in.
    • Width: 72.2 in.
    • Height: 57.9 in.
    • Wheelbase: 110.0 in.
    • Ground Clearance: TBD
    • Front Track: 62.9 in.
    • Rear Track: 62.9 in.
    • Weight Distribution: TBD
    • Drag Coefficient: TBD
    • Interior - General
    • Seats: 5
    • Passenger Volume: 103.8 cu. ft.
    • Cargo Volume: 16.4 cu. ft.
    • Cargo Volume (Seats Folded): TBD
    • Interior - Front Row
    • Volume: TBD
    • Leg Room: 45.5 in.
    • Head Room: 40.0 in.
    • Shoulder Room: 57.9 in.
    • Hip Room: 55.2 in.
    • Interior - Second Row
    • Volume: TBD
    • Leg Room: 34.6 in.
    • Head Room: 37.8 in.
    • Shoulder Room: 56.7 in.
    • Hip Room: 54.9 in.
    • Propulsion
    • Fuel Type: Gas
    • Engine Type: 2.4L I4
    • Power: 198 hp @ 6300 rpm
    • Torque: 184 lb-ft @ 4250 rpm
    • Transmission: 6-Speed Manual
    • Highway Fuel Economy: 35 mpg
    • City Fuel Economy: 24 mpg
    • Forced Induction: None
    • Direct Injection: No
    • Chassis
    • Layout: Front Wheel Drive
    • Front Suspension: Strut-Type
    • Rear Suspension: Multi-Link
    • Wheels
    • Front: 16" Steel
    • Front Tires: P205/65R16
    • Rear: 16" Steel
    • Rear Tires: P205/65R16
    • Trailering & Hauling
    • Trailer Weight: TBD
    • Payload:
    • Tongue Weight: TBD

  • $0

    Step 1 - Trim

    Style

    • Close

      Sonata GLS

      • GLS Adds or Substitutes:
      • 198 HP (ULEV) or 190 HP (PZEV), 2.4L GDI 4-cylinder engine
      • Body color front grille and exterior door handle
      • Remote keyless entry and alarm
      • Tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel
      • Active ECO system (A/T)
      • Advanced trip computer

      Info
    • Close

      Sonata SE

      • SE Adds or Substitutes:
      • 200 hp, 2.4L GDI 4-cylinder engine
      • Fog lights
      • Dark front chrome grille and exterior door handle
      • Sport-tuned suspension and steering
      • 18-inch Hyper silver alloy wheels
      • Chrome tipped dual exhaust
      • Proximity key entry system with push button start
      • Leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob
      • Steering wheel mounted paddle shifters (A/T only)
      • SE sport seats with leather bolsters with cloth inserts

      Info
    • Close

      Sonata Limited

      • Limited Adds or Substitutes:
      • 198 HP (ULEV) or 190 HP (PZEV), 2.4L GDI 4-cylinder engine
      • Dark front chrome grille and exterior door handles
      • Panoramic tilt-and-slide sunroof
      • Side mirror with turn signal indicators
      • 17-inch alloy wheels
      • HD Radio® technology with multicasting
      • Auto-dimming Homelink® mirror and transceiver
      • Dual automatic climate controls
      • Heated front and rear seats
      • Leather seating surfaces

      Info

    Powertrain

    Next
    Total Price:

  • $0

    Step 2 - Options

    $0

    Accessories

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      Cargo Mat

      • Protect your original carpet from wear, dirt, and debris.

      Info
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      Cargo Net

      • Organize trunk area while allowing easy access to possessions.

      Info
    • Close

      Carpeted Floor Mats

      • Preserve original carpeting with custom-designed and color-matched floor mats.

      Info
    • Close

      ECM W/ Homelink & Compass

      • HomeLink is an integrated transceiver that can be programmed to activate radio frequency devices such as garage doors, estate/community gates, home/office lighting, and security systems.

      Info
    • Close

      Mudguards

      • Provides styling and protection. Front and Rear splash guards available.

      Info
    • Close

      Rear Bumper Applique

      • Helps protect the upper surface of the rear bumper from scratches and dings during loading and unloading.

      Info
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      Wheel Locks

      • To secure vehicle wheels.

      Info
    • Close

      All-Weather Floor Mats

      • All-weather mats are made of heavy-duty rubber with deeply sculpted channels designed to trap water, road salt, mud and sand. Also have anti-skid ridges to prevent shifting in your vehicle.

      Info
    Next Back

    $0

    Packages

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      Standard for GLS

      • Trim standard features

      Info
    Next Back

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