1
0
Midsize car; Built in USA
  • 4-door sedan
  • 4-door sedan
  • transverse front-engine/front-wheel drive
Good condition price range: $8,300 – $20,500*


2011 Hyundai Sonata Front


2011 Hyundai Sonata Rear


2011 Hyundai Sonata Interior


2011 Hyundai Sonata Front-2


2011 Hyundai Sonata Front-3


2011 Hyundai Sonata Rear-2

Pros:
  • Fuel economy
  • Passenger room
  • Turn radius
Cons:
  • Ride
  • Road noise

Redesigning for 2011 put Hyundai’s Sonata at the forefront of the crowded midsize-sedan segment. All Sonatas, base models included, offered an outstanding features-per-dollar ratio, which is likely to be maintained on the used-car market. The turbocharged 2.0T engine provides V6-level acceleration with four-cylinder economy. The Hybrid delivers very good fuel economy, albeit at some sacrifice to drivability and refinement. While Sonata lags rivals in suspension composure, this demerit is more than offset by the entire lineup’s blend of style, interior comfort, standard and available features, and value pricing–new or used. That’s what makes Sonata a Best Buy (2011-12).

Overview

Redesigning of the Hyundai Sonata for 2011 gave it freshened styling, new engines, and new features–plus the brand’s first gas/electric hybrid model. Following a new, thrifty trend in midsize sedans, Hyundai abandoned V6 engines in favor of four-cylinder units. In its modified form, this midsize sedan was about 3 inches longer in wheelbase and 1 inch longer overall than the 2006-2010 model. The 2011 Sonata came in four trim levels: base GLS, sporty SE, luxury-themed Limited, and eco-oriented Hybrid. Standard models were powered by a new 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, which replaced four-cylinder and V6 engines of 2.4 and 3.3 liters, respectively. GLS and Limited engines made 198 horsepower, but the SE had 200. Available on the SE and Limited was a turbocharged 274-horsepower, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. Sonata models so-equipped were called 2.0T. The Hybrid paired a 2.4-liter gasoline engine with an electric motor for 206 horsepower total. Hyundai’s Hybrid could run on one or both of its power sources, to balance acceleration and fuel economy. No plug-in charging was required. Standard on the GLS was a six-speed manual transmission. Optional on that model and standard on all other Sonatas, including the Hybrid, was a six-speed automatic. SE versions had a sport suspension, 18-inch wheels, and specific trim.

Standard safety features included all-disc antilock braking, traction control, an antiskid system, front side airbags, and curtain side airbags. A navigation system was optional on all models. Limiteds equipped with navigation included a rearview camera. Leather upholstery with heated front and rear seats were Limited-exclusive standard features. Hyundai’s Sonata competed against such midsize sedans as the Ford Fusion, Honda Accord, and Toyota Camry, as well as the Chevrolet Malibu, Mazda 6, Nissan Altima, and Kia Optima.

Yearly Updates

2012 Sonata
Little was new on the 2012 Hyundai Sonata, except that a navigation system was no longer offered on the GLS model.
2013 Sonata
The 2013 Sonata received heated front seats as standard equipment for all models. The Hybrid was the most changed of any Sonata for 2013. The big news was the addition of a more-powerful electric motor and battery pack. While total system horsepower was down from 2012, torque was up significantly. Hyundai also promised improved driveability and smoother operation.
2014 Sonata
For 2014, Sonata got revised front and rear styling. Blind-spot alert and xenon headlights were newly available.

Engines

transverse front-engine/front-wheel drive

Sonatas could have either regular or turbocharged four-cylinder power. The standard 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine developed 198 horsepower (200 hp in the SE model), while in 2.0T editions, the turbo four-cylinder generated 274 horsepower. The Sonata Hybrid blended a 2.4-liter gasoline engine with a battery-powered electric motor, for total output of 209 horsepower. For 2013, the Hybrid got a more-powerful electric motor and battery pack. While total system horsepower was down to 199, torque rose from 195 to 235. All models used a six-speed automatic transmission except the GLS, which had a standard six-speed manual gearbox (automatic optional).

dohc I4
Engine Size (liters/cubic inches) 2.4/144
Engine HP 198-200
Engine Torque (lb-ft) 184-186
Avail. Trans. EPA MPG (city/hwy) MPG avg. as tested
6-speed manual
6-speed automatic 		24/35
22/35 		25.9
dohc I4/electric
Engine Size (liters/cubic inches) 2.4/144
Engine HP 199-209
Engine Torque (lb-ft) 195-235
Avail. Trans. EPA MPG (city/hwy) MPG avg. as tested
6-speed automatic

 35/40

 32.9
Turbocharged dohc I4
Engine Size (liters/cubic inches) 2.0/122
Engine HP 274
Engine Torque (lb-ft) 269
Avail. Trans. EPA MPG (city/hwy) MPG avg. as tested
6-speed automatic

 22/33

 22.6

Road Test

With the standard 2.4-liter four, the Sonata feels fine from a stop and has enough power for worry-free highway merging. Highway passing power is only adequate, however. Models with the 2.0-liter turbo don’t jump off the line, but that engine builds power quickly and linearly. Hyundai quoted a 0-60-mph acceleration time of 6.5 seconds with the turbo engine, but that seemed a bit optimistic. The automatic transmission in all models is generally smooth and responsive, though some delay in downshifting for more passing power has been observed. The manual shift gate and available steering-wheel paddles help in this area. Although the manual transmission is generally smooth in operation, vague clutch engagement can frustrate stop-and-go driving. The Hybrid delivers very good power both in around-town driving and on the highway. Transitions between electric and gas-engine power are virtually seamless, though the transmission is slow to downshift when more power is needed. Some testers have noticed annoying bogging and surging from the drivetrain in low- and moderate-speed driving.

Fuel economy scores as outstanding for the class. In Consumer Guide testing, an SE averaged 28.8 mpg in an even mix of city and highway driving. A manual-transmission GLS averaged 25.9 mpg. We averaged 22.6 mpg in a turbocharged model with slightly more city driving than highway use. A Hybrid averaged 32.9 mpg. Some EPA estimates for automatic-transmission models rose slightly in 2012. All Sonata engines use regular-grade gasoline.

Ride quality has a couple of issues. Sonata GLS, Limited, and Hybrid models demonstrate an acceptable balance of comfort and control. However, Sonatas are prone to overreacting to larger road imperfections, responding to some with undue body motion. SE models, with their sport suspension and 18-inch tires, ride more firmly than other Sonatas. They also exhibit nervousness over rough and ridged surfaces.

Test-drivers have been divided on Sonata’s handling prowess, particularly regarding the sport-themed SE. Most have deemed Sonata to be a competent and confident midsize sedan in everyday driving. Slightly more aggressive moves on twisting roads are handled with little drama. Others have declared Sonata not exceptionally agile, with numb steering that betrays the sporty feel Hyundai has been trying to impart lately. One of the tightest turning circles in this vehicle class aids close-quarters maneuvering.

Wind-noise suppression is good. The four-cylinder engine isn’t quite as refined as the best in this class, but it’s generally smooth and quiets down nicely at cruise. 2.0T models exhibit a subtle turbo whine under acceleration. The Hybrid’s gas/electric powertrain whirs and whines mildly, especially during deceleration. Tire noise on SEs is significantly louder at highway speeds than on other Sonatas.

In general, Sonata’s controls are simple to use and easy to reach. The available navigation system absorbs some audio functions, but the most basic settings are controlled with buttons on the steering wheel or the center of the dashboard. Gauges and other displays are clearly marked and easy to read. The Hybrid includes additional readouts for its gas/electric powertrain; they’re helpful, but not as handy or intuitive as the displays in competitive hybrids such as Ford’s Fusion. Overall, the cabin is attractive and assembled with care. A combination of lightly padded surfaces and hard plastics is used. Most look fine for the class, but a couple of pieces slightly miss the mark. Fabric trim has a nicely textured surface that adds visual interest. Interiors have attractive contrasting colors and metal-look trim.

Most adults should have adequate front-seat headroom and legroom. A power driver’s seat has been available on GLS and standard on other models. It provides a great range of fore/aft travel, making it easy for adults of nearly any size to find a comfortable driving position.

Backseat headroom and legroom are sufficient for 6-footers, even with the front seats pushed far back. The bench seat is hospitable, and door openings are shaped for easy entry and exit.

Trunk space is ample, but a fairly small opening and sickle-shaped hinges limit usefulness a bit. The 60/40 split rear seatbacks easily fold forward to increase cargo room, but the pass-through is on the small side. Also, the resulting load floor isn’t flat. The Hybrid has a rear-seat pass-through only; it loses 5.7 cubic feet of cargo space and folding rear seatbacks due to the hybrid battery pack. Interior small-items storage is good. A covered compartment at the base of the climate-control panel is a thoughtful touch, while the open bin forward of the shifter houses the auxiliary stereo and USB ports, plus two power outlets. Each door has a pocket and a bottle holder, and both front seatbacks contain pockets.

Ratings

Model Tested: 2011 Hyundai Sonata GLS with automatic

Ratings values are on a 1-10 scale, with 10 being the best. With the exception of Value, these numbers reflect how the vehicle compares against the universe of vehicles, not just against rivals in its class.

Performance

Acceleration - 5
50%
Fuel Economy - 8
80%
Ride Quality - 6
60%
Steering/Handling - 8
80%
Quietness - 7
70%

Accommodations

Controls/Materials - 7
70%
Room/Comfort Front - 8
80%
Room/Comfort Rear - 6
60%
Cargo Room - 4
40%

Other

Value - 10
100%

Total: 69

Specifications

4-door sedan
Wheelbase (in.) Length (in.) Width (in.) Height (in.) Weight (lbs)
110 189.8 72.2 57.9
Cargo Volume (cu/ft) Payload Capacity (cu/ft) Fuel Capacity (gal.) Seating Capacity
16.4 18.5 5
Headroom Legroom
Front Rear Front Rear
40 37.8 45.5 34.6
4-door sedan
Wheelbase (in.) Length (in.) Width (in.) Height (in.) Weight (lbs)
110.0 189.8 72.2 57.7
Cargo Volume (cu/ft) Payload Capacity (cu/ft) Fuel Capacity (gal.) Seating Capacity
12.1 17.2 5.0
Headroom Legroom
Front Rear Front Rear
40.0 37.8 45.5 34.6
Safety Ratings

Model Tested: 2011 Hyundai Sonata 4-door sedan

NHTSA

(5 is the highest rating)

Front Impact Test

Driver Injury - 4
80%
Front Passenger Injury - 4
80%

Side Impact Test

Driver Injury - 5
100%
Rear Passenger Injury - 5
100%

HLDI

(A score of 100 is average. Lower is better)

Collision N/A
Injury N/A
Theft N/A

Trouble Spots

Automatic transmission
Description: The transmission may stay in third gear (limp-in mode) an the check engine light may come on due to failure of one or more solenoids inside the transmission. (2010-12)
Engine stalling
Description: Some Sonata Hybrids may not move from a stop or the gas engine may not turn on. (2011-14)
Suspension problems
Description: In states that use road salt, the rear lower control arms may need replacement. (2011-13)
Check-engine light
Description: The check engine light may come on in cars with the 2.4L engine due to a faulty thermostat housing, which has been revised. (2011)
Fuel door
Description: The fuel door may fail to open or fail occasionally due to a weak spring. (2011)
Interior trim
Description: There was a campaign to replace the courtesy light assembly on cars equipped with a sunroof. (2011)

Recall History

2011 Sonata
Description: Front inside door lock switch could remain in unlatched position, allowing door to open while vehicle is in motion.
2011 Sonata
Description: Steering-column intermediate shaft universal-joint connections may have been either improperly assembled or insufficiently tightened, which could result in separation or compromised attachment, leading to loss of, or reduction in, steering capability.
2011 Sonata
Description: Stop-lamp switch may malfunction, preventing brake lights from functioning and potentially interfering with cruise control and the push-button starter.
2011 Sonata
Description: The front springs could corrode from road salt and fracture. The broken spring could puncture a tire.
2011 Sonata
Description: The brake lines could leak fluid at the master cylinder resulting in longer stopping distances.
2011-12 Sonata Hybrid
Description: Certain vehicles have a center rear seatbelt incorporating a release mechanism that detaches both the lap and shoulder portion at the lower anchorage point.
2011-12 Sonata
Description: Stop-lamp switch may not turn off brake lights after the brakes are released. Also, the transmission could be shifted out of Park without pressing the brake pedal.
2011-12 Sonata
Description: Metallic debris left in the engine during manufacture could result in engine stall and failure.
2011-14 Sonata
Description: The transmission shift cable could detach and the car might not be in the gear indicated. Also, if Park is selected the vehicle might not actually be in Park and could roll.
2012-13 Sonata
Description: Side curtain airbags may inflate without deployment command due to a manufacturing error.

Equipment Lists

Equipment lists are only viewable on larger screen sizes.

Pricing

Used-car pricing varies widely depending on local market conditions. Therefore, we recommend visiting websites that list used cars for sale to get a better idea of what a specific model is selling for in your area.

More about Tom Appel
Written by: Tom Appel on April 21, 2016.
Share this:
, , , , ,