2026 Hyundai Sonata
New Expert recommended

Review and specifications

2026 Hyundai Sonata

Redesigned for 2020, the Sonata has a sleek, coupe-like silhouette. The standard 191-hp, 2.5-liter four-cylinder is coupled to an eight-speed automatic provides unobtrusive, linear power, and 31 mpg overall. The uplevel 180-hp, 1.6-liter turbocharged engine provides readily available power at lower revs. The hybrid version gets an excellent 44 mpg but delivers rough shifts from its six-speed transmission. New for 2021 is the Sonata N-Line, a high performance version. Handling is responsive, but the ride is rather stiff. Rear seat room is decent, although the low stance compromises access. The modern cabin is marred by a counterintuitive push-button gear selector. An 8-inch touch screen came standard until the 2024 model year and is easy to use. A larger 12.3-inch screen became standard beginning with 2024. Heated and cooled front seats are optional, among other upscale features. Standard advanced safety features include forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, and lane keeping assistance.

Market value
$26,100
Fuel
Conventional
Transmission
Automatic
Seats
5
Model year 2026
Owner rating Not rated
Reliability 3/5
Data updated June 4, 2026

At a glance

Model data

Overview

Powertrain
Conventional
Body style
sedan
Drive type
AWD
Transmission
Automatic, 8-speed
Category
Midsized cars
Generation began
2020

Pricing

Current retail median
$26,100
Retail value range
$23,500 - $31,700
Original MSRP range
$27,450 - $36,050
Trade-in range
$21,635 - $30,130

Ratings

Road test score
80/100
Reliability
3/5
Expert recommendation
Recommended

Fuel economy

EPA city
25 MPG
EPA highway
36 MPG
EPA combined
29 MPG
Tested city
19 MPG
Tested highway
44 MPG
Tested overall
30 MPG
Annual fuel cost
$1,320
Cruising range
470 miles

Road tests

0-30 mph
3.5 sec
0-60 mph
8.7 sec
60-0 mph braking
127 ft
Avoidance speed
53 mph
Test status
Test Completed

Dimensions

Length
193 in
Width
73 in
Height
57 in
Wheelbase
112 in
Weight
3,415 lb
Maximum load
905 lb
Towing capacity
0 lb

Interior

Seating
5 people
Front head room
3 in
Front leg room
43.5 in
Rear head room
2.5 in
Rear leg room
32 in
Luggage
4+0+0

Environmental impact

Air pollution score
6/10
Greenhouse gas score
6/10
SmartWay
No

Brand context

About Hyundai

<p>From low-cost sedans to three-row electric SUVs, Hyundai has a model for almost every kind of customer. Most new Hyundai vehicles are stylish, functional, and competitively priced, but the brand overall ranks around the middle in Consumer Reports’ reliability and owner satisfaction ratings. Performance for individual models and years varies widely, with some standouts and a few laggards. The core Hyundai lineup includes low-cost compact Elantra and midsized Sonata sedan. SUVs include the subcompact Kona and compact Tucson, plus the midsized Santa Fe and larger Palisade, both of which offer hybrid powertrains and three-row seating. In our testing, most Hyundai models are available with a hybrid drivetrain, which adds power and smoothness while improving fuel economy. The Ioniq electric models are high-tech, well-designed, and can charge quite rapidly at public DC fast charging stations.</p>

Vehicle ID: 38605 First published: December 4, 2025 Updated: June 4, 2026

Values may vary by trim, options, location, and market conditions.