Is The All-New Sonata The Best Sub-$40,000 Sedan?

Since Hyundai debuted the all-new Sonata last year at the New York Auto Show, I have been anxious to test drive one for a review. Finally, I have been given the chance to see if it can ever meet my expectations of what it means to be an affordable sedan on the market like the Honda Accord and Mazda Mazda6. So, here is my chance to ask if the Sonata is the best affordable sedan on the market. Is it? Let's find out together, shall we?

Exterior Styling

The exterior design of the all-new Sonata is one of the most beautifully and elegantly designed sedans on the market. The front fascia looks like a demented Aston Martin. The curves and lines all give a great profile that will make anyone do a double-take and be awestruck with the Sonata's beauty. The rear-end seems to have a mixture of Honda Civic and Ford Mustang design and to be honest, it looks just as great. It might not seem too original but it works and is easily noticeable. But the best design feature the Sonata has is definitely the headlights. How they sort of make hooks where at one point they run alongside the hood of the Sonata. It is so elegant and forward looking.

Interior Design

The interior of the Sonata is like an affordable Mercedes-Benz. The plastic, metal, and leather trim all blend together to create a luxurious feel for those inside the cabin. Speaking of the cabin, space is quite plenty and vast. I could sit behind myself comfortably. The seats are comfortable. Ambient lighting at night is simple but yet elegant. The controls and knobs aren't made of that cheap plastic found in most cheap daily cars. The push button gear selectors area is placed much like a house on the hills, overlooking where the spare change and cellphones are placed. What could make it better? Well, depending on what turn signal is switched on, the digital cluster, be it the tachometer or speedometer, will display that particular side of the Sonata so one would have optimum sight to change lanes or anything else it could be used for. The only problem I had with the Sonata, and it may just only be this particular one, was the driver's door handle. It must have been broken in a way because it would grind on something that made it feel like nails on a chalkboard. It could have been from a previous loan. I doubt that came out of the factory.

Pricing and Options

So, how much does this Sonata cost? After everything, the total price comes to $34,365. The only option that is added on the MSRP is the carpeted floor mats that costs a mere $135. Everything else is included. For safety, the Sonata has blind-spot collision-avoidance assist, rear cross-traffic collision avoidance assist, forward collision avoidance with pedestrian detection, parking collision avoidance assist in the rear, surround view monitor and front and rear parking sensors, remote start parking assist and blind view monitor, smart cruise control with stop and start capability, and plenty of airbags. For comfort and convenience, the Sonata comes with heated and ventilated front power seats, tilt ad telescoping heated steering wheel, Bose premium sound system, Bluetooth connectivity with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay capabilities, sat-nav, and multiple USB ports.

Performance

​The turbocharged 1.6L four-cylinder underneath the hood only produces a mere 180 horsepower and 195 foot pounds of torque. Sure, it doesn't have much to get up and go, but it sure gets pretty good fuel economy. With my driving habits, I was able to achieve 30 miles to the gallon. The ride comfort is great, especially for long distance traveling. Steering is light and focused. And braking has plenty of bite. What had me going is that the Sonata could be remote controlled via the key fob. That is something one would see with high-end luxury vehicles and it can only go forwards or reverse as far as I could tell. But it will correct itself getting in a parking spot. And I called it "walking the car" like how one would "walk the dog." It entertained me like a baby playing peek-a-boo. Take a look at the video below to show. I apologize in advance for the wind noise.

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A Moment of Your Time

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Conclusion

So, is the all-new Sonata the best affordable sedan? To simply put it, yes it is. It is the best looking model on the market, both interior and exterior wise, for sub-$40,000. The options it has that come standard outmatch what the other competition has. Sure, it cannot outrun either the Mazda Mazda6 or Honda Accord, it does get better fuel economy and ride comfort. Save the $4,000 or so dollars and get the Hyundai. You won't regret it. Honestly. You know how they say, "Don't meet your heroes." Well, I met mine, and it was everything I thought it was and more.

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