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2018 Hyundai Sonata review

Research, photos, specs, and expertise
6 photos

Hyundai Sonata highlights

Customer rating

Pros

  • Great list of standard features
  • Spacious interior with lots of trunk space
  • Redesigned user interface is intuitive and easy to use

Cons

  • Base engine performance is lacking
  • Turbocharged engine option isn't as good as competitors
  • Slightly less rear legroom than other sedans

Mileage (EPA estimate)

23 city, 32 highway, 26 combined

Pricing for current inventory

(no current inventory)

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Price
Year

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All Hyundai Sonata years

What is new for the 2018 Hyundai Sonata?

  • The Sonata is available in a new trim called the SEL.
  • The Base trim has been discontinued for 2018.
  • The Sport trim now comes with Sunroof(s), Blind Spot Monitor, Automated Cruise Control, and Heated Steering Wheel as standard equipment.
  • The ECO trim now comes with Blind Spot Monitor as standard equipment.
  • The SE trim now comes with Blind Spot Monitor as standard equipment.

2018 Hyundai Sonata trims

Curious how Hyundai Sonata trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities

SE:

  • 185-hp, 178-lb-ft of torque 2.4L
  • Rear Defroster
  • Blind Spot Monitor
  • Traction Control
  • Power Mirrors
  • Overhead Airbags
  • Cruise Control
  • Side Airbags
  • Cloth Seats
  • View our Hyundai Sonata SE inventory

ECO:

SEL:

Sport:

Limited:

Hyundai Sonata photos

5 reasons to buy the 2018 Hyundai Sonata

1. Impressive interior space

Thanks to their space, midsize sedans like the Hyundai Sonata are a great alternative to small SUVs. The 2018 Sonata has ample room for up to five to stretch out in the 106.1 cu-ft of passenger space. And at just over 56 inches wide, the rear seats will comfortably fit three adults or teens. Bring all your luggage in the 16.1 cu-ft of cargo space, or fold down the 60/40 split-folding rear seats for extra storage room. Whether taking the family on a weekend road trip or bringing your crew out on the town, the Sonata has plenty of space for everyone.

2. Pleasant driving experience

The suspension of the 2018 Hyundai Sonata has been re-engineered to boost ride comfort, reduce road noise, and improve handling. It's a pleasant car to drive, with responsive steering input that doesn't feel numb. The improved suspension does a great job absorbing big bumps while still providing confident handling through tight turns. Seat comfort is impressive, even in the SE base trim. And if you want a dash of performance, the Sport 2.0T trim has a turbocharged engine and paddle shifters for an injection of fun.

3. Selection of fuel-sipping engine options

You get a choice of three engine options in the 2018 Hyundai Sonata, beginning with a 2.4L four-cylinder engine and six-speed automatic transmission. This entry-level engine gives you good power around town, with an EPA-estimated 25 mpg city and 36 mpg highway fuel economy.

 A 1.6L turbocharged four-cylinder engine powers the 2018 Sonata Eco trim, while a 245-hp turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder engine gives the 2.0T Sport and Limited trims a performance boost. Finally, a hybrid platform on SEL and higher trims gets an EPA-estimated 40 mpg city and 42 mpg highway.

4. Loaded with standard features

Generously equipped with a long list of features, the 2018 Hyundai Sonata SE won't leave you looking for much else. Standard equipment in the base trim includes tech like smartphone integration, a seven-inch touchscreen, and rear cross-traffic alerts. Nice touches like a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear selector are included as standard, too.

5. Modernize your daily drive

The 2018 Hyundai Sonata SEL with the SEL Tech Package is packed with modern technology and driver aids that help take the stress out of your daily commute. The SEL Tech Package includes forward automatic braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and an electronic parking brake with automatic hold. Add a 400-watt Infinity® sound system, wireless charging, and navigation with the Ultimate Package (Limited, Limited 2.0T).

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Ratings & reliability

Customer ratings

The 2018 Hyundai Sonata is a great car for performance and cost. Customers like the smooth ride, nice AC, and the feeling of driving the car. The car is loaded with features and is spacious and smooth running.
4
Excellent

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 Sonata

Hyundai Sonata features and specs

Limited 2WD 4D Sedan

Standard Features

  • A/C Seat(s)
  • ABS Brakes
  • Air Conditioning
  • Alloy Wheels
  • AM/FM Stereo
  • Android Auto
  • Apple CarPlay
  • Automated Cruise Control
  • Automatic Transmission
  • Auxiliary Audio Input
  • Blind Spot Monitor
  • Bluetooth Technology
  • Front Seat Heaters
  • Heated Steering Wheel
  • Infinity Sound System
  • Lane Departure Warning
  • Leather Seats
  • Memory Seat(s)
  • Navigation System
  • Overhead Airbags
  • Parking Sensors
  • Power Locks
  • Power Mirrors
  • Power Seat(s)
  • Power Windows
  • Rear Defroster
  • Rear Sunshade
  • Rear View Camera
  • Satellite Radio Ready
  • Side Airbags
  • Smart Key
  • Sunroof(s)
  • Traction Control
  • Turbo Charged Engine
  • Panoramic Sunroof
  • Rear Spoiler

Drive Wheels

Front Wheel Drive (2WD)

Engine size

2.0L

Horsepower

245

Torque (ft-lbs)

260

Engine type

Turbo Gas

Fuel capacity

18.5

Wheelbase

110.4"

Overall length

191.1"

Width

73.4"

Height

58.1"

Leg room

F 45.5"/R 35.6"

Head room

F 40.4"/R 38"

Front tires

P235/45VR18

Rear tires

P235/45VR18

Seating capacity

5

Transmission

Automatic

2018 Hyundai Sonata FAQ

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