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    Categories: New Launch

2016 Hyundai Sonata Review

2016 Hyundai Sonata Eco © Hyundai Motor Company

The award-winning Hyundai Sonata lineup heads into 2016 offering more features, minor styling updates, suspension upgrades and improved fuel economy on models equipped with the 2.4L engine. The 2016 Sonata starts at $21,750, excluding $835 freight charge, and is arriving in dealerships now.

2016 Hyundai Sonata © Hyundai Motor Company

2016 Hyundai Sonata 2.0T © Hyundai Motor Company

Following its launch last year, the seventh-generation Sonata has garnered such accolades as being named “Best Midsize Car for the Money” by U.S. News & World Report and “Most Affordable Midsize Sedan” by Cars.com.

2016 Hyundai Sonata Eco © Hyundai Motor Company

2016 Hyundai Sonata 2.0T © Hyundai Motor Company

For 2016, the Sonata’s interior adds more content including Hyundai’s 7-inch color touchscreen Display Audio system, Android Auto and rearview camera system. In addition, a conventional sunroof is now available on Sport models and standard on Limited trims. Limited 2.0T models also add a heated function for the D-cut steering wheel.

2016 Hyundai Sonata © Hyundai Motor Company

2016 Hyundai Sonata © Hyundai Motor Company

Visual enhancements to the Limited include a more aggressively styled front bumper from the Sport model with a 3-bar grille, a new 17-inch alloy wheel design and updated woodgrain pattern interior trim on vehicles with the beige interior.

2016 Hyundai Sonata © Hyundai Motor Company

2016 Hyundai Sonata © Hyundai Motor Company

2016 Hyundai Sonata © Hyundai Motor Company

To reduce unsprung weight and improve handling, some of the Sonata’s suspension components are now crafted from aluminum instead of steel. The steering knuckle and the lower control arm in front and the upper control arm and assist arms in back are now aluminum.

2016 Hyundai Sonata © Hyundai Motor Company

2016 Hyundai Sonata © Hyundai Motor Company

2016 Hyundai Sonata © Hyundai Motor Company

The 2016 Hyundai Sonata continues with its all four-cylinder engine lineup. A 2.4-liter Theta II GDI engine producing 185 horsepower and 178 lb. ft. of torque powers the SE, Limited and Sport models.

2016 Hyundai Sonata © Hyundai Motor Company

2016 Hyundai Sonata © Hyundai Motor Company

A 2.0-liter Theta II turbocharged GDI motivates Sport 2.0T and Limited 2.0T models with 245 horsepower and 260 lb. ft. of torque. Changes introduced last year are a smaller turbine and compressor wheel helped provide better responsiveness and more torque in the low and mid RPM range. Both Theta engines are paired with a six-speed SHIFTRONIC ® automatic transmission.

2016 Hyundai Sonata 2.0T © Hyundai Motor Company

2016 Hyundai Sonata 2.0T © Hyundai Motor Company

The Eco model remains the fuel economy champion of the non-hybrid Sonatas with its 1.6-liter turbocharged Gamma four-cylinder with 177 horsepower and 195 lb. ft. of torque paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. Eco models receive a 28 mpg EPA fuel economy rating in the city and 38 mpg on the highway for a class-leading 32 mpg combined.

2016 Hyundai Sonata 2.0T © Hyundai Motor Company

2016 Hyundai Sonata 2.0T © Hyundai Motor Company

Standard features include remote keyless entry with alarm, body color heated exterior power mirrors, LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL), steering wheel-mounted audio and cruise control and Bluetooth hands-free phone system.

2016 Hyundai Sonata Eco © Hyundai Motor Company

Premium features such as HID Xenon headlights, panoramic sunroof and 10-speaker Infinity® 400-watt premium audio system with subwoofer are options. To simplify the Sonata lineup, the black leather interior with orange accents and brown leather interiors are no longer available and Urban Sunset exterior paint has been discontinued.

2016 Hyundai Sonata © Hyundai Motor Company

2016 Hyundai Sonata © Hyundai Motor Company

Standard safety equipment on the 2016 Sonata lineup includes Vehicle Stability Management (VSM) with Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and Traction Control System, seven airbags, including a driver’s knee airbag, four-wheel disc brakes and ABS with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist and Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) with indicators for each tire. Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Smart Cruise Control with spot/start capability, Rear Parking Sensors, Blind Spot Detection (BSD) with Rear Cross-traffic Alert and Lane Change Assist and Forward Collision Warning (FCW) are available as options.

Specification

SESportLimited
Engine
TypeDOHC D-CVVT (Dual Continuously Variable Valve Timing) 4-cylinderDOHC D-CVVT (Dual Continuously Variable Valve Timing) 4-cylinderDOHC D-CVVT (Dual Continuously Variable Valve Timing) 4-cylinder
MaterialsAluminum block and headsAluminum block and headsAluminum block and heads
Bore and Stroke88.0 mm x 97.0 mm88.0 mm x 97.0 mm88.0 mm x 97.0 mm
Displacement2.4 liters / 2,359 cc2.4 liters / 2,359 cc2.4 liters / 2,359 cc
Horsepower (est.)185 @ 6,000 rpm185 @ 6,000 rpm185 @ 6,000 rpm
Torque (est.)178 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm178 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm178 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm
Valves per Cylinder444
Compression Ratio11.3:111.3:111.3:1
 
Transmission
6-speed electronic automatic with OD lock-up torque converter, shift lock and SHIFTRONIC™ manual shift mode
First4.212:14.212:14.212:1
Second2.637:12.637:12.637:1
Third1.800:11.800:11.800:1
Fourth1.386:11.386:11.386:1
Fifth1.000:11.000:11.000:1
Sixth0.772:10.772:10.772:1
Reverse3.385:13.385:13.385:1
Final Drive2.885:12.885:12.885:1
 
Suspension
FrontMacPherson strut with gas-charged Dual Flow Damper (DFD) shock absorbers and 23-mm stabilizer barMacPherson strut with gas-charged Dual Flow Damper (DFD) shock absorbers and 23-mm stabilizer barMacPherson strut with gas-charged Dual Flow Damper (DFD) shock absorbers and 23-mm stabilizer bar
RearIndependent multi-link design with coil springs, gas-charged Dual Flow Damper (DFD) shock absorbers and 17-mm stabilizer barIndependent multi-link design with coil springs, gas-charged Dual Flow Damper (DFD) shock absorbers and 17-mm stabilizer barIndependent multi-link design with coil springs, gas-charged Dual Flow Damper (DFD) shock absorbers and 17-mm stabilizer bar
 
Steering
TypeColumn-mounted Motor-Driven Power Steering (MDPS), Rack-and-Pinion, Engine-RPM-SensingColumn-mounted Motor-Driven Power Steering (MDPS), Rack-and-Pinion, Engine-RPM-SensingColumn-mounted Motor-Driven Power Steering (MDPS), Rack-and-Pinion, Engine-RPM-Sensing
Overall Ratio14.3:114.3:114.3:1
Turns, lock to lock2.782.782.78
Turning circle, curb to curb35.8 ft.35.8 ft.35.8 ft.
 
Brakes/ Tires/ Wheels
FrontDual diagonal, split circuit, power-assisted 12.0-in. ventilated disc with pressure proportioning valvesDual diagonal, split circuit, power-assisted 12.0-in. ventilated disc with pressure proportioning valvesDual diagonal, split circuit, power-assisted 12.0-in. ventilated disc with pressure proportioning valves (Dual diagonal, split circuit, power-assisted 12.6-in. ventilated disc with pressure proportioning valves - OPT)
RearDual diagonal, split circuit, power-assisted 11.2-in. solid disc with pressure proportioning valvesDual diagonal, split circuit, power-assisted 11.2-in. solid disc with pressure proportioning valvesDual diagonal, split circuit, power-assisted 11.2-in. solid disc with pressure proportioning valves
ABS4-wheel, 4-channel and 4-sensor with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and ESC4-wheel, 4-channel and 4-sensor with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and ESC4-wheel, 4-channel and 4-sensor with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and ESC
TiresP205/65R16 (T125/80D16 Compact temporary spare tire)P215/55R17 (T125/80D16 Compact temporary spare tire)P215/55R17 (T125/80D16 Compact temporary spare tire)
Wheels16 x 6.5-in. alloy wheel17 x 7.0-in. alloy wheel17 x 7.0-in. alloy wheel
 
Exterior Dimensions
Wheelbase110.4 in.110.4 in.110.4 in.
Overall length191.1 in.191.1 in.191.1 in.
Overall width73.4 in.73.4 in.73.4 in.
Overall height58.1 in.58.1 in.58.1 in.
Tread width (front/rear)63.5 in. / 63.8 in.63.1 in. / 63.3 in.63.1 in. / 63.3 in.
Coefficient of drag (Cd)0.270.270.27
Minimum Ground Clearance5.3 in.5.3 in.5.3 in.
 
Interior Dimensions
Head room
Front40.4 in.40.4 in.40.4 in.
Rear38.0 in.38.0 in.38.0 in.
Leg room
Front45.5 in.45.5 in.45.5 in.
Rear35.6 in.35.6 in.35.6 in.
Shoulder room
Front57.9 in.57.9 in.57.9 in.
Rear56.5 in.56.5 in.56.5 in.
Hip room
Front55.3 in.55.3 in.55.3 in.
Rear56.1 in.56.1 in.56.1 in.
EPA passenger volume106.1 cu.ft.106.1 cu.ft.106.1 cu.ft.
EPA cargo volume16.3 cu. ft.16.3 cu. ft.16.3 cu. ft.
EPA total volume122.4 cu.ft.122.4 cu.ft.122.4 cu.ft.
 
Capacities
Fuel18.5 gallons18.5 gallons18.5 gallons
 
Curb Weight
2.4L3,250 lbs3,311 lbs3,380 lbs
 
Fuel Economy
City25 mpg25 mpg25 mpg
Highway38 mpg36 mpg36 mpg
Combined30 mpg29 mpg29 mpg
 
Towing Capacity
Maximum towing capacityNot RecommendedNot RecommendedNot Recommended
 
Sport 2.0TLimited 2.0T
Engine
TypeDOHC D-CVVT (Dual Continuously Variable Valve Timing) 4-cylinderDOHC D-CVVT (Dual Continuously Variable Valve Timing) 4-cylinder
Turbo typeTwin ScrollTwin Scroll
MaterialsAluminum block and headsAluminum block and heads
Bore and Stroke86.0 mm x 86.0 mm86.0 mm x 86.0 mm
Displacement2.0 liters / 1,998 cc2.0 liters / 1,998 cc
Horsepower (est.)245 @ 6,000 rpm245 @ 6,000 rpm
Torque (est.)260 lb-ft @ 1,350–4,000 rpm260 lb-ft @ 1,350–4,000 rpm
Valves per Cylinder44
Compression Ratio10.0:110.0:1
 
Transmission
6-speed electronic automatic with OD lock-up torque converter, shift lock and SHIFTRONIC™ manual shift mode
First4.766:14.766:1
Second2.946:12.946:1
Third1.917:11.917:1
Fourth1.420:11.420:1
Fifth1.000:11.000:1
Sixth0.772:10.772:1
Reverse3.393:13.393:1
Final Drive2.885:12.885:1
 
Suspension
FrontMacPherson strut with gas-charged Dual Flow Damper (DFD) shock absorbers and 24-mm stabilizer barMacPherson strut with gas-charged Dual Flow Damper (DFD) shock absorbers and 24-mm stabilizer bar
RearIndependent multi-link design with stiffer coil springs, gas-charged Dual Flow Damper (DFD) shock absorbers and 18-mm stabilizer barIndependent multi-link design with stiffer coil springs, gas-charged Dual Flow Damper (DFD) shock absorbers and 18-mm stabilizer bar
 
Steering
TypeDual-pinion rack-mounted Motor-Driven Power Steering (MDPS), Rack-and-Pinion, Engine-RPM-SensingDual-pinion rack-mounted Motor-Driven Power Steering (MDPS), Rack-and-Pinion, Engine-RPM-Sensing
Overall Ratio14.3:114.3:1
Turns, lock to lock2.782.78
Turning circle, curb to curb35.8 ft.35.8 ft.
 
Brakes/ Tires/ Wheels
FrontDual diagonal, split circuit, power-assisted 12.6-in. ventilated disc with pressure proportioning valvesDual diagonal, split circuit, power-assisted 12.6-in. ventilated disc with pressure proportioning valves
RearDual diagonal, split circuit, power-assisted 11.2-in. solid disc with pressure proportioning valvesDual diagonal, split circuit, power-assisted 11.2-in. solid disc with pressure proportioning valves
ABS4-wheel, 4-channel and 4-sensor with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and ESC4-wheel, 4-channel and 4-sensor with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and ESC
TiresP235/45R18 (T125/80D16 Compact temporary spare tire)P235/45R18 (T125/80D16 Compact temporary spare tire)
Wheels18 x 7.5-in. Hyper Silver alloy wheel18 x 7.5-in. Hyper Silver alloy wheel
 
Exterior Dimensions
Wheelbase110.4 in.110.4 in.
Overall length191.1 in.191.1 in.
Overall width73.4 in.73.4 in.
Overall height58.1 in.58.1 in.
Tread width (front/rear)62.9 in. / 63.1 in.62.9 in. / 63.1 in.
Coefficient of drag (Cd)0.270.27
Minimum Ground Clearance5.3 in.5.3 in.
 
Interior Dimensions
Head room
Front40.4 in.40.4 in.
Rear38.0 in.38.0 in.
Leg room
Front45.5 in.45.5 in.
Rear35.6 in.35.6 in.
Shoulder room
Front57.9 in.57.9 in.
Rear56.5 in.56.5 in.
Hip room
Front55.3 in.55.3 in.
Rear56.1 in.56.1 in.
EPA passenger volume106.1 cu.ft.106.1 cu.ft.
EPA cargo volume16.3 cu. ft.16.3 cu. ft.
EPA total volume122.4 cu.ft.122.4 cu.ft.
 
Capacities
Fuel18.5 gallons18.5 gallons
 
Curb Weight
2.0T3,492 lbs3,589 lbs
 
Fuel Economy
City23 mpg21 mpg
Highway32 mpg31 mpg
Combined26 mpg25 mpg
 
Towing Capacity
Maximum towing capacityNot RecommendedNot Recommended
 
Eco
Engine
TypeDOHC D-CVVT (Dual Continuously Variable Valve Timing) 4-cylinder
Turbo typeTwin Scroll
MaterialsAluminum block and heads
Bore and Stroke77.0 mm x 85.0 mm
Displacement1.6 liters / 1,591 cc
Horsepower (est.)178 @ 5,500 rpm
Torque (est.)195 lb-ft @ 1,500-4,500 rpm
Valves per Cylinder4
Compression Ratio10.0:1
 
Transmission
7-speed EcoShift Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) electronic controlled with dry dual clutch
First3.929:1
Second2.318:1
Third2.043:1
Fourth1.070:1
Fifth0.822:1
Sixth0.884:1
Seventh0.721:1
Reverse5.304:1
Final Drive4.294:1 / 3.174:1
 
Suspension
FrontMacPherson strut with gas-charged Dual Flow Damper (DFD) shock absorbers and 23-mm stabilizer bar
RearIndependent multi-link design with coil springs, gas-charged Dual Flow Damper (DFD) shock absorbers and 17-mm stabilizer bar
 
Steering
TypeColumn-mounted Motor-Driven Power Steering (MDPS), Rack-and-Pinion, Engine-RPM-Sensing
Overall Ratio14.3:1
Turns, lock to lock2.78
Turning circle, curb to curb35.8 ft.
 
Brakes/ Tires/ Wheels
FrontDual diagonal, split circuit, power-assisted 12.0-in. ventilated disc with pressure proportioning valves
RearDual diagonal, split circuit, power-assisted 11.2-in. solid disc with pressure proportioning valves
ABS4-wheel, 4-channel and 4-sensor with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and ESC
TiresP205/65R16 (Tire Mending Kit)
Wheels16 x 6.5-in. alloy wheel
 
Exterior Dimensions
Wheelbase110.4 in.
Overall length191.1 in.
Overall width73.4 in.
Overall height58.1 in.
Tread width (front/rear)63.5 in. / 63.8 in.
Coefficient of drag (Cd)0.27
Minimum Ground Clearance5.3 in.
 
Interior Dimensions
Head room
Front40.4 in.
Rear38.0 in.
Leg room
Front45.5 in.
Rear35.6 in.
Shoulder room
Front57.9 in.
Rear56.5 in.
Hip room
Front55.3 in.
Rear56.1 in.
EPA passenger volume106.1 cu.ft.
EPA cargo volume16.3 cu. ft.
EPA total volume122.4 cu.ft.
 
Capacities
Fuel18.5 gallons
 
Curb Weight
1.6T Eco3,219 lbs
 
Fuel Economy
City28 mpg
Highway38 mpg
Combined32 mpg
 
Towing Capacity
Maximum towing capacityNot Recommended
 
Steve Allen: