?2016 Hyundai Sonata Sport 2.0T?
Award-Winning Refreshed Sonata Lineup Adds New Content

The Hyundai Sonata made its U.S. debut in 1988 and entered its seventh generation celebrating the beginning of Hyundai?s 30th year on our shores. The Sonata lineup enters the 2016 model year with more features, minor styling updates and suspension upgrades as well as better fuel economy for models powered by the 2.4-liter engine.

Key highlights for 2016 include: The addition of Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) functionality on models previously equipped with Forward Collision Warning; a 7-inch color touchscreen Display Audio with Android Auto comes on SE, Sport, Limited, Eco and Sport 2.0T; the application of aluminum suspension components, reduces unsprung mass for improved handling; a conventional sunroof is optionally available on Sport and standard on Limited models; a new 17-inch wheel design and application of Sport front fascia on Limited trim models; and the Limited 2.0T adds a heated function for Dcut steering wheel

Sonata?s buyers tend to be younger, and more are college educated with higher average household incomes and there is a higher ethnic diversity. The Hyundai Sonata itself has changed dramatically as well, resulting in seven generations of continual refinement and evolution, along with a revolutionary Improvement in style, safety and driving performance.

The latest Hyundai Sonata iteration epitomizes the essence of what consumers expect, with exterior and interior styling that reflects Hyundai?s new design philosophy, focusing on dynamicism, yet with a refined luxuriousness and collision protection assured by superior body strength while delivering a premium driving experience, precise handling and quietness. The 2016 Hyundai Sonata features class-leading aerodynamics as well with a drag coefficient of 0.27.

The 2016 Hyundai Sonata offers two Theta II four-cylinder engines: the base 2.4-liter, GDI that produces 185 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 178 pound feet of torque at 4,000 rpm; and a performance oriented 2.0-liter twin-scroll Turbo GDI that delivers 245 horses at 6,000 rpm along with 260 pound feet of torque in a range from 1,350-4,000 rpm. Both engines gear power to the front wheels through a 6-speed automatic transmission with Shiftronic (the 2.0-liter turbo?s transmission also comes with paddle shifters. A third engine variant is also available ? a 1.6-liter Eco Twin-scroll turbo GDI 4-cylinder that mates to a 7 speed EcoShift DCT transmission with Shiftronic. The 1.6-liter motor makes 177 horsepower and 195 pound feet of torque. Mileage estimates for the three engines are respectively: 25/37 ? 23/32 ? and 28/38 City/Hwy mpg.

Trim levels for the 2016 Hyundai Sonata include: SE which replaced GLS last year; Sport which replaced SE; Limited; Sport 2.0T and Sport 2.0T with the Ultimate Package; and Eco. The Sport trim with the 2.4-liter engine is expected to be the volume model Sonata along with the Limited. Option packages include: Popular Equipment Package; Sport Premium Package; Technology Package; Ultimate Package and Eco Plus. Add $835. Destination and Handling for all trim levels.

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


The 2016 Hyundai Sonata projects a sleek overall form that leads off with Hyundai?s winged hexagonal grille flowing into a sloped, sculpted hood and sharply raked windscreen carrying over a gently curved cabin roof into a slanted rear window and short deck with an integrated spoiler lip. In profile, the fast, arching C-pillar creates a sporty coupe-like persona despite its four doors, and the car sits low with pronounced wheel wells hugging the wheels and tires. There is a strong side character line, which Hyundai refers to as a Sabre line that?s reflected and complemented by precise rocker detailing.

My test 2016 Hyundai Sonata was a Sport 2.0T with a Shale Gray metallic exterior and two-tone gray interior. The base price was set at $28,925 while the carpeted floor mats and Destination charge elevated the final total sticker to $29,885.

SUMMARY: Oddly enough, the 2.4-liter engine generates more noise when prodded with gusto, than the 2.0T turbocharged motor, while it seems that the opposite should be the case. In any event, neither is really objectionable. The turbo motor delivers a higher performance level than the 2.4 liter, but both perform satisfactorily in terms of acceleration. Both vehicle?s transmissions shift smoothly, while the paddle shifters are more enjoyable for manually changing gears than the lever. Both provide user-selectable Drive Modes that deliver varying levels of vehicle performance: Efficient; well-balanced; and Dynamic, governed by Eco; Normal; and Sport respectively.

The seventh generation Hyundai Sonata, regardless of trim level or propulsion chosen comes with a host of safety features including: a Driver Knee Airbag, Rear Parking Sensors, Lane Departure Warning, Forward Collision Warning, Auto High Beam Assist, Blind Spot Detection, Lane Change Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, ABS, VSM, ESC, Traction Control and Individual Tire Pressure Monitoring.

Convenience features offered include: Smart Cruise Control with Stop/Start, Electronic Park Brake with auto vehicle hold, Driver memory seat, Rear side window sunshades, heated steering wheel, 60/40 split folding rear seat and Hands-free Smart Trunk.

Interior amenities include: Power front seats and 4-way driver lumbar Ventilated front seats, Heated front and rear seats, accent stitching, 4.2? color multi-info display and interior lights. There are also available audio and Navigation features including various entertainment and connectivity links. Other standard features include: a remote keyless entry with alarm, body color heated exterior power mirrors, LED Daytime Running Lights, steering wheel mounted audio and cruise control and Bluetooth handsfree phone system. Premium features such as HID Xenon headlights, panoramic sunroof and 10speaker Infinity? 400watt premium audio system with subwoofer are options.

Hyundai tops the majority of its competitors including Camry L, Accord LX, Altima 2.5 and Fusion S in terms of price advantage and feature content by an average of close to $2,000., while also offering a superior Basic Warranty, Powertrain Warranty and Roadside Assistance program.

In the final analysis, the 2016 Hyundai Sonata lineup raises the bar in terms of design, performance and feature content in the mid-size sedan segment. The Sport 2.0T delivers a sporty (what else) coupe-like image with its blacked out ?B? and ?C? pillars with a high-gloss cabin window surround and rear decklid spoiler. It is a very likable sport sedan.

All Hyundai vehicles sold in the U.S. are covered by Hyundai?s Assurance program, which includes a 5-year/60,000-mile fully transferable new vehicle limited warranty, Hyundai?s 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain limited warranty, and five years of complimentary Roadside Assistance that includes: Automatic Collision Notification; Enhanced Roadside Assistance; Vehicle Diagnostic Alert; Monthly Vehicle Health Report; and in-vehicle service scheduling.

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Arv Voss is a Northern California based freelance motoring Journalist and member and past officer of several noted Automotive Journalist organizations who contributes regularly to a number of national and international media outlets. He reviews not only cars, trucks and SUVs, but motorcycles and unusual wheeled vehicles as well.