The 2022 Hyundai Sonata stands out in the midsize sedan category with its bold, coupe-like looks, modern cabin, lengthy list of driver assistance features, and long warranty. The Sonata doesn’t have the liveliest handling of the bunch, although the performance-oriented N Line trim is peppy, but it excels in just about everything else.
Base Price: $33,450
As Tested: $34,644
Horsepower: 290
Mileage: 23 mpg city/33 mpg highway27/ mpg combined
While SUVs remain a top choice for U.S. consumers, sedans are worth a look as they’re often more reasonably priced and have better fuel efficiency. When most folks think of midsize sedans, the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry are the first that come to mind. But the Hyundai Sonata sure deserves consideration.
The Sonata got a makeover for 2020, the N Line was introduced for 2021, and some features are tweaked for 2022.
The five-passenger 2022 Sonata comes in five trims: SE, SEL, SEL Plus, N Line, and Limited. Starting prices range from $24,150, which is below average for the class, to $34,750, which is also a little lower than the top trims of most rivals. Front-wheel-drive is standard; all-wheel-drive isn’t available.
The base engine is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder that makes 191 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque. It’s fine for daily driving but won’t take your breath away. The available 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder is a bit more potent with 180 horses and 195 pound-feet. Both of these engines are paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The N Line has the most power thanks to a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that produces 290 horses and 311 pound-feet, mated to a dual-clutch eight-speed.
The Sonata isn’t the sportiest midsize sedan but it’s not lackluster, either. It prioritizes comfort over performance. There’s enough power for everyday driving situations with the two smaller engines. The N Line has livelier handling. It’s quick off the line and delivers enough power for merging and passing at freeway speeds. No matter which engine you choose, all Sonatas boast a smooth, comfortable ride. Both eight-speeds shift smoothly and quickly and are better than the CVTs that are in many competitors. All in all, the Sonata is a pleasant ride. For those who want peppier handling, the Mazda6 or Honda Accord may be your preferred choice.
Fuel economy is decent for a midsize sedan. EPA ratings for my N Line tester are 23 mpg city and 33 mpg highway with a combined rating of 27. I got 28 mpg during my week with a mix of city and highway driving.
The modern cabin is one of the most attractive you’ll find in the class. Materials are high-end and most are soft-touch. Controls are logically laid out. Seats are comfortable, supportive and roomy. Even the second row is spacious enough for taller adults.
Standard features include a rearview camera, cloth upholstery, infotainment system with eight-inch touchscreen, six-speaker audio system, HD Radio, Bluetooth, a USB port, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay.
Available features include remote start, Hyundai Digital Key which lets you unlock and start your vehicle using your smartphone, surround-view parking camera system, head-up display, dual-zone automatic climate control, suede and synthetic leather upholstery, real leather upholstery, front sport seats, power-adjustable front seats, heated front seats, ventilated front seats, heated steering wheel, 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, infotainment system with 10.25-inch touchscreen, navigation, 12-speaker Bose premium audio system, satellite radio, Hyundai Blue Link telematics system, wireless device charging, a second-row USB port, and panoramic sunroof.
Standard driver assistance technologies include forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, lane tracing assist, adaptive cruise control, pedestrian detection, rear seat reminder and driver drowsiness monitoring.
Available driver assistance technologies include blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, front and rear parking sensors, perpendicular park assist, and a safe exit warning which alerts you if vehicles are approaching from behind.
Whether you have the eight- or 10.25-inch touchscreen, the infotainment system looks good with its sharp graphics and responds quickly to touch and voice commands. It’s user-friendly with menus logically organized. One peeve, though, is the lack of a tuning knob so you have to use the touchscreen to change channels.
The Sonata has more trunk space than many rivals with 16 cubic feet. Split-folding rear seats are handy for when hauling large items. A hands-free power trunk lid is available.
The good:
Smooth, comfortable ride
Decent fuel economy
One of the nicest cabins in the class
Spacious interior
User-friendly infotainment system
Standard Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
Large trunk
The not-so-good:
Not as sporty as some other midsize sedans
Pricing info:
My tester starts at $33,450. Carpeted floor mats are $169. Delivery fee is $1,025 bringing the grand total to $34,644.
Bottom line:
The 2022 Hyundai Sonata is a well-rounded and reasonably priced entry in the midsize sedan category and gives you a lot of bang for your bucks. It’s a strong rival of mainstays like the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry. The Sonata is not the sportiest—it prioritizes comfort over performance—but it is a smooth and comfortable family sedan and has one of the most attractive cabins in the segment.
