Eric's Autos: Reviewing the 2015 Hyundai Sonata
Should Toyota be worried? I think so, yes. Because anyone who takes the time to cross-shop the new Hyundai Sonata will find it hard to justify buying a Camry - which though still a good car is no longer the obviously best car in this class. And people are beginning to notice.
It's not merely that the Hyundai costs less (though it does). Nor that it's got a much better warranty (that, too). The thing that ought to chill Toyota (and Honda and the rest of them) right down to their bones is that the Sonata's a first-class ride, just as good (and in some ways, better) than the longtime got-tos in this class. Let's have a look.
WHAT IT IS
The Sonata is Hyundai's mid-sized sedan, in the same general class (size and price-wise) as the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord but leans more to the sporty side of the aisle where you'll find cars like the Ford Fusion and Mazda6, among others.
Base price is $21,150 for an SE with 2.4 liter engine and six-speed manual transmission. A top-of-the-line Limited with a turbocharged 2.0 liter engine stickers for $33,525. A Sport trim features the same engine, plus - no surprise here - sporty-themed interior/exterior differences (including quad exhaust tips and a flat-bottomed, thicker-rimmed steering wheel).
Also available is a high-economy Eco version, which comes with a 1.6 liter turbocharged engine and a seven-speed automated manual transmission. This version of the Sonata can deliver almost 40 MPG on the highway, exceptional mileage for a non-hybrid (and gas-engined) mid-sized sedan. Base price for this version of the Sonata is $23,275.
WHAT'S NEW
The '15 Sonata is new from the wheels up. Among the highlights - an obviously new skin and interior layout. Not as obvious: More backseat legroom (though still less than in Camry; this is one of the Sonata's few remaining objective demerits).
WHAT'S GOOD
Optional 1.6 engine delivers almost-diesel (and nearly hybrid) fuel efficiency, without sacrificing performance. Nearly five inches more legroom up front than in Camry.
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