NEW FOR 2014:
– Freshened exterior styling
– Increased sound deadening
– Revised suspension damping
– New 17- and 18-inch alloy wheels
– Standard Driver Selectable Steering Mode system
– 2.4 GL receives 16-inch alloy wheels, exterior mirrors with integrated turn signals
– 2.4 GLS adds 4.3-inch display audio with reverse camera
– Limited trims receive standard navigation, blind-spot monitoring; 2.0T Limited adds sport-tuned exhaust
– New available options: HID headlamps, full-leather steering wheel, revised infotainment systems, high-definition instrument cluster, ventilated driver’s seat, LED dome light
Hyundai’s Sonata is rapidly becoming one of Canada’s most popular sedans. The midsize continues its push to the top with a comprehensive mid-cycle update that sees enhanced refinement, newly available features, and a slightly different look for 2014.
Most Sonatas come powered by a 2.4-litre direct-injected four-cylinder that makes either 190 hp in standard form, or 192 hp in SE trim; the range-topping 2.0T Limited with Ultimate Package develops 274 hp and 269 lb-ft of torque. Power is down slightly for 2.4 models due to the fact that all 2.4 models are now PZEV-spec. Regardless of whether you go Turbo or not, the Sonata comes standard with front-wheel drive and a six-speed automatic, though the sporty 2.4 SE and 2.0T also get paddles for manual shifting. Like the Camry, Accord, Fusion, and Optima, a hybrid variant is also offered, and is covered in a separate review.
The Sonata is available with the 2.4-litre engine in GL, GLS, SE, and Limited with Navigation trim; the 2.0T is available exclusively in Limited with Ultimate Package trim.
Features on the 2.4 GL include 16-inch alloy wheels, Driver Selectable Steering, Active Eco mode, power windows with driver’s auto up/down, air conditioning, power locks, keyless entry, alarm system, cruise control, auxiliary input, USB port, tilt and telescoping steering column, trip computer, Bluetooth hands-free phone system, steering wheel audio remote control, 60/40 split folding rear seat, six-speaker AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system, satellite radio, front heated seats, metalgrain interior trim, power heated mirrors with exterior turn signal indicators, illuminated vanity mirrors, front armrest with storage, exterior temperature display, dark chrome grille, and chrome hood garnish.
2.4 GLS trim adds, 4.3-inch display audio system with reverse camera, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, eight-way power driver’s seat with lumbar support, heated rear seats, fog lights, sunroof, and front windshield wiper de-icer.
2.4 SE trim adds performance exhaust with chrome tips, 18-inch alloy wheels, leather upholstery, panoramic sunroof, leatherette door trim, sport-tuned suspension, chrome interior door handles, and dual-zone automatic climate control with clean-air ionizer.
2.4 Limited builds on GLS with 8.0-inch display audio system with navigation, 17-inch alloy wheels, blind-spot monitoring, exterior chrome door handles, dual-zone climate control with clean-air ionizer, deluxe door sill plates, Infinity sound system, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, garage door opener, compass, LED interior lights, panoramic sunroof, gloss black interior accents, proximity key with push-button start, rear console air vents, leatherette door trim.
2.0T Limited with Ultimate Package builds on 2.4 Limited and adds turbocharged 2.0T engine, 18-inch alloy wheels, chrome-tipped exhaust, Supervision instrument cluster with colour LCD display, HID headlamps, sport-tuned suspension, and ventilated driver’s seat.
