2009 Hyundai Sonata / i45 2.0L 6AT FWD (165 HP)

Vehicle Overview

The sixth generation of the Sonata was a clear milestone in the model’s history since it was the first sold with different nameplates in the U.S. and on the European market.

While the world financial crisis continued to claim its victims in the automotive segment, Hyundai chose to push the skinny pedal harder in its R&D departments and introduced the sixth generation in Korea. In 2010, the automaker launched the mode in the U.S. as the 2011 Sonata and in other markets as the i45. Hyundai’s styling department created a completely new design language for the entire lineup, called “fluidic sculpture,” and the sixth generation of the Sonata followed the same ideas. Furthermore, the mid-size sedan was made on a new platform and was available with gasoline or hybrid drivetrains.

At the front, the 2011 Hyundai Sonata boasted organic-shaped headlights, swept-back on the sides and with sharp angles towards the car’s center. These also featured daytime running lights, which only added more flair to the model. For the grille, the automaker placed its bets on chromed horizontal slats where the brand’s badge took center stage. Lower, on the bumper, the automaker installed an A-shaped air intake flanked by the scoops for the fog lamps.

The Sonata came a long way from trailing the big automakers’ mid-size sedans and became an adequate alternative to vehicles such as the Honda Accord or Toyota Camry in the U.S. However, it could hardly keep up with these two vehicles in terms of styling until the sixth generation, when the Sonata’s design was significantly improved. The automaker added more chromed details on the sides of the vehicle, including a trim that started from the headlights and ran along the bodywork up to the D-pillars. In addition, the sculptured door panels created a dynamic image for the vehicle. At the same time, the sloped roofline and the cab-rearward design only gave a more upscale look to Hyundai’s mid-size sedan.

Inside, the 2011 Hyundai Sonata boasted a high level of comfort and features, depending on the grade. Customers could get the vehicle with cloth or leather upholstery, with front or four-seat heating, which was unexpected from a mass-market automaker. Fronting the driver was a binocular-styled instrument panel, with individual round clusters for the speedometer and tachometer that flanked a TFT display between them. Atop the center stack, the automaker installed the stereo while a sat-nav system with a touchscreen was available. At the back, there was enough room for two adults for long distances or three on short jaunts.

Under its skin, the 2011 Hyundai Sonata concealed a range of improved or new engines. The second generation of the Theta II powerplant offered on the previous generation of the car was still available. At the same time, the automaker also installed a turbocharged version of that unit. Finally, a hybrid drivetrain consisting of a naturally aspirated engine and a motor became available for those looking for a fuel-efficient mid-size sedan.