2014 Hyundai Sonata 1.6L GDI Turbo 7AT FWD (178 HP)

Vehicle Overview

The Sonata has come a long way from a boxy-looking sedan to a futuristic-looking mid-size sedan packed with technology and interior amenities that lured customers away from other traditional models, such as the Toyota Camry and the Honda Accord.

Even though the sixth generation of the Sonata sold well, the Korean automaker replaced it in just five years. As a result, in 2014, at the New York Auto Show, Hyundai unveiled the seventh generation of this nameplate. The new model continued the “fluidic sculpture” design language of the 2011 model year, although it evolved to a 2.0 generation. Furthermore, the interior was large enough to move the vehicle into the large-sedan category by the EPA, even though the exterior sizes were slightly smaller than one of its key competitors, the Toyota Camry, which was considered by the same agency as a mid-size sedan. Hyundai created the Sonata to become an alternative for family-sedan buyers, and the sales results confirmed the vehicle’s qualities.

At the front, the seventh generation of the Sonata boasted a new front grille that resembled a cascade. It sported chromed horizontal slats and the brand’s badge in the middle. The headlights had an organic shape and were available with HID headlamps. Hyundai also created a new bumper concept that sported a broad trapezoidal-shaped air intake in the middle flanked by a pair of side scoops that grabbed air and cooled the front rotors. Above them, the Sonata featured LED daytime running lights.

From its profile, the 2015 Hyundai Sonata showed a cab-rearward design, even though it was a front-wheel-drive vehicle. Its curved lines and sloped rear end created a sporty image for the vehicle. Finally, the Korean automaker understood that it had to introduce turn signals on the door mirrors, which gave the car an upscale look. Hyundai also noticed that its customers were attracted by some styling cues of the sixth generation of the Sonata, such as the chromed trims that adorned the side of the bodywork, so it implemented them in the seventh generation of the car as well. At the back, the high-mounted LED taillights looked upscale, and they echoed the headlights’ shape.

Inside, customers found one of the largest cabins in the mid-size sedan segment. At the front, the wide bucket seats were separated by a tall center console that housed the gear selector, a storage compartment with a sliding lid, and the buttons for the parking brake and the auto-hold functions. Furthermore, a taller armrest with a cubby storage underneath was also included. Fronting the driver was an instrument cluster with two large dials for the speedometer and tachometer, which also integrated the coolant temperature and the fuel level gauge, respectively. Between them, the automaker put a color display for the car’s onboard computer. Atop the center stack, Hyundai provided the seventh generation of the Sonata with a six-speaker sound system that could be upgraded to a better one that included an eight-inch touchscreen for the navigation system as well. In the back, the 60/40 split-folding bench seat provided enough room for three adults, although the middle seat lacked some legroom due to the car’s center tunnel.

Under the hood, besides the 2.4-liter Theta II engine that was already known from the 2011 Sonata, the automaker also provided the vehicle with either a 1.6-liter or a 2.0-liter, both turbocharged. Besides the 1.6-liter T-GDI unit that was paired with a seven-speed automatic (dual-clutch) gearbox, the other two sent their power to the wheels via a six-speed automatic with a torque-converter and manual override.