2012 Hyundai Sonata

New specifications and photo's Hyundai Sonata at 2012.
The 2012 Hyundai Sonata ranks 3 out of 19 Affordable Midsize Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 13 published reviews and test drives of the Hyundai Sonata, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.
The 2012 Hyundai Sonata delivers with good fuel economy and a roomy interior. Reviewers think it outshines former class leaders like the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord because of the amount of features you get for the money.

In reviews of the 2012 Hyundai Sonata, the same theme is repeated over and over again: value. The automotive press says that the 2012 Hyundai Sonata gives buyers a lot of standard features, like Bluetooth and USB input, interior room and style for the money. Its class-leading fuel economy numbers don’t hurt its reputation, either.

The standard Sonata engine is a 2.4-liter four-cylinder that makes 198 hp and 184 pound-feet of torque. The dual-exhaust SE makes slightly more power at 200 hp and 186 lb-ft. A six-speed manual transmission is standard on the GLS, while a six-speed automatic is optional on that trim and standard on the SE and Limited. Sonatas sold in California-emission states can have PZEV emissions certification, though output drops slightly to 190 hp.

A powerful 2.0-liter turbocharged engine generating 274 hp and 269 lb-ft of torque is available on SE and Limited models. The six-speed automatic is standard.

In Edmunds performance testing, a 2.4-liter GLS Sonata with automatic transmission accelerated from zero to 60 mph in 7.9 seconds -- this is a full second quicker than the class average. The 2.0-liter turbo with automatic transmission is significantly quicker still, making the same dash in a class-average 6.7 seconds.

The Sonata's EPA fuel economy estimates are equally impressive. The 2.4-liter engine is rated at 24 mpg city/35 mpg highway and 28 combined, regardless of transmission. In a long-term test with this engine, we managed to match the Sonata's EPA combined number. The 2.0-liter turbo, despite its significant boost in power, returns a very impressive 22/34/26 mpg.

All 2012 Hyundai Sonatas come equipped with antilock brakes, traction control, stability control, front seat side-impact airbags, full-length side curtain airbags, active front head restraints and BlueLink emergency telematics.

In government testing, the Sonata earned a top five-star rating for overall crash protection, four out of five stars for front-impact protection and five stars for side-impact protection. In Insurance Institute for Highway Safety testing, the Hyundai Sonata earned a top rating of "Good" for frontal-offset, side-impact and roof-strength protection.

In Edmunds brake testing, both a Sonata GLS and SE turbo came to a stop from 60 mph in about 120 feet, which are slightly above average for the class

Hyundai is especially proud of the trio of audio systems tailored to the all-new Sonata. GLS and SE models get an AM/FM/CD player with six speakers and XM capability, but they will offer a Dimension-branded premium system with a touch-screen navigation. Limited models come standard with the Dimension audio system and a CD changer but offer a 400-watt Infinity audio system.

The system features 8GB of flash memory and comes matched with a sound system that plays compact discs, accesses digital music files via Bluetooth streaming audio or allows driver and passenger to access their personal listening devices through the iPod/USB/auxiliary inputs. Bluetooth audio wirelessly streams music from select mobile phones to the head unit. Also, with a Bluetooth-enabled phone one can look up a local restaurant and call for reservations before plotting the route.

Blue Link Assurance package:
• Automatic Crash Notification (ACN) and Assistance
• SOS Emergency Assistance
• Enhanced Roadside Assistance

Blue Link Essentials package:
Remote Access:
• Remote Door Lock/Unlock
• Remote Horn and Lights
• Panic Notification
• Remote Vehicle Start

Convenience:
• Alarm Notification
• Quick Tips
• Location Sharing
• Voice Text Messaging

Vehicle Self Diagnostics:
• Automated Diagnostic Trouble Code Notification
• Maintenance Alert
• Recall Advisor
• Web Vehicle Diagnostics

Theft Protection:
• Stolen Vehicle Recovery
• Stolen Vehicle Slowdown
• Vehicle Immobilization

Safeguard:
• Valet Alert
• Geofence
• Speed Alert
• Curfew Alert

Blue Link Guidance package:
• TBT (Turn-by-turn) Navigation Service
• POI Web Search by advanced voice recognition system and download
• Daily Route Guidance with Traffic Condition
• Traffic
• Gas Station Locations and Gas Prices
• Eco-Coach
• Restaurant Ratings
• Weather
Buyers considering the 2012 Hyundai Sonata should also test drive the Ford Fusion. It’s similar to the Sonata in many ways, including its almost-$20,000 starting price and spacious interior and trunk. The seats in the Fusion’s base model are well-liked by test drivers, while reviewers comment that the Sonata’s base seats aren’t up to class standards. The Fusion also has a powerful V6 engine option, which isn’t available on the Sonata.

The Interior

The Engine