Hyundai turned heads with the 2011 Sonata, and for 2015, the Korean automaker is turning up the heat on the more popular Toyota Camry and Honda Accord. The 2015 Hyundai Sonata debuts at the 2014 New York auto show with revised styling, a new interior, and more advanced technology. The midsize sedan segment isn't standing still, however, as 2015 also brings new versions of the Toyota Camry, Chrysler 200, and Subaru Legacy. Does the 2015 Hyundai Sonata have what it takes to grab more market share?
Better performance would be a good place to start -- whenMotor Trendcompared three 2011-2012 Hyundai Sonatas against equivalent variants of the Volkswagen Passat and Toyota Camry, the Hyundai placed third each time (sporty, hybrid/diesel, and high-volume variants). In the 2015 Sonata, improved dynamics start with the revised multilink rear suspension design and dual lower suspension arms to improve ride quality. Hyundai says the 2015 Sonata will also be more stable under hard braking, and the car is expected to have more steering feel. The new 2015 Hyundai Sonata Sport model is set to become the most popular trim of the lineup, and the 2.0T variant has a revised electric power steering system as well as 12.6-inch front brakes and a unique sport-tuned suspension. We look forward to comparing the 2015 Sonata SE, Sport, and Limited models against the competition later this year.Learn more about the outgoing,2014 Hyundai Sonatain this Custom Shopping GuideHERE.
Power figures in the 2015 Hyundai Sonata are down compared with the 2014 model, and that's just as well, considering the overstated mileage issues Hyundai and Kia had late in 2012. The 2.4-liter direct-injection I-4 powering most 2015 Sonatas now produces 185 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque. (The 2014 model had 190-192 hp and 179-181 lb-ft, while the 2011 model had 198-200 hp.) By reducing peak power, Hyundai says the car will be more responsive at lower RPMs, a helpful change that could improve drivers' real-world mileage.
The turbocharged 2.0-liter engine returns in the 2015 Hyundai Sonata 2.0T, tweaked for better responsiveness and lower-end torque. Using a turbocharger that has a smaller turbine and compressor wheel, the engine is rated at 245 hp and 260 lb-ft, compared to the 2014 model's 274 hp and 269 lb-ft. We've had mixed results with the turbo-four available in the Sonata and mechanically related Kia Optima, so we're eager to see how this version performs. Both engines are mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. EPA fuel economy isn't yet available, but the outgoing 2014 Sonata is rated 24/35 mpg city/highway, off the pace of the Nissan Altima (27/38 mpg) and non-Sport-trimmed Honda Accord (27/36 mpg, with 26/34 mpg for the Sport), but on par with the 2014 Toyota Camry (25/35 mpg).
The 2015 Hyundai Sonata's lower drag coefficient of 0.27 could boost mileage a bit, too. That figure is 0.01 lower than the 2011 model, a boldly styled car that shares the 2015 model's chrome trim stretching from the back of the headlight to the side window trim. As with the outgoing Sonata, the 2015 Sonata has a rear quarter window behind the rear doors to make the cabin feel more airy. Visually, the new Sonata does its best work from the side and rear. The roofline sweeps back to the edge of the trunklid, just like in the attractive Ford Fusion. Go for the 2015 Hyundai Sonata Sport 2.0T and your sporty 245-hp midsize sedan will even feature four exhaust outlets.
Inside, the 2015 Sonata's center stack has seen the most surgery. The navigation system's 8-inch screen takes its place at the top of the center stack, just below the CD player opening. That screen can feature a split view, showing the map and audio info simultaneously. Later in 2014, the 2015 Sonatas with navigation will offer Apple CarPlay, an easier way to integrate your iPhone 5s, 5c, or 5 if you are running the latest version of iOS.
