Now in the second year of its eighth generation, the 2021 Hyundai Sonata keeps getting better. This midsize sedan continues to impress with its great standard safety and driver-assist features, class-leading warranty, and choice of models, ranging from the sporty N Line to a fuel-efficient hybrid.
Its exterior looks are not for everyone, with the front grille appearing to some a bit like the mouth of a catfish, but the styling is bold and certainly interesting. The cabin is open and modern, with a standard 8-inch touchscreen and good front legroom. The rear legroom’s a bit tight compared to some competitors, but trunk space is good.
Five Trims
Hyundai’s kept the trim levels pretty simple on the Sonata, starting with the base SE ($23,600 + $$1,005 destination). It includes basics like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, an 8-inch touchscreen, and a 6-way manually adjustable driver seat. Standard on all trims is a full suite of active safety and driver-assist features, including lane-keeping assist, forward-collision alert, and adaptive cruise control.
Next up is the SEL ($25,700), which adds more safety features such as blind-spot monitoring, heated front seats, an 8-way power driver seat, and a better infotainment system with satellite radio and BlueLink remote vehicle access.
Above that is the SEL Plus ($28,200), which steps up with a 1.6-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder that makes slightly less power than the base engine but more torque. It includes standard suede/leatherette upholstery, paddle shifters, wireless phone charging, and the Digital Key feature, which allows you to access the car via your phone.
If you want to go all-in on the sport, the N Line ($33,200) has a turbocharged 2.5-liter 4-cylinder making 290 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque. It is connected to an 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and adds high-performance summer tires.
Top of the top is the Limited (starting at $33,850 + destination), with the 1.6-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder, a panoramic sunroof, full leather interior, a head-up display, power-adjustable front seats, and a surround-view camera. Also included are a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation and 12-speaker Bose premium audio system. A special feature standard on the Limited is the Remote Smart Parking Assist. Fully loaded, a 2021 Hyundai Sonata Limited comes to over $35,000.
Hybrid Trims
If you prefer the fuel efficiency of a hybrid, trim levels are similar. The base hybrid Blue starts at $27,750 + $995 destination for a total of $28,775 and is similar to the SE. Next up is the hybrid SEL for about $31,000. As with its gasoline-only counterpart, the top is the Limited, starting at $35,300.
2021 Hyundai Sonata Fully Loaded Features:
- Leather upholstery with ventilated front seats
- 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation
- Panoramic sunroof (solar roof panel on the hybrid)
- Bose audio with SiriusXM satellite radio and HD Radio
- Head-up display
- Surround-view camera
- Remote Smart Parking Assist
- Blind-Spot View Monitor
- Auto-dimming mirror with HomeLink: $295
- Carpeted floor mats: $169
- All-season fitted liners: $215
- Cargo Package: $200
- Winter Weather package: $330
Remote Smart Parking Assist
This feature comes standard on the Limited and is actually pretty cool. It allows you to move the Sonata in or out of tight parking spaces while standing outside the car. It uses the key fob controller and almost makes you feel as if you’re operating a full-size R/C car.
Bose audio with satellite and HD Radio
With all the time you spend in your car, it’s worth it to splurge on your music system. Standard on the Limited trim is a top-quality 12-speaker system from Bose for your favorite songs that includes a subscription to SiriusXM radio and free digital broadcasts via HD Radio.
10.25-inch screen with navigation
With more and more information being controlled by touchscreens, a larger display can really make a difference. Plus, with built-in navigation, you don’t have to rely on your phone for directions.
Auto-dimming mirror with HomeLink
Bright headlights shining in your mirror can not only be annoying but pose a safety hazard. This feature makes sure you can see everything behind you clearly. Also included is the HomeLink system, which allows you to program your garage door opener, gates, and even your house lights for added convenience.
Cargo package
A midsize sedan has to be useful for all situations, from carrying friends and family around to getting groceries. This feature includes a net to hold bags in place, blocks to keep boxes from sliding around, and a tray that protects your trunk from scratches and spills.
Winter Weather package
If you live in a four-season climate or just like to go to the mountains to ski, you know the kind of dirt and damage that can come from snow, slush, and salt. This package adds rugged fitted interior floor liners and mudguards on the rear for an extra level of protection from the perils of winter.
Ready to buy a 2021 Hyundai Sonata? Shop for one on sale now near you
