2025 Hyundai Sonata

From distinct styling to reassuringly long warranties, the Hyundai Sonata hits the target in so many ways. It comes with plenty of standard equipment, has achieved impressive safety scores, and build quality is great. Over seven generations (this one debuted for 2020), the Sonata has evolved into a superb sedan. If more convincing is required, just take a look at our glowing owner reviews. Hyundai never disappoints us with its new vehicles, and it sure isn’t starting now.

We’ve logged hundreds of hours driving and evaluating this generation of midsize cars, including the Hyundai Sonata.

After a year away, the SE trim comes back as an entry-level model. The erstwhile combination of SEL with an optional Convenience pack is now the new SEL Convenience trim. And rear passengers in the N Line get their own heating/air-conditioning vents.

The SEL with front-wheel drive tends to be the most popular choice, although we think the newly minted SEL Convenience trim is worth checking out for its extra features that make the Sonata feel more premium.

Other midsize cars include the Honda Accord (higher trims are hybrids exclusively), Toyota Camry (hybrid only), and Kia K5. The Kia is priced similarly to its Hyundai counterpart, while the Honda and Toyota models begin appreciably higher.

Before buying a new Sonata midsize sedan, check the Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price to know what you should really pay. Resale values are a fraction below average. Remember: Recouping more money when selling a vehicle can mean a bigger down payment and lower monthly payments on the next one.

With a decent 191 horsepower emanating from its base engine, the Sonata is well-equipped against the Honda Accord’s 192 horses. This is the side of the Sonata that’s more about comfort and fuel economy rather than precision and speed, which we can get behind without a qualm. It’s an agreeable experience overall, and this engine offers the option of all-wheel drive.

For those drivers who want more muscle to call on occasionally, the N Line has a turbocharged engine that puts out a hearty 290 horsepower and a tweaked suspension to go with it. Higher versions of the Accord employ a hybrid drivetrain and the new Toyota Camry is hybrid exclusively, so the sport sedan has become a rare beast these days. The Sonata N Line has just the Kia K5 GT for company.

Fuel Economy

The Sonata gives ground to the Honda Accord in this respect. The popular SEL with front-wheel drive achieves 29 mpg in combined city/highway driving, whereas gasoline-only versions of the Accord are rated at 32 mpg combined.

If higher fuel efficiency is a priority, check out the 2025 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid, which we review separately.

Is this a luxury car? It sure looks and feels that way to us. Especially in the upper trims, with that dual-display setup of a 12.3-inch instrument cluster and an infotainment touchscreen of the same size. The Sonata’s cabin shows that simple can still be classy.

Whenever we’ve driven the Sonata, we’ve appreciated the comfortable front seats, easy driving position, the way the center armrest extends enough to support the driver’s elbow, and the decent outward vision. Rear legroom of 34.8 inches doesn’t compare so well to the Honda Accord’s 40.8, but it’s not necessarily a deal-breaker. Trunk space is generous and competitive against the Accord — we also like the wide aperture that makes loading and unloading so easy.

Exterior design is yet another Sonata strength, as illustrated by the Seamless Horizon Lamp that spans across the front end, then echoed by a bar of red on the tail. We like Hyundai’s design direction in general and we’re happy to come along for the ride in this Sonata, which was revamped last year.

Driver assistance features
We’re always impressed by these whenever we drive a Hyundai, Kia, or Genesis. Things like adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assistance work well and alleviate the grind of long freeway stretches.

Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
Just because phone integration is more common in new cars than not doesn’t mean we’re blasé about it. We always appreciate having this technology at our fingertips.

Hands-free trunk opening
We’ve learned never to underestimate the value of handy features like this. It’s standard across the 2025 Sonata lineup.

Proximity key with push-button start
This convenient keyless entry/start feature comes in the one-up-from-base SEL trim.

Hyundai Digital Key
This feature enables access for multiple drivers, using a phone app or a key card. It’s standard in the SEL Convenience trim and above.

N Line sport front seats
The N Line has its own front seats that hold their occupants snugly in place during quick cornering maneuvers.

The main engine in the 2025 Sonata lineup is a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder unit developing a decent 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque. An 8-speed automatic transmission sends this energy to either the front wheels in standard form, or to an optional all-wheel-drive (AWD) system.

The sportier Sonata N Line has its own turbocharged 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine delivering a punchy 290 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque to just the front wheels through an 8-speed automatic transmission.

5-Year/60,000-Mile Warranty

There are no warranties in the mainstream milieu better than those offered by Hyundai. The new-car warranty is five years or 60,000 miles, whichever happens first. And the powertrain is covered for 10 years or 100,000 miles. Hyundai also includes a 3-year/36,000-mile complimentary maintenance plan.

Safety Ratings

The Sonata currently holds the second-highest accolade of Top Safety Pick from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). It also took the maximum 5-Star overall score from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).