2021 Hyundai Sonata Review

Name: 2021 Hyundai Sonata Review
Brand: Hyundai

Price Range: $16,299 - $26,998

+239

The Sonata has the aura of a more expensive vehicle. It's stylish and it overdelivers in key areas, including its great-looking and easy-to-use infotainment system display, cool parking camera system and long warranty coverage. But in other areas, the Sonata merely matches what you'd expect from a midsize sedan, and it falters slightly when it comes to ride quality and seat comfort.Read full review

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Hyundai Sonata types

Sedan
N Line

2021 Hyundai Sonata Review

byRyan ZumMallen^{Contributor
Ryan ZumMallen has worked in the automotive industry since 2012. He has written thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Ryan has also contributed to Road & Track, Autoweek, Trucks.com and more. In 2019, Ryan published his first book, Slow Car Fast, on the millennial generation and its unique take on modern car culture.}

Pros

Lots of helpful standard technology features
Big trunk and lots of interior storage space
Good value for the money
Enjoyable performance from the Sonata N Line

Cons

Not as comfortable as some other top sedans
Ho-hum interior quality

What's new

New Sonata N Line with more power, sharper handling
Minor revisions to standard feature availability
Part of the seventh Sonata generation introduced for 2020

Overview

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata is a midsize sedan that competes against all-stars such as the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry and newcomers such as the Kia K5 (which is mechanically related to the Sonata). The Sonata does all the typical sedan things well — the cabin is spacious, trunk space is massive, and it's quicker than you might expect. But it's the abundant tech features, such as the easy-to-use infotainment system and available high-res surround-view parking camera, that truly impress.

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2021 Hyundai Sonata SE 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 8A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.13 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.}

Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia

$120/mo

$163/mo

Avg. Midsize Car

Calculate my fuel costs

The big news for 2021 is a new range-topping performance trim. The Hyundai Sonata N Line is oriented toward buyers who want a family-friendly sedan with an edge. Power for the N Line comes from an all-new turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that cranks out 290 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque. This is one of the more powerful upgrade engines you'll find in a midsize sedan. It also comes with slightly sharper handling, a special black-painted grille, dual exhaust pipes, and sport front seats with red accent stitching.

We've tested the new N Line and found it to be impressively enjoyable to drive. Check out our Expert Rating below to get our in-depth report of the Sonata's performance, comfort and more.

Edmunds Expert Rating

Our Verdict^{The Edmunds Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.}

Good

8.0

out of 10

edmunds TESTED

Rated for you by America's best test team.

Performance

7.5/10

How does the Sonata drive? We tested a Sonata Limited with the turbocharged 1.6-liter engine. While not exceptionally quick, the Sonata can edge out similarly powered family sedans, with a 0-60 mph time of 7.6 seconds. It doesn't have trouble keeping pace with traffic or accelerating on freeway on-ramps, but doing so requires more pressure on the gas pedal than you might be used to.

Steering, handling and braking are matter-of-fact, though there are some strange traits. The firm overall ride doesn't net a worthwhile handling balance. And the brake pedal emits a slight pulsation under light, constant application, like when you're heading down a gentle grade. There's nothing particular to object to, but there isn't much to praise either.

Comfort

7.5/10

How comfortable is the Sonata? The Sonata gives the appearance of refinement, but its interior comfort comes up short of expectations. The seats are firm and lack the supple comfort and adjustment ranges found in segment leaders. The ride also falls on the firm side. It's far from uncomfortable, but it transmits bumps and impacts into the cabin that other similarly priced family sedans wouldn't. The interior is a touch louder too.

On the upside, the climate controls, including heated and ventilated front seats, are quiet and effective. Overall the interior gets the job done, but it doesn't go any further.

Interior

8/10

How’s the interior? Nearly all of the controls are simple to intuit, which is impressive considering the abundance of interior features. A push-button shifter remains the biggest wart. The layout requires extra attention to make sure you're selecting the right gear, which can add needless anxiety to a quick three-point turn.

The size of the interior is excellent, matching interiors of larger vehicles in the segment and ensuring there's plenty of room for occupants of all sizes. On the other hand, even those of average height have to duck slightly while getting in and out. We'd like more driver's seat adjustment range, especially in seat height.

Technology

8.5/10

How’s the tech? The Sonata's available 10.3-inch touchscreen looks crisp and is quick to respond to your touch. The excellent voice controls understand most natural language commands for stereo, navigation and phone. Smartphone integration was flawless in our car, and it supports both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay in widescreen format.

The Sonata, like most family sedans, has a suite of advanced safety features. But some of these features — such as blind-spot cameras that appear in the digital gauge cluster and the driver-free Smart Park — are mostly gimmicks. They're neat to show to your friends but don't have much practical value.

Storage

8.5/10

How’s the storage? The trunk opening is large, and the reasonable liftover height allows plenty of space to load items. We also like the rear-seat flip-down switches that are easy to access in the trunk.

The Sonata's center console is deceivingly capable. What looks like a mere open flat area has clever touches, such as a textured surface and a partition between the cupholders for a spare phone. The front passenger also has access to a small but nice storage area on the right side of the tunnel. When it comes to car seats, the lower car-seat anchor points are squished between seat bottoms and seatbacks, so you have to dig a bit to reach them.

Fuel Economy

7/10

How’s the fuel economy? The EPA fuel economy rating for the Sonata with the turbo 1.6-liter four-cylinder and eight-speed automatic is 30 mpg combined (27 city/37 highway). These figures fall right in line with those of similarly priced and equipped midsize sedans, though we were not able to match it. We averaged 26.4 mpg over about 400 miles of mixed city driving. It's worth noting that the base engine — a 2.5-liter four-cylinder — holds a slightly better combined rating of 32 mpg.

Value

8.5/10

Is the Sonata a good value? A ton of technology features, a large interior, a class-leading warranty and strong ownership perks give the Sonata killer value on paper. If you prioritize advanced safety features and look-at-me style, the Sonata provides your money's worth.

The trade-off is a driving experience and interior that don't relay the sense of quality promised by the style. Top performers in the segment do both better. The Sonata's interior has some non-uniform panel gaps and occasional cheap-looking bits of trim that stand out against the otherwise stellar appearance.

Wildcard

7.5/10

If it only drove as neat as it looks. The exterior style causes double takes, and many people we talked to during our test assumed the Sonata was a luxury car. It's distinct on the road and in a crowded parking lot, but not in an ostentatious way. Big credit to Hyundai for making a family sedan that stands out.

While riding the boost of a turbocharged engine is always enjoyable, there's little else in the Sonata to muster enthusiasm. Ride, steering and handling get the job done but lack the tactile satisfaction you'll find in more enjoyable sedans. Also, similarly priced sedans offer more powerful and entertaining engines, making them more compelling propositions.

Which Sonata does Edmunds recommend?

All versions of the 2021 Sonata come so well equipped that it's tempting to recommend the base model. However, the SEL simply adds too much good stuff to ignore. With a more comfortable cabin and unique style, the SEL delivers on the inside and looks the part on the outside. Consider adding the Convenience package for truly impressive features such as a wireless charging station, larger instrument display and panoramic sunroof.

2021 Hyundai Sonata models

The 2021 Sonata is available in five trims: SE, SEL, SEL Plus, Limited and the new N Line. Hyundai also offers the Sonata Hybrid variant, which is reviewed separately.

SE
This base trim comes respectably well equipped with:

2.5-liter four-cylinder engine (191 horsepower, 181 lb-ft of torque)
Eight-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive
LED headlights
16-inch alloy wheels
8-inch central touchscreen
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration
Six-speaker sound system

Standard safety equipment on all Sonatas includes:

Forward collision mitigation with pedestrian detection (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios)
Adaptive cruise control (adjusts speed to maintain a constant distance between the vehicle and the car in front)
Lane keeping assist (steers the Sonata back into its lane if it begins to drift over the lane marker)
Driver attention warning (issues an alert if sensors determine you are becoming fatigued)

SEL
The next model up keeps the 2.5-liter engine and adds the following:

17-inch wheels
Keyless entry and push-button start
Blue Link connectivity and remote services
Power-adjustable driver's seat
Heated front seats
Dual-zone automatic climate control
Hands-free trunk opener
Safety exit warning (can prevent a rear passenger from opening a door into traffic approaching from behind)
Blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic alert (warns you if a vehicle is in your blind spot during a lane change or while reversing)

Convenience package
This assortment of technology features adds a lot to the SEL trim with:

12.3-inch digital instrument display
Leather-wrapped steering wheel
Panoramic sunroof
Rear climate vents
Auto-dimming rearview mirror
Wireless smartphone charging pad
Hyundai Digital Key (allows you to operate the vehicle while carrying your Android smartphone instead of the physical key)

SEL Plus
This upgraded trim introduces a turbocharged engine, plus:

Convenience package from the SEL (minus the panoramic sunroof)
19-inch wheels
Turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine (180 hp, 195 lb-ft)
Paddle shifters
Simulated suede and faux leather seating surfaces

Tech package
Optional for the SEL Plus, it adds:

Panoramic sunroof
Navigation system
12-speaker premium Bose sound system
Enhanced adaptive cruise and lane keeping systems

Limited
The decked-out Limited carries over features from the SEL Plus and also comes standard with:

Equipment from Tech package on the SEL Plus
Upgraded LED headlights
18-inch wheels with thicker tires than SEL Plus for improved ride comfort
Head-up display
Heated steering wheel
Leather seating surfaces
Power-adjustable passenger seat
Ventilated front seats
Ambient interior lighting
Rear automatic braking (brakes if sensors detect an imminent collision with an object behind the vehicle)
Blind-spot view monitor (uses cameras to project a moving rearward image onto a digital display)
Surround-view monitor (gives you a top-down view of the Sonata and its surroundings for tight parking situations)
Hyundai's Smart Parking Assist (allows the driver to exit the vehicle and remotely guide it into a parking spot using a smartphone app)

N Line
The performance version of the Sonata, the N Line is equipped similarly to the SEL Plus with the Tech package. It also has:

Turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine (290 hp, 311 lb-ft)
Eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission
Unique 19-inch wheels (with available summer tires)
Sport-tuned steering and suspension
Front seats with additional bolstering
N Line-specific styling details

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Reliability Ratings by RepairPal

4/5Excellent

#9 out of 28 among Midsize Cars

RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.

Cost

^{The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of the Hyundai Sonata from 2008-2022.}

$406/yr

vs. $415/yr
for Average Midsize Car

Frequency

^{The average number of times this model is brought into the shop for unscheduled repairs and maintenance in a single year. RepairPal calculates this metric by tracking millions of unique vehicles over multiple years to determine an average number of visits per year (omitting small routine visits, e.g., oil changes).}

1.04x/yr

vs. 0.87x/yr
for Average Midsize Car

Severity

^{The probability that a repair will be a major issue, meaning the repair costs 3x the average annual repair cost for all models. This threshold will be higher for vehicles that have higher labor rates and parts costs (such as a premium brand).}

9.2%

vs. 10.2%
for Average Midsize Car

powered by RepairPal ^{Based on RepairPal reliability data as of 8/23/2023. Ratings are provided by RepairPal and Edmunds is not responsible for their accuracy.}

Consumer reviews

Read what other owners think about the Used 2021 Hyundai Sonata.

5 (64%)

4 (4%)

3 (4%)

2 (10%)

1 (18%)

3.9

50 reviews

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Most helpful consumer reviews

Great car

Geoff G, 02/10/2021

2021 Hyundai Sonata Limited 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl Turbo 8A)

Got the 2021 Hyundai Sonata Limited. This car is loaded with technology. All the bells and whistles. Like driving a Lexus with all the options at a much lower cost. Beautiful styling inside and out. Drives great!

2021 Sonata N Line. I didn't want to like it..

Mark B., 04/18/2021

2021 Hyundai Sonata N Line 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 8AM)

When it comes to a daily driver, I have several parameters. I won't spend over 40G. I won't lease. And at 6ft 2 with nerve damaged legs from my battle with cancer, legroom and seat comfort are paramount. Comfort is also an extremely subjective category. What works for you might not work for me, and vice versa. Accord Sport/Touring seats don't work for me. Camry in TRD trim is too "Fast & … Furious" for me. Altima has a CVT trans and horribly uncomfortable driver's seat for me. I was considering a K5 GT but none to be found locally. Figured I'd drive a Sonata N Line to get a feel for the package and scratch it off my list. I was not a huge fan of the 2020 exterior redesign although it slowly grew on me. And it does look better in N Line trim. I had a few cars on my list to spend a few days looking at and driving. The N Line was the closest so I started there. Sat in it for a bit and the driver's seat worked for me. Salesman threw a tag on it and told me to go have fun. Within a mile I was impressed. Twenty minutes later when I returned, I told the salesman to make me an offer I couldn't refuse. I drive it home 90 minutes later. The ride is firm but not harsh. It's definitely quieter than the previous generation Sonata. Handles great. Faster than a Hyundai should be allowed to be. The dual clutch transmission is fantastic. I've owned two dozen or so cars over the years, several German. I've never been approached about any of them the way I've been with this car. Seven weeks with it as I write this and I've been approached by strangers nearly two dozen times. Some knowing what the N Line is. Some asking if it's a Genesis or an Audi. Some genuinely not knowing what it could be. Gripes? Wish it had memory settings for the driver's seat. Wish it had ventilated seats although so far I really don't miss them. The light sensor for the auto headlights is beyond sensitive. I can barely clear going under an average overpass at highway speeds without the lights coming on in barely two seconds. Honestly, that's it. I don't regret my decision and I look forward to driving it every day. UPDATE 4/23/2022 Just over 20,000 miles in. Thermostat was replaced back in January. It was stuck open so wasn't really getting much heat. Other than that, routine oil changes, engine and cabin air filters, and replaced the tires only due to personal preference. I wasn't a fan of the Pirellis. A couple of 500 mile days with road trips. Still get asked what kind of car it it frequently. Fit and finish still like new. 4/25/2024 UPDATE. Three years and 48,000 miles at the moment. Nothing but routine maintenance. Still tight as a drum. No creaks/rattles. Recently drove nearly 1000 miles in a day moving cross country with my cat and dog. Stellar road trip vehicle.

Bought an N-Line a month ago - Great car

Bob from Georgia, 05/20/2021

2021 Hyundai Sonata N Line 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 8AM)

I research my cars for a year or so before buying, and was particularly interested in the Sonata N-Line and the KIA K5 GT, both built on the same platform and mechanically identical. The KIA GT has a lower MSRP but all the cars I found for sale came with the $4000 GT1 package, which jumps the MSRP up over $35K compared to 33K for the Sonata N-Line that includes all the GT1 features in … the MSRP. Those 12 BOSE speakers are very nice! The question: Is this a family sedan or a muscle car? My answer is that it's family sedan with teeth. The first impression of the car, riding high on the 19-inch tires, is that it's big. My previous car was a 2017 Sonata Eco, and when I told my wife that the N-Line was identical in length and width, she said, "No way, this is a much bigger car." It was only when she saw that it fit into the same space in the garage as my 2017 that she believed the dimensions were the same. I've owned some muscle cars in the past and most of them made you drive them hard. They just weren't that smooth at low speeds. The N-Line is not that way at all. Drive it with a light touch and you'll get 28 MPG combined and it's just as smooth and elegant as can be. But when you want the power, it's there. This car won't ever be described as tossable but you can take it into a curve fast and it will hold the line. I frankly don't plan to try to beat others off the line all that often, as the car burns rubber easily and I plan to hold onto to those expensive 19-inchers for a while. But the temptation can be hard to resist. Yesterday a guy with a tricked-out Mercedes came up beside me at a light and started gunning his engine. I didn't bother switching to Sport mode and started off the line lightly to avoid burning rubber. He got out a little ahead but I blew him away easily. Get the N Line up to 1650 RPM gently and then step on it and it will fly. The Mercedes chased me around for awhile trying to do it again and I just ignored him. Guess he just couldn't believe his hot car was clobbered by a Hyundai. But where the N-Line is particular impressive is in mid-range acceleration. Its goes from 60 to 100 so quickly, quietly and smoothly that you almost don't believe it's that fast. I really like the sleeper aspect of the car. I like to use the power just occasionally, like when you're cruising down an on-ramp to the interstate with a nice fat space waiting for you, and some jerk decides to speed up and cut you off. Or when someone is doing 55 in the fast lane in a 70 MPH zone and you need to go around. Or just pulling out and passing on a one-lane highway. The N-Line gets the job done easily and smoothly. Look at the cars with equivalent horsepower, DCT, brakes, suspension, safety features and amenities, and you'll find most of them run $20 to $30 K more. If you need baby-butt leather and wood paneling, you'll have to buy the more expensive car. The N line, despite nice seats and red stitching, looks like a Hyundai inside. But the exterior is beautiful and the features are awesome. It's the right car for someone like me who wants the power and comfort but doesn't believe in paying $20K for the hood ornament.

Amazing options

mikeyp53, 06/12/2021

2021 Hyundai Sonata SEL 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 8A)

This is my fourth Sonata. They keep adding more and more features as standard equipment. Although the SE is the cheapest model, for a few dollars more the SEL adds more electronics, lane avoidance/collision avoidance and nicer interior and exterior add ons. Comfortable interior seating and power drivers side also part of the package. Special wheels and tires give it a sharp look. I …

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2021 Sonata Highlights

Type:

Sedan

Trim:

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$23,950
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	32 MPG
Cost to Drive	$120/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	16.0 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	5 years / 60,000 miles

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Safety

Our experts like the Sonata models:

Smart Cruise Control: Maintains a driver-selectable distance between the Sonata and the car in front.
Surround View Monitor: Provides a bird's-eye view of the car for ultimate parking precision.
Remote Smart Parking Assist: Allows the driver to exit the vehicle and remotely guide it into a parking spot using a smartphone app.

NHTSA Overall Rating

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.

Frontal Barrier Crash Rating
Overall4 / 5
Driver4 / 5
Passenger5 / 5
Side Crash Rating
Overall5 / 5
Side Barrier Rating
Overall5 / 5
Driver5 / 5
Passenger5 / 5
Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings
Front Seat5 / 5
Back Seat5 / 5
Rollover
Rollover5 / 5
Dynamic Test ResultNo Tip
Risk Of Rollover9.7%

IIHS Rating

The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.

Small Overlap Front Driver-Side Test
Good
Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side Test
Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original
Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Updated
Not Tested
Side Impact Test – Original
Good
Side Impact Test – Updated
Acceptable
Roof Strength Test
Good
Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint
Good

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2021 Hyundai Sonata Review

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2021 Hyundai Sonata Review

Pros

Cons

What's new

Overview

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2021 Hyundai Sonata SE 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 8A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.13 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.

Edmunds Expert Rating

Performance

Comfort

Interior

Technology

Storage

Fuel Economy

Value

Wildcard

Which Sonata does Edmunds recommend?

2021 Hyundai Sonata models

Reliability Ratings by RepairPal

Cost

Frequency

Severity

Most helpful consumer reviews

Great car

2021 Sonata N Line. I didn't want to like it..

Bought an N-Line a month ago - Great car

Amazing options

2021 Sonata Highlights

Safety

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Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2021 Hyundai Sonata SE 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 8A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.13 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.}