The current-gen Sonata hit the market in 2015 with Hyundai’s Fluidic Sculpture 2.0 design language, which resulted in a more conservative look to help generate interest in Hyundai’s home market, South Korea. The new generation featured a large amount of DNA from the HCD-14 concept but also got some cues from the Hyundai Genesis. Whether or not the new design was successful in South Korea remains to be seen, as figures aren’t readily available, but here in the U.S. and over in Canada, sales actually dropped in 2015 compared to 2014. Currently three years into its life cycle, Hyundai is planning a mid-cycle facelift for its resident mid-size that should bring some slight tweaking to the grille, exterior lamps, and fascias, while the interior should get some fresh materials and, at the very least, an upgrade to the infotainment system as well. I wouldn’t expect any changes under the hood as a result of this update, but that’s not why you’re interested in the Sonata anyway, so no big deal there.
We’re getting our first early look at the updated Sonata, which was caught playing in the snow and well covered with camo and padding to help conceal the changes that lie underneath. That means we don’t have a whole lot to go by, but there are a few things that we can make out on this tester. And, it’s set to make its official debut later on in 2017, so let’s hurry up and talk more about it before Hyundai beats us to the punch and spills the beans.
Expect a debut during the latter half of 2017.
Continue reading to learn more about the facelift Hyundai Sonata.
Exterior
They guys over in Hyundai’s test garage did a good job covering up this mule, but if you look closely, there are a few things to be aware of. First off, take a look at the location of that Hyundai emblem. It could be a decoy emblem, but it sits much lower compared to that of the current model, which means that Hyundai has either decided to lower the mounting point to the center of the grille, or the grille itself has gotten taller. Furthermore, the slats of the grille are oddly close together, hinting to the fact that the new grille will feature more, thinner slats – a feature that could give the front end a much sportier look. Down below, the padding is strong, but it looks like it the facelifted model may lose that weird lip effect that helps define the front end of the current model. We’re expecting new headlight units, but we can’t make out much of the design at this point. It should be noted, however, that it looks as if the bulb has been moved up and more toward the outside compared to the current model. Then there are the fog lights, which look to be a significant departure. Instead of being thin, horizontal units, they look like they may be vertically oriented on this mule, and will likely take on a different design.
Hyundai has either decided to lower the mounting point to the center of the grille, or the grille itself has gotten taller.
Moving over to the side, there’s nothing much to really talk about. The side view mirrors look like they might be a bit taller than those of the current model. There’s lots of padding on the fenders and rear quarters, so there may be some minor changes there, but I wouldn’t hold my breath – this padding’s primary job is to conceal the design of the new exterior lights. We can make out the sharp body line that runs from the fender back to the taillights though the padding, so expect that line to carry over along with the cladding down below on the side skirts. The latter will likely take on a slightly different shape and will be a bit shinier than before to match the grille and other trim pieces on the body.
Around back, our view is blocked not only by padding but by the snow as well (clearly, the driver was having some fun) but the big thing to take note of back here is the design of the taillight lens. Notice how the LED pattern gives it an arrow-like appearance? This is a massive departure from the current units and, while we can’t make out the shape or full design of the rear lights, we can already tell they should be much more attractive. On the other hand, the cutout in the padding indicates that Hyundai may move the license plate mounting point down to the rear fascia as opposed to on the deck lid, but keep in mind that the padding still exposes a recess on the lid too, so your guess on that is as good as ours at this point. There are no exhaust outlets to be seen at this point, so it’s likely that Hyundai has plans to alter them to add a little extra freshness around back.
Interior
I wouldn’t expect to see too many changes take place inside the facelifted Sonata, as it was already pretty pleasing on the eye for a $22,000 car. But, there are a lot of hard-touch surfaces that include most of the trim panels. Part of the mid-cycle update could include an updated instrument cluster with a larger TFT screen to go with an updated infotainment system. Hyundai may or may not offer a larger screen size, but if they do, it will require significant changes to the vents and trim around the screen, so I wouldn’t really hold my breath. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto should be standard as should some app compatibility. Don’t expect the audio system itself to change, but the 400-Watt Infinity audio system should remain as an option for those interested in better sound quality.
Note: Current Sonata interior shown here.
Part of the mid-cycle update could include an updated instrument cluster with a larger TFT screen to go with an updated infotainment system.
As far as materials go, expect to see new selections for wood trim on some models, while Hyundai could go the extra mile and make certain trim pieces softer to the touch. The design of the steering wheel and seats should remain, but the upholstery will probably see a new color option or two. Blue Link connectivity should be available as well, which will allow you to lock and unlock, start and stop the engine, and control the exterior lights from your smartphone. The proximity keys from the current model will also carry over, which means push-button start and simple entry/exit. All told, interior updates will be pretty slim, but that’s the usual case when it comes to mid-cycle updates.
Drivetrain
It would be in Hyundai’s best interest to maintain the current engine lineup for the Sonata, so that means U.S. customers will get the choice of a 2.4-liter, naturally aspirated, four-cylinder; a 1.6-liter, turbocharged, four-cylinder; or a 2.0-liter, turbocharged, four-cylinder. The 2.4-liter is the entry level unit and is currently offered in the Sonata SE and Sonata Sport with 185 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque. The 1.6-liter mill is offered in the Sonata Eco only and offers up 178 ponies and 195 pound-feet. Finally, the 2.0-liter turbo unit is found in the Sport 2.0T and Limited 2.0T trims and offers a decent 245 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. All engines make us of direct fuel injection. The 2.0-liter and 2.4-liter mate to a six-speed automatic unit, while the 1.6-liter gets a seven-speed dual-clutch unit that is exclusive to the Eco model. All models are offered as front-wheel-drive only, and all use a MacPherson strut setup up front to go with an independent multi-link suspension out back. 2.0 models get a sport-tuned suspension for a sportier ride and sport-tuned steering for more aggressive handling. Three different wheel sizes are available depending on the model, with the SE and Eco getting 16-inch alloy wheels, the Sport and Limited getting 17-inch rollers, and the 2.0T trims getting 18-inch rollers.
As far as changes to the updated model, Hyundai may do some minor tuning to up power output a little, at least on the 2.0T trims, but it’s not all that likely. For the most part, there probably won’t be much to talk about here when it debuts, but new wheel designs aren’t out of the question, and even if there isn’t a bump in power, Hyundai may squeeze out an extra MPG here and there to help keep up with fuel economy standards.
Safety
As far as safety goes, Hyundai offers a rearview camera, lane departure warning, smart cruise control with stop/start, rear parking sensors, automatic emergency braking, dynamic bending light, and high-beam assist. However, on the current model, these safety features aren’t even available on the SE, ECO, Sport, or Sport2.0T trims, are optional on the Limited trim, and standard on the Limited 2.0t. So, if you’re interested in advanced safety features, you’ll have to pay for them and avoid the lower-end models. Standard features across the line will carry over and include a TPMS system, stability management, stability control, traction control, ABS, electronic brake-force distribution, and brake assist. I wouldn’t expect any of this to change on the updated model, which is fine unless your budget limits you to the lower trims and you desire the advanced safety features.
Pricing
This will be a very mild update, so pricing isn’t likely to increase much, if at all. Right now, pricing is set at $21,950 for the SE and climbs to as much as $34,350 – that’s a spread of $12,400 between the entry-level model and the range-topping model. Pricing could increase by as much as $500 across the board, but I wouldn’t expect to see a jump of more than that given the mild nature of this update.
Competition
Honda Accord
The Honda Accord went through a major refresh for the 2016 model year, but it should still be pretty fresh as far as design goes when the refreshed Sonata hits showrooms. The Accord carries a similar price point but has a more aggressive exterior design that is vaguely reminiscent of the new Acura NSX. But, what really sets the Accord apart from the Sonata is the transmission choices, with a six-speed manual being the standard choice, while a conventional six-speed auto is available as is a CVT. Engine options include a 2.4-liter four-banger with 185 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of a 3.5-liter V-6 with 278 horsepower and 252 pound-feet on tap. Fuel economy ranges anywhere between 18 mpg in the city, 28 on the highway, and 21 combined in V-6 models with a six-speed manual up to as much as 27 mpg in the city, 36 on the highway, and 30 combined for the four-banger with a CVT. There’s also a hybrid option that manages 49 mpg in the city, 47 on the highway, and 48 combined. The Accord starts out at $22,455 for the entry-level LX model and increases to as much as $34,930 for the range-topping Touring V-6 model. The Hybrid is offered as a stand-alone model, starting out at $29,605 and climbs to as much as $35,955 for the range-topping model.
Read our full review here.
Chevy Malibu
Flash back to the 2015 New York Auto Show, and you’ll see Chevy introducing the newest design of the Malibu that went on sale for the 2016 model year. Taking on a fastback-like design, the ninth-gen model is the sportiest Malibu of recent years and borrows some design cues from its big brother, the Impala. Sporty and sleek, the new Malibu features a four-inch longer wheelbase than before and came out to be some 300 pounds lighter than the model it replaced. The interior is unique but comfortable and offers decent technology for its price point. It’s quite comfortable and actually feels a little more upscale than you might expect. When it comes to the drivetrain department, the Malibu fell victim to the way of turbocharging, so there is no V-6 engine available for this generation. But, that’s not necessarily a bad thing. The entry-level model, as well as the LS and 1LT trim levels, all get a 1.5-liter turbocharged mill with 160 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. Meanwhile, the Premier trim comes with a 2.0-liter mill that puts out 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet. The 1.5-liter mates to a six-speed auto while the 2.0-liter gets an eight-cog unit. There’s also a hybrid model that makes use of a 1.8-liter, two-motor hybrid setup, but it only delivers 124 horsepower and 129 pound-feet of torque. All models make use of direct fuel injection and are front-wheel drive. 1.5-liter models manage as much as 27 mph in the city and 36 mph on the highway while the 2.0-liter model gets 22 and 33, respectively. The hybrid really pays off in the fuel economy department, garnering 49 mpg in the city and 43 mpg on the highway. Pricing starts out at $21,680 for the entry-level L trim and increases to as much as $30,975 for the range-topping Premier trim level.
Read our full review here.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, the Sonata was selling quite well here in the U.S. market prior to the current generational changeover, but Hyundai was more worried about performance in South Korea and toned the model down. But here in the U.S., we tend to prefer more aggressive looking designs it seems, so hopefully, the facelift will give the Sonata a little more pep in its U.S. step. Things like updated exterior lighting and new materials inside are nice, but if Hyundai doesn’t do enough to the overall appearance of the vehicle, we could be seeing a next-gen model sooner than later as Hyundai scrambles to figure out what to do with the model. For now, the updated model should hit dealerships in the last quarter of 2017 and should carry on until at least 2021 unless Hyundai sees fit to usher in a new-gen model sooner. We’ll be keeping an eye out for more revealing spy shots and will update you as they come in, so stay tuned.