2015 Hyundai Sonata – TEST DRIVE

2015 Hyundai Sonata

Fresh off the critical acclaim received with the launch of it’s next-generation Genesis sedan, the design team at Hyundai have been quick off the block to launch the latest incarnation of their mid-sized sedan, the 2015 Hyundai Sonata.

This 7th generation Sedona is the latest embodiment of what Hyundai calls ‘Fluidic Design 2.0’.  Essentially the follow-up to their highly successful Fluidic Design concepts that ran from the Accent to the Elantra to the Sonata in the previous generation.  I was happy to see upon first sight of the newest Sonata that the visually intrusive ribbed belt-line element has been paired down and tightened up.  I never was a huge fan of the ribbing to begin with and I like the cleaner lines at first sight.

Currently the 2015 Hyundai Sonata is available in Canada with 2 engines, a 2.4 L 4-cylinder and a 2.0 Litre turbo-charged 4.  The Sonata hybrid is still sold using previous generation design language and hopefully will be refreshed soon.  I recently had a chance to drive both of the currently available versions for the Enviro Dad Test Drive, and in doing so, I’ve prepared the following video review:

YouTube Preview Image

The 2015 Hyundai Sonata brings to the highly competitive mid-sized sedan category a fresh new look, efficient design and value-focused pricing.  While Hyundai may no longer be able to surprise people as they once did with designing and creating vehicles above expectations, they’ve nonetheless done an admirable job at meeting a higher set of expectations head on.  The Sonata is likely to be a success for Hyundai once again and all new entrants to the category will need to keep the Sonata in mind when trying to establish the new benchmark for the category.

BY THE NUMBERS (Out of 10):

LOOK/DESIGN:

EXTERIOR                                            8.5

INTERIOR                                             8.5

 

DRIVE:                                                                  8.5

GREEN FACTOR:                                               7.5

FAMILY FACTOR:                                              8.5

TECHIE STUFF:                                                   8.5

VALUE:                                                                 9.0

(MSRP AS TESTED –                                       8.5

2.4L Sport Tech   $30,199

Ultimate 2.0T  $34,799)       

 

OVERALL:                                                            8.5

Eric Novak

About Eric Novak

Eric Novak is a father of 4 who also thinks that environmental stewardship is a requisite of parenting. He's not a professional Dad nor is he an environmental scientist, but he's someone who gives a damn and is trying to make the right decisions as he lives his life as a father, environmentalist, part time professor and business owner. Eric has 4 children and resides in Ajax, Ontario.