2010 Hyundai Sonata Review

Still showing off a nice array of enhancements from 2009, the 2010 Hyundai Sonata continues to gain widespread popularity as an excellent commuter car. In fact, although most go unseen, more than 1000 separate parts were redesigned last year. This 5-passenger, 4-door sedan is moderately priced between $18,700 and $26,550. That pricing schedule is found at the low end of the market for midsized sedans. Competition for the Sonata comes from the 2010 Chevrolet Malibu, Kia Optima, Honda Accord and the Ford Fusion.

The Hyundai Sonata is quite spacious on the interior. In fact, although it sells in the midsized sedan market, it is actually classified by the EPA as a large car. As such, its interior dimensions our significantly larger than the vast majority of its middle sized competitors - even though several of them have larger exterior dimensions. Both front and rear passengers are treated to excellent comfort standards. Headroom measures 40 inches and the front (38 in the rear) while shoulder room, hip room and leg room measure 57, 56 and 43.7 inches for frontal occupants respectively. It also presents 16.3 cubic feet of cargo capacity along with its standard seating for five adults.

Exterior dimensions of the Sonata 2010 are 188.9 x 72.1 x 58 inches ( l x w x h). Its wheelbase measures 107.4 inches and it clears the ground by 6.3 inches. It requires 17.7 feet of turning radius as well. Trim dependent, its curb weight is reported at just about 3400 pounds. Two engine choices are available: a 2.4L 175hp 168 lb-ft I4 and a 3.3L 249hp 229 lb-ft V6. All five trims (GLS, SE, Limited, SE V6 and Limited V6) are able to tow up to 1000 pounds. Also, each features a 17.7 gallon fuel tank with EPA estimations for fuel efficiency ranging from 19/29 up to 22/32 mpg - trim dependent.

Once again, the Sonata from Hyundai has earned 5-star frontal and side crash test ratings from the NHTSA for both drivers and front passengers. A comprehensive airbag system, electronic stability control, seatbelt pretensioners, active head restraints and 4-wheel anti-lock braking with electronic brake assist all contribute as standard safety features. Of course, the more standard safety features a vehicle presents, the more you save when it is time to insure.