2011 Hyundai Sonata Priced at $19,195

When the redesigned 2011 Sonata goes on sale later this month, it will be one of the most affordable midsize sedans on the market, but not by much. Base GLS models with a six-speed manual are $19,195 before destination charges of $720. The competition is close with manual-equipped versions of the Ford Fusion ($19,695), Toyota Camry ($19,395), Mazda6 ($18,450), Nissan Altima ($19,900 with continuously variable automatic transmission), Honda Accord ($21,055), Subaru Legacy ($19,995) and the slightly smaller Suzuki Kizashi ($18,999). The outgoing Sonata started at $18,700.

We covered the 2011 Hyundai Sonata and its 198- or 200-horsepower four-cylinder and 35 mpg highway rating at last year’s L.A. Auto Show. You can read more here.

Hyundai points out that the 2011 Sonata is well equipped in base form, with the GLS coming standard with USB inputs, tilt and telescoping steering wheel, trip computer, keyless entry, heated mirrors, Bluetooth and steering-wheel audio controls. Adding an automatic transmission brings the GLS price to $20,195.

The Sonata’s top trim level of Limited continues to be much less than the competition’s comparable entries and starts at $25,295. Navigation is an option on all trim levels.

A full price, option package and trim level breakdown from the automaker is below.

2011 Hyundai Sonata: Up Close

The Sonata has long been a practical family sedan, but Hyundai aims to increase the car's style appeal with the redesigned 2011 model, which sports a more distinctive — if not revolutionary — design.

The changes are immediately apparent in the Sonata's face, which features a wide chrome grille and long, thin headlights that run into the fenders. Chrome trim around the side windows is a common styling cue; Hyundai has taken it a step further by extending the chrome strip, which sits at the base of the windows, forward along the sides of the hood to the headlights. While the overall look definitely pushes the bar compared to the previous Sonata, there are some other memorable designs, including the Mazda6, in the segment.

2011 Hyundai Sonata at 2009 L.A. Auto Show

• Competes with: Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Ford Fusion
• Looks like: An evil-looking take on the family sedan
• Drivetrain: 198-200 hp, 2.4-liter four-cylinder with six-speed manual or automatic transmission
• Hits dealerships: January 2010

We already knew about Hyundai’s impressive four-cylinder engine going into the all-new Sonata, but today the company revealed the full details on the 2011 heading to U.S. dealers next month.

Mileage is impressive at 23/35 mpg city/highway, but what's more interesting is that this Hyundai sedan will turn heads. Yes, it shows glimpses of the Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class and VW CC, yet it's distinctive enough to stand out among its direct competitors like the Camry and Accord.

On top of mileage and looks, the Sonata packs a spacious interior with the most overall interior volume in its class. Like the Accord, it falls in the EPA’s large sedan classification -- not midsize -- because it is so roomy inside. The trunk is nearly class-leading at 16.4 cubic feet.

We don’t have a full model breakdown in hand yet. However, all Sonatas come standard with XM Satellite Radio, USB port and iPod integration, and Bluetooth connectivity.

A turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder and a hybrid model will be unveiled later in 2010.

More photos below. We’ll have more information and first-hand impressions later in the day.

2011 Hyundai Sonata's Radical New Look

Today, Hyundai released two sketches of the next-generation Sonata midsize sedan. Orders are already being taken in Korea ahead of its official launch there on Sept. 10; the Sonata won’t hit the U.S. until 2010 as a 2011 model.

We expect to learn and see a lot more of the Sonata next week, but we do know that the Korean version will have a six-speed automatic transmission and 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. The current Sonata has a 2.4-liter four-cylinder with a five-speed automatic transmission returning 22/32 mpg city/highway. This new engine looks to be more efficient. Electronic stability control will be standard across the line.

Other features and options include a panoramic sunroof, steering-wheel-mounted shift paddles and a push-button ignition.

The fastback look in these images seems a wild departure for the typically sedate Hyundai. One more image is below.

2008 L.A. Auto Show: Hyundai Hybrid Concept

• Looks like: The Hyundai Sonata sedan's innards
• Defining characteristics: A new hybrid powertrain and battery
• Ridiculous features: None
• Chance of being mass-produced: 100%

We’re not sure why Hyundai is calling this a concept, because it’s already said a Sonata Hybrid will hit dealerships in the U.S. in 2010. That’s big news not only because this will be Hyundai’s first hybrid in the U.S., but because it will use a lithium-polymer battery that’s unlike any nickel-metal-hydride-powered hybrid currently on the market, or any lithium-ion-powered hybrids planned for the near future.

Hyundai says the lithium-polymer battery is more efficient and lighter than other battery technologies, and that’s two things you might like in a fuel-efficient car. Plus, it’s less expensive to make than lithium-ion batteries. The battery is part of a system featuring a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, regenerative braking, a six-speed automatic transmission and a 30kW electric motor.

Hyundai hasn’t said what kind of fuel economy to expect from this system, but we assume it will be on par with the Toyota Camry Hybrid, if not better.

Hybrid Hyundai Sonata Headed to U.S.

Today, Hyundai announced it will sell a hybrid version of its popular Sonata sedan in the U.S., using a lithium ion battery to store electricity in the hybrid. The company did not announce a release date, but the new hybrid will debut at the Los Angeles auto show this November, so we’d guess it will go on sale in calendar year 2009.

The current four-cylinder version of the Sonata — which was redesigned for the 2009 model year — gets a very healthy 22/32 mpg city/highway. We’ve yet to see a lithium ion battery-powered hybrid on sale, though companies like Audi and GM have plans for products that use them.

Hyundai Announces Hybrid Sedan (Technoride)
2009 Hyundai Sonata Expert Review (Cars.com)  

Cars.com Reviews the 2009 Hyundai Sonata

Mike Hanley already had the Hyundai Sonata high on his list of affordable midsize family sedans, but he was pleased to find the 2009 Sonata had improved in all the areas where he found the 2008 lacking. The interior styling is much improved, with cabin features and materials finally matching the quality of the car they're built into. Furthermore, when facing-down competitors, Hyundai has given the Sonata two key advantages: A low starting price and a highly favorable warranty. Read his full review at the link below.

2009 Hyundai Sonata Expert Review

Cars.com Videos: 2009 Hyundai Sonata, 2008 Hyundai Azera, 2008 Mazda3

2009 Hyundai Sonata: Mike Hanley walks us through the Sonata's significant updates for 2009, including a revised exterior and redesigned cabin.

2008 Hyundai Azera: With a price tag under $25,000, Kelsey Mays finds this sedate sedan to be an excellent value.

2008 Mazda3: Although the Mazda3 hasn’t been upgraded for a few years, David Thomas says its interior has held up well.

View and share all of Cars.com’s videos via YouTube.

2009 Hyundai Sonata Gets $1,500 Incentive In Many Regions

The 2008 Hyundai Sonata was one of Cars.com’s Best Bets last year, and the 2009 Sonata improved on that foundation with solid updates this year. It got an updated, roomier cabin, more-powerful and efficient engines, and creature comforts like an optional navigation system and a standard USB port for MP3 players.

Buyers looking for a deal on the new Sonata can find it in Cars.com’s new regional incentives tool. While the advertised “national” incentive is $1,000, Hyundai is offering $1,500 cash back in major regions across the country: A glance at Cars.com’s listings shows $1,500 cash back in the Northeast, the Midwest, the South and the Northwest, as well as in California, Texas and Denver. Input your zip code to see if the offer is available in your area.

That cash back is complemented by other bonus incentives, including $500 for loyal Hyundai buyers. The incentives expire June 2.

Reader Review of the Week: 2009 Hyundai Sonata

Our reader reviewer set out to buy a new car and figured he would go with a Honda Accord or Toyota Camry, but wanted to test-drive other vehicles in the midsize sedan segment. After taking the new 2009 Hyundai Sonata for a test drive, he was impressed enough to purchase one. A month into owning the car, he's very satisfied with his decision. Read the full review, and check out our own first-drive impressions. Post your own reader review here.