2018 HYUNDAI SONATA FIRST LOOK

2018 HYUNDAI SONATA FIRST LOOK BY AUTO CRITIC STEVE HAMMES

Reviving the bold and expressive styling that made the previous generation a resounding hit, Hyundai has revamped the Sonata for the 2018 model year.

Building around the brand’s cascading grille, the Sonata now sports a new look from all angles, a more assertive profile and an entirely new rear with the goal to restore visual excitement and a unique identity in the bustling family sedan segment.

LED lightning, chrome accents and fresh wheel designs round out the exterior updates.  Inside, there’s a renewed center stack and instrument panel.  But the Sonata’s changes go deeper with improved ride and handling.  Engineers also worked on the steering, improving response and feel through a new calibration focused on responsiveness.  The updated rear suspension is stiffer combined with new bushings to allow for more ride compliance and yet quicker response time to control all other wheel motions.  Hyundai says this results in a communicative, nimble and comfortable sedan.

The top of the line 2.0-liter turbo models receive a new 8-speed transmission for extra thrust off-the-line and a quieter, more fuel efficient highway manner, now rated at 32mpg.  2.0T Sonatas also roll on 18” wheels with Michelin tires.

The 2018 Sonata features a standard seven-inch color display audio touchscreen with both Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto® integration and an available wireless charging pad. Sonata now adds a second row USB charge port. Available navigation systems now come with a bird’s eye view feature as well as traffic flow and incident data, without ever having to pay a subscription for the service.

The Sonata also offers more safety features in 2018. In addition to seven standard airbags comes Blind Spot Detection with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert making it the only Midsize car sold with this safety technology as standard equipment.

Furthermore, there’s also a new Lane Departure Warning system with an enhanced Lane Keep Assist function available.