Table of Contents
- Summary
- Fuel Economy
- motor, gearbox, horsepower, and top speed
- Safety on the 2009 Hyundai Sonata
- driving on the highway
- Cargo, Comfort, Inside, and Interior
- 2009 Hyundai Sonata Trims and Pricing
Summary
For 2009, the Hyundai Sonata gets an entirely new interior and some modest external stylistic changes, making it one of the most luxurious cabins in the midsize sedan class. The Hyundai Sonata now boasts more power and fuel efficiency from both its four- and six-cylinder engines, and an adjusted automatic gearbox ensures smoother shifts. The Limited trim level now has dual-zone automatic climate control, two-level heated front seats, and an optional navigation system, while the standard features list now includes an auxiliary audio port.
With a brand-new interior and improved engines, the 2009 Hyundai Sonata re-establishes itself as a serious contender in the cutthroat midsize family sedan segment. It should definitely be on your shopping list.
People often view imitation as the pinnacle of flattery. What occurs, though, when the imitator surpasses the imitated?
Hyundai has been aiming after Toyota for years. The Japanese behemoth’s approach to automobiles is to make them dependable, flawlessly constructed, conservatively styled, and comfortable to ride in. Hyundai has embraced that strategy, and the 2009 Hyundai Sonata is unmistakable evidence that it has done so correctly. In actuality, the new Sonata has not only overtaken the powerful Camry but also caught up to it.
Hyundai’s midsize family vehicle has several significant improvements for 2009. Both four- and six-cylinder engines now have more power, while fuel efficiency has also improved. This is certainly a day to celebrate. But the most important news is within. Hyundai was never happy with the Sonata’s original cabin, even though it was unpleasant. This year’s comprehensive overhaul of the center console, gauges, and center stack has resulted in a more aesthetically pleasing and user-friendly overall design. Additionally, materials have been enhanced, and the top-level Limited trim features alloy trim, wood-grain accents, and a stylish selection of color schemes. When Toyota last redesigned the All-Star, we had high expectations for this Lexus-lite cabin. Instead, Hyundai has delivered it.
Three years ago, the Hyundai Sonata had a redesign that made it competitive with the best family sedans; in fact, in a 2006 comparison test, we gave it a higher ranking than the Accord and Camry. Both of those competitors, along with the stunning new Nissan Altima and Chevrolet Malibu, have since undergone extensive redesigns. The Sonata is now more comparable thanks to the 2009 revisions. Though we don’t know if it’s still the best, Hyundai may have made a better Camry than Toyota. Perhaps it’s time for those who have been imitated to take the lead.
Fuel Economy
The five-seat sedan Hyundai Sonata 2009 has an ANCAP safety rating of four stars. Depending on the model badge, its fuel efficiency ranges from 6 L/100 km to 8.4 L/100 km for either a diesel or gasoline engine.
motor, gearbox, horsepower, and top speed
All Hyundai Sonata grade levels come with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 175 horsepower and 168 pound (ca. 76 kg)-feet of torque as standard. While a five-speed automatic gearbox is standard on the Limited and optional on the other trim levels, a five-speed manual gearbox is mandatory on the GLS and SE trim levels with the four-cylinder. A 3.3-liter V6 engine with 249 horsepower and 229 lb (0.1 t)-ft of torque is an optional feature on all Sonatas. With this engine, the only available gearbox is a five-speed automatic.
For the family sedan market, the Sonata’s fuel efficiency is good; the V6 gets 19/29 mpg, while the four-cylinder model gets 22 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway.
Safety on the 2009 Hyundai Sonata
All Sonatas come standard with antilock brakes, traction control, stability control, side-impact airbags for the front seat, full-length side curtain airbags, and active front head restraints. The 2009 Hyundai Sonata received five stars out of five in front- and side-impact testing conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The Sonata received the highest rating of “good” for frontal offset protection and the second-highest grade of “acceptable” for side-impact protection in crash testing conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
driving on the highway
Like most Hyundai vehicles, the Sonata prioritizes ride comfort over precise handling. It provides a smooth interstate ride and effectively absorbs bumps, but it won’t be taking on faster rivals like the Nissan Altima or Honda Accord in a corner-carving competition anytime soon due to its substantial body roll and hazy steering. The Sonata now has more competitive acceleration thanks to the addition of extra power for 2009. Although this is especially true for the four-cylinder models, the optional V6’s impressive 249 horsepower output still falls short of that of certain Panzers in a class where horsepower conflicts are at full Blitzkrieg.
Cargo, Comfort, Inside, and Interior
The interiors of Hyundai vehicles continue to improve. There are many soft, premium plastics, excellent switchgear, and an attractive overall appearance. The former design’s erratic ergonomics have been replaced with temperature and radio controls that are positioned high on the center stack, making room for a roomy bin underneath. The Limited trim level is especially high-end and undoubtedly the most sophisticated setting available for around $25,000. The 2009 Hyundai Sonata continues to have a class-best trunk capacity of 16.3 cubic feet (0.46 m³) and a very roomy backseat. The Sonata is difficult to top if perceived quality and internal spaciousness are important considerations.
2009 Hyundai Sonata Trims and Pricing
| Trim | Price |
|---|---|
| GLS (Manual) Sedan | $18,700 |
| GLS (Auto) Sedan | $19,900 |
| SE (Manual) Sedan | $20,520 |
| SE (Auto) Sedan | $22,050 |
| GLS V6 Sedan | $22,450 |
| SE V6 (Auto) Sedan | $24,050 |
| Limited Sedan | $24,550 |
| Limited V6 Sedan | $26,550 |
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