Track Tested: 2011 Hyundai Sonata Limited With Six-Speed Automatic

Edmunds tests hundreds of vehicles a year. Cars, trucks, SUVs, we run them all, and the numbers always tell a story. With that in mind we present "Track Tested," a quick rundown of all the data we collect at the track, along with comments direct from the test-drivers. Enjoy.

We've already tested a 2011 Hyundai Sonata GLS with a manual transmission. We even put it in comparison test against a manual-shift Honda Accord and Mazda 6. But we know full well that 95 percent of buyers will get the Sonata with the six-speed automatic transmission.

So now we've instrument-tested a 2011 Sonata Limited with the automatic. And, to satisfy your inner Hyundai geek, we're going to show you its track numbers side-by-side with those of the manual-shift Sonata -- which of course was tested on a different day, in different conditions, and with a smaller 16-inch wheel/tire package.

                                     Sonata Limited (auto)           Sonata GLS (manual)
0-30 (sec):                                3.3                                          2.9
0-45 (sec):                                5.5                                          5.2
0-60 (sec):                                8.4                                          7.5
0-75 (sec):                               12.4                                        11.7
1/4 Mile (sec @ mph):         16.2 @ 87.5                             15.8 @ 90.6
0-60 with 1-ft Rollout (sec):       8.1                                          7.4
30-0 (ft):                                    33                                            33
60-0 (ft):                                   132                                          131
Skid pad lateral accel (g):         0.77                                         0.79
Slalom                                      64.3                                         62.5

Vehicle: 2011 Hyundai Sonata Limited
Odometer: 2,371
Date: 4/6/2010
Driver: Josh Jacquot
Price: $28,415

Specifications:
Drive Type: Front-wheel drive
Transmission Type: 6-speed automatic
Engine Type: Direct-injected inline-4
Displacement (cc/cu-in): 2,359/144
Valvetrain: DOHC, four valves per cylinder. variable intake + exhaust-valve timing
Compression ratio (x:1): 11.3
Redline, indicated (rpm): 6,600
Horsepower (hp @ rpm): 198 @ 6,300 rpm
Torque (lb-ft @ rpm): 184 @ 4,250 rpm
Suspension, front: Independent MacPherson struts, coil springs, twin-tube dampers, stabilizer bar
Suspension, rear: Independent multilink, coil springs, twin-tube dampers, stabilizer bar
Steering type: Electric-assist, speed-proportional, rack-and-pinion power steering
Steering ratio (x:1): 14.5
Tire make and model: Hankook Optimo H431
Tire type: All-season
Tire size, front: 215/55R17 93V
Tire size, rear: 215/55R17 93V
Wheel size: 17-by-6.5 inches
Wheel material: Cast aluminum
Brakes, front: 11.8-inch one-piece ventilated steel discs with single-piston sliding calipers
Brakes, rear: 11.2-inch one-piece solid steel discs with single-piston sliding calipers
Curb Weight As Tested (lb): 3,288

Test Results:
0-30 mph (sec.): 3.3
0-45 mph (sec.): 5.5
0-60 mph (sec.): 8.4
0-75 mph (sec.): 12.4
1/4-mile (sec. @ mph): 16.2 @ 87.5
0-60 with 1 foot of rollout (sec.): 8.1
Braking, 30-0 mph (ft.): 33
60-0 mph (ft.): 132
Braking rating: Average
Slalom, 6 x 100 ft. (mph): 64.3
Slalom, 6 x 100 ft. (mph) ESC ON: 63.2
Skid pad, 200-ft. diameter (lateral g): 0.77
Skid pad, 200-ft. diameter (lateral g) ESC ON: 0.77
Handling rating: Average
Sound level @ idle (dB): 42.5
@ Full throttle (dB): 71.5
@ 70 mph cruise (dB): 66.0
Engine speed @ 70 mph (rpm): 2,000

Acceleration comments: Not enough power to worry about wheelspin. Best run in "D." Impossible to predict shift timing in manual mode. Shifts at 6,000 in "D."

Braking comments: Good pedal feel and fade resistance, but distances are only so-so.

Handling comments: Slalom: Some suspension wind-up makes the Sonata a handful with the stability control off. With the stability control on, its manners are fine. Low limits. Ample body roll. Skidpad: The electric steering offers sub-par feel at the limit. Uninspired, if still average, handling.