2021 Hyundai Sonata Review

Name: 2021 Hyundai Sonata Review
Brand: Hyundai

Price Range: $15,998 - $25,998

The 2021 Sonata has the aura of a more expensive vehicle. It's stylish and it overdelivers in key areas, including its great-looking and easy-to-use infotainment system display, cool parking camera system and long warranty coverage. But in other areas, the Sonata merely matches what you'd expect from a midsize sedan, and it falters slightly when it comes to ride quality and seat comfort.

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Hyundai Sonata model years

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Hyundai Sonata types

Sedan
N Line

2021 Hyundai Sonata Review

by the Edmunds Experts

7/12/2021

What's new

New Sonata N Line with more power, sharper handling
Minor revisions to standard feature availability
Part of the seventh Sonata generation introduced for 2020

What is the Hyundai Sonata?

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata is a midsize sedan that competes against heavy hitters such as the Honda Accord, Kia Optima and Toyota Camry. The Sonata does all the typical sedan stuff well — the cabin is terrifically spacious, trunk space is massive, and it's quicker than you might expect. Technology plays a significant role in this Sonata as well. Some, such as the driverless Smart Park feature, feel a little gimmicky in practice. It's the less attention-grabbing features — the easy-to-use infotainment system, giant touchscreen display, excellent voice controls and high-res surround-view parking camera — that truly impress.

After the Hyundai Sonata's full redesign last year, there are only a few minor changes to the core vehicle for 2021. For instance, the SEL comes with a safe-exit warning feature that alerts you if you're about to open your door into traffic. And the Limited trim receives a height-adjustable, power-adjustable front passenger seat. The big news for 2021, however, is a new range-topping trim with a sporty edge.

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata N Line is oriented toward buyers who want a family-friendly sedan with an edge. Power comes from an all-new turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that cranks out 290 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque. It's meant to rival the related Kia K5 GT (which has the same engine) and the Toyota Camry TRD. The N Line also comes with a special black-painted grille, dual exhaust pipes and sport front seats with red accent stitching.

How does the Sonata N Line drive?

The regular Sonata's suspension feels firm but doesn't give you much of a payoff for handling. The N Line, however, is definitely more fun to drive. Steering and handling are sharper, and the turbocharged engine provides quick acceleration. It sounds pretty good when you're revving it out too. Braking power is good and the pedal is easy to control to stop smoothly in traffic. The sport front seats offer ample comfort with more substantial bolstering to keep you in place during cornering.

Edmunds says

Stylish and well equipped, the Sonata should be a front-running contender if you're shopping for a midsize sedan. Last year's car lacked some sporting personality, but Hyundai has addressed this by coming out with the new Sonata N Line.

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2021 Hyundai Sonata SE 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 8A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $2.96 per gallon for regular unleaded in Iowa.}

Monthly estimates based on costs in Iowa

$114/mo

$151/mo

Avg. Midsize Car

Calculate my fuel costs

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Reliability Ratings by RepairPal

4/5Excellent

#9 out of 28 among Midsize Cars

RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.

Cost

^{The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of the Hyundai Sonata from 2008-2022.}

$406/yr

vs. $415/yr
for Average Midsize Car

Frequency

^{The average number of times this model is brought into the shop for unscheduled repairs and maintenance in a single year. RepairPal calculates this metric by tracking millions of unique vehicles over multiple years to determine an average number of visits per year (omitting small routine visits, e.g., oil changes).}

1.04x/yr

vs. 0.87x/yr
for Average Midsize Car

Severity

^{The probability that a repair will be a major issue, meaning the repair costs 3x the average annual repair cost for all models. This threshold will be higher for vehicles that have higher labor rates and parts costs (such as a premium brand).}

9.2%

vs. 10.2%
for Average Midsize Car

powered by RepairPal ^{Based on RepairPal reliability data as of 8/23/2023. Ratings are provided by RepairPal and Edmunds is not responsible for their accuracy.}

Hyundai Sonata Reviews

Owner Reviews

3.9

51 reviews

5(63%)

4(6%)

3(4%)

2(10%)

1(17%)

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Most Helpful Owner Reviews

Great car

Geoff G, 02/10/2021

2021 Hyundai Sonata Limited 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl Turbo 8A)

Got the 2021 Hyundai Sonata Limited. This car is loaded with technology. All the bells and whistles. Like driving a Lexus with all the options at a much lower cost. Beautiful styling inside and out. Drives great!

2021 Sonata N Line. I didn't want to like it..

Mark B., 04/18/2021

2021 Hyundai Sonata N Line 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 8AM)

When it comes to a daily driver, I have several parameters. I won't spend over 40G. I won't lease. And at 6ft 2 with nerve damaged legs from my battle with cancer, legroom and seat comfort are paramount. Comfort is also an extremely subjective category. What works for you might not work for me, and vice versa. Accord Sport/Touring seats don't work for me. Camry in TRD trim is too "Fast & … Furious" for me. Altima has a CVT trans and horribly uncomfortable driver's seat for me. I was considering a K5 GT but none to be found locally. Figured I'd drive a Sonata N Line to get a feel for the package and scratch it off my list. I was not a huge fan of the 2020 exterior redesign although it slowly grew on me. And it does look better in N Line trim. I had a few cars on my list to spend a few days looking at and driving. The N Line was the closest so I started there. Sat in it for a bit and the driver's seat worked for me. Salesman threw a tag on it and told me to go have fun. Within a mile I was impressed. Twenty minutes later when I returned, I told the salesman to make me an offer I couldn't refuse. I drive it home 90 minutes later. The ride is firm but not harsh. It's definitely quieter than the previous generation Sonata. Handles great. Faster than a Hyundai should be allowed to be. The dual clutch transmission is fantastic. I've owned two dozen or so cars over the years, several German. I've never been approached about any of them the way I've been with this car. Seven weeks with it as I write this and I've been approached by strangers nearly two dozen times. Some knowing what the N Line is. Some asking if it's a Genesis or an Audi. Some genuinely not knowing what it could be. Gripes? Wish it had memory settings for the driver's seat. Wish it had ventilated seats although so far I really don't miss them. The light sensor for the auto headlights is beyond sensitive. I can barely clear going under an average overpass at highway speeds without the lights coming on in barely two seconds. Honestly, that's it. I don't regret my decision and I look forward to driving it every day. UPDATE 4/23/2022 Just over 20,000 miles in. Thermostat was replaced back in January. It was stuck open so wasn't really getting much heat. Other than that, routine oil changes, engine and cabin air filters, and replaced the tires only due to personal preference. I wasn't a fan of the Pirellis. A couple of 500 mile days with road trips. Still get asked what kind of car it it frequently. Fit and finish still like new. 4/25/2024 UPDATE. Three years and 48,000 miles at the moment. Nothing but routine maintenance. Still tight as a drum. No creaks/rattles. Recently drove nearly 1000 miles in a day moving cross country with my cat and dog. Stellar road trip vehicle.

Bought an N-Line a month ago - Great car

Bob from Georgia, 05/20/2021

2021 Hyundai Sonata N Line 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 8AM)

I research my cars for a year or so before buying, and was particularly interested in the Sonata N-Line and the KIA K5 GT, both built on the same platform and mechanically identical. The KIA GT has a lower MSRP but all the cars I found for sale came with the $4000 GT1 package, which jumps the MSRP up over $35K compared to 33K for the Sonata N-Line that includes all the GT1 features in … the MSRP. Those 12 BOSE speakers are very nice! The question: Is this a family sedan or a muscle car? My answer is that it's family sedan with teeth. The first impression of the car, riding high on the 19-inch tires, is that it's big. My previous car was a 2017 Sonata Eco, and when I told my wife that the N-Line was identical in length and width, she said, "No way, this is a much bigger car." It was only when she saw that it fit into the same space in the garage as my 2017 that she believed the dimensions were the same. I've owned some muscle cars in the past and most of them made you drive them hard. They just weren't that smooth at low speeds. The N-Line is not that way at all. Drive it with a light touch and you'll get 28 MPG combined and it's just as smooth and elegant as can be. But when you want the power, it's there. This car won't ever be described as tossable but you can take it into a curve fast and it will hold the line. I frankly don't plan to try to beat others off the line all that often, as the car burns rubber easily and I plan to hold onto to those expensive 19-inchers for a while. But the temptation can be hard to resist. Yesterday a guy with a tricked-out Mercedes came up beside me at a light and started gunning his engine. I didn't bother switching to Sport mode and started off the line lightly to avoid burning rubber. He got out a little ahead but I blew him away easily. Get the N Line up to 1650 RPM gently and then step on it and it will fly. The Mercedes chased me around for awhile trying to do it again and I just ignored him. Guess he just couldn't believe his hot car was clobbered by a Hyundai. But where the N-Line is particular impressive is in mid-range acceleration. Its goes from 60 to 100 so quickly, quietly and smoothly that you almost don't believe it's that fast. I really like the sleeper aspect of the car. I like to use the power just occasionally, like when you're cruising down an on-ramp to the interstate with a nice fat space waiting for you, and some jerk decides to speed up and cut you off. Or when someone is doing 55 in the fast lane in a 70 MPH zone and you need to go around. Or just pulling out and passing on a one-lane highway. The N-Line gets the job done easily and smoothly. Look at the cars with equivalent horsepower, DCT, brakes, suspension, safety features and amenities, and you'll find most of them run $20 to $30 K more. If you need baby-butt leather and wood paneling, you'll have to buy the more expensive car. The N line, despite nice seats and red stitching, looks like a Hyundai inside. But the exterior is beautiful and the features are awesome. It's the right car for someone like me who wants the power and comfort but doesn't believe in paying $20K for the hood ornament.

Great Car

George Morrill, 03/26/2021

2021 Hyundai Sonata SE 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 8A)

This car is amazing! 5 star safety rating and has everything to assist you arrive safely. UPDATE: Truly there is nothing bad to say about this vehicle. Sleek, handles great, comfortable and last, but not least, gas mileage is awesome.

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2021 Sonata Highlights

Type:

Sedan

Trim:

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$23,950
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	32 MPG
Cost to Drive	$114/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	16.0 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	5 years / 60,000 miles

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Safety

Our experts like the Sonata models:

Smart Cruise Control: Maintains a driver-selectable distance between the Sonata and the car in front.
Surround View Monitor: Provides a bird's-eye view of the car for ultimate parking precision.
Remote Smart Parking Assist: Allows the driver to exit the vehicle and remotely guide it into a parking spot using a smartphone app.

NHTSA Overall Rating

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.

Frontal Barrier Crash Rating
Overall4 / 5
Driver4 / 5
Passenger5 / 5
Side Crash Rating
Overall5 / 5
Side Barrier Rating
Overall5 / 5
Driver5 / 5
Passenger5 / 5
Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings
Front Seat5 / 5
Back Seat5 / 5
Rollover
Rollover5 / 5
Dynamic Test ResultNo Tip
Risk Of Rollover9.7%

IIHS Rating

The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.

Small Overlap Front Driver-Side Test
Good
Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side Test
Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original
Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Updated
Not Tested
Side Impact Test – Original
Good
Side Impact Test – Updated
Acceptable
Roof Strength Test
Good
Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint
Good

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2021 Hyundai Sonata Review

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