2018 Hyundai Sonata Photos and Info, News, Car and Driver
2018 Hyundai Sonata: Zestier Styling, Updated Chassis
Introduced for the two thousand fifteen model year, Hyundai’s seventh-generation Sonata has lacked the styling zest of its predecessor, a trait that helped the sixth-gen car stand out in the typically staid mid-size-sedan segment. But the decision to go more conservative was a zig while most everyone else zagged and made their own mid-sizers aesthetically interesting. Now, tho’, Hyundai has determined to crank up the design with the Sonata’s mid-cycle facelift in the hope of making it a standout entry once again.
It’s not revolutionary, but the fresh look offers the viewer something interesting from most every angle. A more aggressive bondage mask flows down into what Hyundai calls its “signature cascading grille,” a flourish that commenced on the two thousand eighteen Elantra GT hatchback and eventually will be applied across the lineup. A more sculpted front bumper incorporates an interesting collection of redesigned lighting units, including stacked elements in the lower fascia on some trims.
The side sills have been reshaped to carry the eye toward the redesigned rear end, which gets a fresh trunklid, fascia, and taillamps. More specifically, the license-plate cutout now is in the bumper, a large Sonata badge spreads across the rear, and the trunk-release button has been hidden within the Hyundai logo. Additionally, Sport trims and Two.0T models get a unique mesh grille, gloss-black window trim, and updated front and rear fascias. Fresh 16-, 17-, and 18-inch wheel designs have been adopted as well.
Hyundai also worked to improve the driving practice. Anti-roll-bar stiffness has been enhanced by twelve percent, and recalibrated steering is intended to provide more instant response. Hyundai also beefed up the rear suspension’s trailing arms and installed stiffer bushings that it said still provide a more convenient rail. Powertrains remain the same, but Sonatas with the turbocharged Two.0-liter direct-injected inline-four now get an eight-speed automatic transmission instead of last year’s six-speed. A value SEL trim also is on the way for 2018.
Interior Improvements
Inwards, the switches are subtler. The automatic shift knob has been redesigned, the radio and HVAC buttons look classier, and Hyundai says the knobs are of higher quality. The CD player has been binned, and the standard 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment screen sits inbetween redesigned vents.
Qi wireless charging, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and blind-spot detection with rear cross-traffic alert are standard on every two thousand eighteen Sonata. The Blue Link connectivity suite has been updated to work with both Amazon Echo and Google Home, cars with the Navigation package get a 360-degree-camera view function, the infotainment system is said to react and work more quickly, lane-departure warning now is bundled with lane-keeping assist, and the rear seat now has its own USB port.
Albeit none of the switches are major, they add up to a significantly revised Sonata, one that Hyundai hopes keeps it in the thick of the still significant family-sedan race.