The Hyundai Sonata is one of the longest-running and likely highest-quality Hyundai sedans of all time which is a big thing as the Sonata is one of the best-selling sedans in the North American market. The first Sonata was introduced back in 1985 and has been in continuous production ever since. However, this segment is cramped with loads of good options, all of which we are going to mention in this article.
The most similar car to the Hyundai Sonata is the Kia K5 as these two cars are more or less the same. They ride on the same platform and use similar engines which inherently makes them feel really similar. Other similar sedans include the Toyota Camry which has always been one of the fiercest competitors to the Hyundai Sonata in most regards.
We also need to mention the Honda Accord which is equally as well-known as the Camry and the Sonata and also the Nissan Altima. These five mid-size sedans are the most popular sedans in the entire North American market which makes them incredibly competitive.
If you are interested in buying the Hyundai Sonata and you want to know about cars similar to Hyundai Sonata, you’ve come to the right place as that is exactly the topic of today’s article.
Hyundai Sonata
The Hyundai Sonata comes in eight different models, trim levels, and iterations, and they are priced between $25,195 and $36,745. The main engine choice for the Sonata is a 1.6L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that pushes out 180hp, but the Sonata also comes with a 2.5L 4-cylinder that offers 191hp.
You can expect the Sonata to return around 27MPG combined which is a decent number, but the Sonata actually makes its case with how it looks inside and out, lots of technology, lots of space, and a really safe and comfortable driving experience for families and individuals alike. However, you can’t go for AWD with the Sonata.
Kia K5
As mentioned in the beginning, the Kia K5 is more or less the same car underneath as the Hyundai Sonata with a few distinct changes. The K5 costs from $24,845 to $32,245 which is slightly less than the Sonata and is a difference big enough to make a difference. The 1.6L engine from the Sonata can also be found in the K5. However, the best engine in the K5 is the 2.5L engine with 290hp which is better than any engine in the Sonata, and you can go for AWD.
The K5 is better than the Sonata because it offers slightly higher quality interior materials and features such as ambient lighting and Bose surround sound, both of which are unavailable with the Sonata. However, it does fall short compared to the Hyundai Sonata as the Sonata offers better fuel economy and more interior space.
Toyota Camry
The price of a Toyota Camry starts at $26,870 and it goes up to $34,445 for the top-spec model which makes it more or less the same as the Sonata. The Camry can usually be seen with either a 4-cylinder 202hp engine or a more powerful and best 301hp V6 engine in top-spec models. MPG is not as good as in the Sonata, but that is to be expected since it has more power.
The Camry somehow feels a bit snugger and better isolated than the Sonata which certainly makes it more comfortable and enjoyable on a long journey. The Camry retains value better than the Sonata and it offers an optional AWD system as well.
Honda Accord
The Honda Accord starts at $27,615 and the price goes up to $38,050 for top-spec Accord Touring models. The Accord comes with a really good 2.0L turbocharged engine that offers 252hp and it manages to return 43MPG combined which is an extremely good number. The Accord is the most spacious car here as far as the second row of seats is concerned.
The Accord also gets a good list of standard features and it looks rather unassuming which is a good thing. Everyone knows that an Accord is a tremendously reliable car as well. The Accord also drives better than the Sonata but it does not come with a comparable warranty as the Sonata does.
Nissan Altima
For the price of $26,775, you can get an entry-level Nissan Altima while top-tier models will set you back around $33,475. The standard engine to go for is the 4-cylinder 182hp engine as that is more than enough for such a car.
Where the Altima beats the Sonata is the fact that it gets AWD thanks to its VC-Turbo engine that offers 280hp and is better than all the engines with the Sonata. However, the Sonata is a bit more spacious than the Altima and it feels better built throughout.
FAQ Section
Is the Hyundai Sonata the best car in its segment?
The Hyundai Sonata sure does offer lots of value and substance in many regards, but it is not good enough to be called the best car in its segment. First of all, it lacks AWD which is a big minus as most other competitors do. Secondly, the Accord is the better family car while the Camry feels a bit more luxurious.
The Altima offers better engines while the K5 offers a more pleasurable interior overall.
Is the Hyundai Sonata a luxury sedan?
The Hyundai Sonata is a really well-rounded sedan with everything you’d hope to get from a car of this size. However, it is not a luxury car by any means as luxury cars from this segment as leagues above the Sonata. An example of mid-size luxury sedans would be the Audi A6, also the BMW 5-Series, the Volvo S90, and the Mercedes-Benz E-Class.
Should I buy a Hyundai Sonata?
After reading this article, you probably have a better understanding of why some cars are better than others, and if you still like what the Sonata has to offer, you should indeed consider buying it as it is a really good car overall.
This is why Hyundai sold million of Sonata models as they are proven cars in various environments and are likely going to stay that way for a while.
