2017 Hyundai Sport 2.4 Review
Overview:
This is the 2017 Hyundai Sonata Sport 2.4. I last looked at the Sonata in 2015 and have tested all product models of Hyundai. As you surely must know Hyundai and Kia cars are favorite cars of mine. I’ve recommended them to my children and grandkids as well. Rarely do kids really listen to their parent’s advice but they do where cars are concerned and they didn’t regret it. Both daughter and granddaughter drive Kia’s.
General Information:
It is assembled in Montgomery Alabama, USA; Parts – US/Canadian 46%, Korea 53% and China 1%; Engine and transmission – USA; Classification is Large Cars. Cars from Hyundai: Accent, Azera, Elantra, Elantra GT, Genesis, Genesis Coupe, Ionig, Santa Fe, Sonata, Sonata Hybrid, Hyundai Sonata Plug-in Hybrid, Tucson and Veloster.
Handling & Performance:
Very nice handling car and although it only has 185 hp it is fast enough for normal driving. If you feel the need for more speed / quicker acceleration there is a Turbo version available that delivers 245 horsepower. You may have observed many car makers use the turbo to offset smaller engine sizes or mate the smaller engine to a more robust 8 speed transmission. It’s always driven by balancing performance with fuel economy. When gas prices were under a buck, car makers in the US leaned to the consumer’s demand for more horsepower. Today, of course, with $3-4 a gallon gas people are more willing to give up ‘muscle’ engines for softening the blow to their wallets.
Styling:
The Sonata has clean lines and although some will say its design is plain – Jane but that’s just how I like it.
Fit and Finish:
Very good – which is really a function of quality control rather than lack of new techniques and superior design methods in the world today. I’m thinking much of the reason to go to 3rd world countries to assemble their cars, manufacturers were finding better results from a ‘hungrier’ work force. Of course the other reasons are because of the high taxes and union driven wages beyond what other countries are strapped with. Lack of burdensome regulations aren’t as important when the cars are imported back to the US because those regulations still must be met in order to sell here. Unfortunately, such over the top restrictions mean other markets without those government controls are a more attractive place to build and even sell their products.
Cost:
Exactly the same as all in class.
Conveniences and comfort:
Good, and although it does not have some of my favorite high tech features the price reflects the absence – and that’s okay. I’m happy to adapt and moreover many of my years behind the wheel were in cars that didn’t even have safety belts.
Consumer Recommendations:
I love the Genesis G90 that I recently reviewed, but can I justify the cost of nearly 3 times as much as this Sonata. Probably not, but it depends on your place in life and career. The G90 is luxurious and may suit one who has completed life’s journeys and can afford anything. That is a unique combination for sure.
The Sonata fits a transportation need without all the frills that we all like to have but may not be willing to bear the cost. “Let us then be up and doing with a heart for any fate, still pursuing, still achieving, learn to Labor and to Wait.” This is a part of Longfellow’s “A Psalm of Life” and worth reflecting on. At those times in our life where the budget is straining good judgement should rule and I’ve always felt it better to earn before I could deserve.
If this segment of the market fits your budget, the list is very closely aligned in price, features, fuel economy and warranties. The Malibu edges out the rest of the field with a power train warranty of 100,000 miles with all the others at 60,000 miles.
It’s a close race that I would be hard pressed to pick a clear winner. Put the list up on the wall and throw darts.
Recognized Competition:
Hyundai Sonata $24,000, Ford Fusion $24,000, Chevrolet Malibu $24,000, Honda Accord $24,000, Toyota Camry $24,000, Subaru Legacy $23,000, Nissan Altima $23,000, Mazda 6 $23,000, Volkswagen Passat $25,000.
Good News:
Competitive pricing, nice styling, good fuel economy and a very comfortable ride.
Bad News:
n/a.
Standard Equipment:
2.4 litre 185 horsepower Gasoline Direct injection 4-cylinder engine, 6-speed automatic transmission, dual continuous variable valve timing, Drive mode select, 17” alloy wheels, rear spoiler, auto headlights, heated mirrors with turn signal indicators, driver blind spot mirror indicators, power door locks and windows, power driver seat with lumbar support, 60/40 split folding rear seats, tilt and telescopic stering wheel with controls, air conditioning, 7” color touchscreen disply audio, Apple CarPlay smart phone compatible, AM/FM/HD radion with CD/MP3 with iPod USB and Aux input jacks, Sirius XM radio, Bluetooth hands free phone system, Bluelink connected car system, Stability management, traction control, ABS with electronic brake force distribution and brake assist, front, side and side curtain airbags with driver knee bag, tire pressure monitor with individual tire indicator, rearview camera and cloth seating surfaces.
Gas Stats:
$2.69 Gal avg. January 22, 2017
www.fueleconomy.gov
for more information.
23 City and 32 Highway MPG
Pricing:
MSRP $23,400.