Sportiness
I really like the over all sporty design of the 2014 Hyundai Sonata SE 2.0T. The front grille, chrome detailing, panoramic sunroof and curvaceous lines all enhanced the sporty feel. The theme continued on the inside with additional chrome accents, D-Pad shaped steering wheel, paddle shifters and a cockpit-like instrument panel that all screamed “race me!”
The Sonata also offers “Driver Selectable Steering Mode,” with three settings: Comfort, Normal and Sport. The sport mode makes the already tight suspension feel even more responsive, something I really like, especially on a 274hp vehicle that pulls you back into the seat a little when you step on the gas.
Storage
One of the first things I noticed when I climbed into the drivers seat was a cubby in the center front dash. I casually opened it expecting somewhere to hold my sunglasses, but it was surprising HUGE. Seriously, it was big enough to store an entire package of baby wipes.
If it’s anything that you learn when becoming a parent, it’s that you always have more stuff than you have space for. The storage capacity of the Hyundai Sonata really appealed to the mom in me. There was also good sized dual-compartment center console, numerous cup holders and seat back storage pockets. The trunk seemed gigantic at 16.4 cubic feet and even fit our wagon with ease (which has never ever fit any any other sedan I’ve tried!)
Space
I’ve always thought of the The Hyundai Sonata as a compact vehicle (regardless of whether or not that was actually the case), but I was once again surprised by how roomy the interior felt, especially the back seat with 34.6inches of leg room. I immediately realized that it had more useable rear leg room than both of our SUVs, a 2003 Toyota 4Runner and a 1999 Mercedes ML 320. In both of our vehicles Whistler can touch the center console with his feet, not so in the Sonata. (Goodbye footprints!)
Come to find out, according to the EPA, the 2014 Hyundai Sonata has more total interior volume than Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Nissan Altima or Ford Fusion—more than any car in its class. So many vehicles make this claim, but in this one I *knew* it was true.
Entertainment and Technology
As always, when entertainment and technology are done right they’re at the top of my favorite features list. As with more vehicles today it includes AM/FM/SiriusXM/CD/MP3 Audio System with iPod/USB and auxiliary inputs. This is all displayed on an 8in color touchscreen and also offers steering wheel controls. *BONUS* heated rear seats keep the little bums comfortable (and less likely to complain).
Value For Your Dollar
Hyundai always offers exceptional value for your dollar. You get all these of great amenities on top of coveted fuel economy. With its 2-liter, 4-cylinder engine the 2014 Hyundai Sonata averages 21 City/ 32 Hwy for a combined 25 MPG. The base models start at a reasonable $25110 with a top of the line package, which I drove, at only $29460. That’s a lot of bang for your buck for under $30,000. All of this includes the peace of mind provided by a 5 Year/60,000 Mile warranty and 5 years of roadside assistance.
I was given a vehicle to test drive for one week for purposes of this review. All opinions remain my own.
It looks really beautiful. I love the colors and the style. All of the compartments are nice. The car looks very room. It would be a great car for my hubby to drive to work.
looks like a really nice car. thank you so much for sharing
My parents have this car, same color too and they love it! Suits them nicely!
That is a nice looking car that I would not mind driving. I like the size of the trunk and it looks really roomy in the back seat as well.
I’ve never driven a Hyundai. That model sounds really nice, and it looks sporty too!