2011 Hyundai Sonata vs 2010 Hyundai Sonata December 2, 2009 AUTORIVALS.NET

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Hyundai is making long strides with a slew of new vehicles. Following up the well-received Hyundai Genesis is the all-new 2011 Hyundai Sonata which is a complete departure from the previous generation. The last model was a bit bland as to not to offend anybody while the new one goes for a dramatic new look. 2011 Hyundai Sonata vs 2010 Hyundai Sonata The new Sonata looks nothing like before. The old one tried to mimic Japanese car design philosophies by looking good but keeping things moderate to appeal to everybody like the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord. The new one is much more aggressive with a unique wider grille, curved headlights, and an assertive new bumper. Hyundai calls it a "fluidic sculpture." There's a little bit of Mercedes CLS in the design whereas the old generation resembled Camrys and Accords more. The 2011 Sonata has an all new profile with a rakish roof line that flows smoother into the rear like the Mercedes CLS and Volkswagen CC. The creased side adds even more aggressiveness compared to others in this segment. The longer roofline adds an extra pillar and small side window giving it an even longer look. The new taillights match the headlights with a curved shape that flows into the creased rear fenders. Everything looks more modern than before. The interior is much improved with a more upscale design and similar but better layout. The center stack is the best feature which is sharper and angular. Materials are much improved with a sleeker look.

SPECIFICATIONS PRICE: $19,195 - $25,295 ENGINE: 2.4L I4 HORSEPOWER: 198-200 hp TORQUE: 184 lb-ft SIZE (L x W x H): 189.8 x 72.2 x 57.9 in. CURB WEIGHT: 3,340 lbs. 0-60 MPH: 7.8 sec 1/4 MILE: 16.1 sec @ 89 mph TOP SPEED: 130 mph ROADHOLDING: 0.84 g FUEL (City/Hwy): 24 / 35 mpg SPECIFICATIONS PRICE: $18,700 - $26,550 ENGINE: 2.4L I4 - 3.3L V6 HORSEPOWER: 175 - 249 hp TORQUE: 168 - 229 lb-ft SIZE (L x W x H): 188.9 x 72.1 x 58.0 in. WEIGHT: 3292 - 3494 lbs 0-60 MPH: 6.9 - 8.8 sec 1/4 MILE: 15.3 sec @ 94 mph - 16.8 sec @ 84 mph TOP SPEED: 146 mph FUEL (CITY/HWY): 19-22/29-32 mpg RECAP RECAP PROS +Completely new look +Aggressive design is welcomed in this relatively bland segment +Interior is much improved with a better layout and materials +Unique wider grille CONS -Won't appeal to everybody PROS +Looks good even if it is a little bland +Interior is well designed CONS -Stubby grill -Bland

Video Source: YouTube via Carscoop

NOTES

The new Sonata will come with Hyundai's first ever direct injected engine. The V6 model is gone and instead will get a turbocharged 2.4L engine instead. A hybrid, another first for Hyundai, is on its way also and will feature lithium polymer (not lithium ion) technology which Hyundai claims is five years ahead of current battery technology.

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2011 Hyundai Sonata vs 2010 Honda Accord (Quick Look) 2011 Hyundai Sonata vs 2010 Toyota Camry