2012 Hyundai Sonata 2.0T

2012 Hyundai Sonata 2.0T Review

This sedan faces some tough competition from Nissan Altima, Ford Fusion Sports, Hyundai Sonata, Mazda 6 and Chevrolet Malibu. National base price of this 2012 Hyundai Sonata is around $ 19, 195 which excludes destination charges.

Trims and Options:

2012 Hyundai Sonata is a family sized luxury sedan. This generation of Hyundai Sonata is available in three trim levels which include Sonata GLS, Sonata SE and Sonata Limited trims.

Sonata GLS trim is equipped with 16 inch steel wheels, powerful Air-conditioning system, keyless entry, full power accessories, trip computer, heated side view mirrors, tilt and telescopic steering column, Bluetooth connectivity with phone book download, audio system with six speakers, CD/MP3 player, I-Pod and AUX-IN jack, satellite radio and steering wheel mounted audio control and cruise control.

This trim is also offered with two optional packages. First package includes automatic headlights, alloy wheels and eight way adjustable power driver seats and other package includes upgraded audio system and navigation system.

Sonata SE is a sporty trim equipped with 18 inch alloy wheels with high performance tires, dark chrome grille, fog lights, sports tuned suspension system, keyless entry and ignition, cloth or leather upholstery and leather wrapped gear knob and steering wheel. Some of other options like premium speakers and sunroof are bundled in Navigation package.

Limited trim is offered with all the accessories of SE trim and also includes side mirror mounted turn indicator, leather upholstery, sunroof, heated rear and front seats, dual zone automatic climate control, upgraded audio system with CD chargers and HD radio, auto dimming rear view mirror and upgraded unique interior accent which include gloss black and wood grain trims. Limited trim's sole optional package which includes infinity premium speakers and back up camera is bundled into navigation system.

Engine and Performance:

Sonata is available with only one engine option which include 2.4 L capacity V4 engine with direct injection technology. Se trim with dual exhaust is bit power compared to standard engine. SE trim generates 200 HP of power and 186 lb-ft of torque. This sedan is armored with six speed manual transmissions as standard option on GLS trim and six speed automatic transmissions is optional feature.

Specifications:

* Base Number of Cylinders: 4

* Base Engine Size: 2.4 liters

* Base Engine Type: Inline 4

* Horsepower: 198 HP

* Max Horsepower: 6300 RPM

* Torque: 184 ft-lbs.

* Max Torque: 4250 RPM

* Drive Type: FWD

* Turning Circle: 35.8 feet

Mileage:

* City: 24 MPG

* Highway: 35 MPG

* Combined: 28 MPG

Design and Features:

A luxury sedan with high quality fabrics and very good fit and finish. Limited trim is awarded with high quality interior with piano black trim, padded door panels and two toned interior color scheme.

Hyundai Sonata is offered with roomy interior which is capable to accommodate four adults with ample leg, head and shoulder room, but 6 foot individual may experience little uncomfortably in ceiling.

Dimensions:

* Front Head Room: 40 inches

* Front Hip Room: 55.2 inches

* Front Shoulder Room: 57.9 inches

* Rear Head Room: 37.8 inches

* Rear Shoulder Room: 56.7 inches

* Rear Hip Room: 54.9 inches

* Front Leg Room: 45.5 inches

* Rear Leg Room: 34.6 inches

* Luggage Capacity: 16.4 cubic feet

* Maximum Seating: 5

* Length: 189.8 inches

* Width: 72.2 inches

* Height: 57.9 inches

* Wheel Base: 110 inches

* Curb Weight: 3161 Pounds

Safety:

All variants of Hyundai Sonata is equipped with stability controls, traction control, full length side curtain airbags, anti lock disc brakes and frontal seat side impact airbags. 2012 Hyundai Sonata has earned TOP SAFETY PICK from Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). This sedan has gained top scores for both side impact and frontal offset crash protection.

Other Specifications:

* Front Brake Type: 11.8 inch single piece ventilated steel discs with single piston and sliding calipers

* Rear Brake Type: 11.20 inch, single piece solid steel discs with single-piston and sliding calipers

* Steering System: rack and pinion power steering with Electric assist speed proportional

* Steering Ratio: 14.5

* Front Suspension Type: Independent McPherson struts, twin-tube dampers, coil springs, stabilizer bar

* Rear Suspension Type: Independent multilink, twin-tube dampers, coil springs, stabilizer bar

* Front Tire Size: P205/ 65 R 16 94 H

* Rear Tire Size: P205/ 65 R 16 94H

* Tire Brand: Kumho

* Tire Model: Solus KH 25

* Tire Type: All Season (33 PSI front; 33 PSI rear)

* Wheel Size: 16 X 6.5 inches front and rear

* Wheel Material (front/rear): Stamped steel with hubcaps

* Manufacturer Curb Weight: 3161 Pounds

* Curb Weight as Tested: 3199 Pounds

* Weight Distribution, F/R: 60/40

* Recommended Fuel: 87 Octane gasoline

Pros:

High fuel economy

Spacious trunk space

Impressive safety scores

Smooth ride

Comfortable and attractive cabin

Cons:

Lacks V6 option

Rough ride in SE trim

Tight head room