The 2009 Hyundai Sonata arrives fresh from a makeover that upgrades the interior, insulates the cabin from noise, adds zip and improves ride quality substantially. One Hyundai trait remains: The 2009 Sonata continues to offer more for less!
Once upon a time, you bought a Hyundai on price only. The 2009 Sonata is rolling proof that those days are long gone. Recognizing that time waits for no brand in the hotly competitive midsize sedan segment, Sonata has been freshened and tweaked to make it compare favorably to anything in its class. As Motor Trend exclaims, “Power is up, emissions are down, mileage has improved and the cabin is a place in which you'll be happier to spend time.”
The 2009 Hyundai Sonata comes in three models. The “base” GSL is well equipped. The Limited model is the upscale flavor, and the SE has the sporty personality. MSRPs, including delivery charges, range from $18,795 to $26,345.
The 2009 Sonata base model features standard antilock brakes, keyless entry, heated power side mirrors and a CD audio system with satellite radio and iPod integration. The SE trim levels includes 17-inch alloys and elegant leather upholstery. The 
fancy Limited model features 17-inch alloys, chrome exterior trim, heated interior leather with wood-grain trim and a premium audio system.
For 2009, the Sonata feature two more powerful engines. The first is a four-cylinder capable of a spirited 175 hp, about 13 hp more than last year's base engine. The second is a robust 3.3-liter V6 with an output of 249 hp, a boost of 15 hp over the previous V6.
Even with the added power, Sonata bests its competitors in fuel economy. The smaller engine is EPA-rated to get 22 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway. The V6-powered Sonata is rated to get 19 mpg city and 29 mpg highway, matching the comparable Accord, beating the Camry slightly and leaving the others sucking more of that expensive gas.
With more power, Sonata’s performance is better as you would expect. The V6-powered Sonata is especially quick and offers reserves for quick passes on the highway. The four-cylinder motor is great around town and performs beautifully on the highway. With careful driving, you should be able to break into the 30-mpg point with the four.
With crash-worthiness becoming vital in everyone’s mind, it’s good to know the 2009 Sonata scored the top Five Star rating in both front and side crash tests from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. It earned the top "Good" rating in frontal offset crash tests and an "Acceptable" rating in side-impact tests from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
Business Week points out additional safety features in favor of the Sonata. “There are six standard airbags, four-wheel disc brakes with ABS, and - this is a big one - standard electronic stability and traction control. Camry and Altima charge you extra for these safety systems,” noted the Business Week reviewer. Indeed, electronic stability control is proven statistically to prevent accidents by helping you drive out of a skid rather than crashing. Hyundai makes it standard while the others don’t.
The most noticeable improvements in the Sonata are inside. For 2009, the front seats are wider and have longer cushions than before. The center stack is stylish and nicely integrated with the dash. The blue instrument lighting is attractive. The textured and matte finish on the aluminum interior trim is upscale looking, and wood-grain trim and leather upholstery add a touch of elegance to the Limited. The look and feel is that of quality, and the fit and finish are equal to any car in this class.
You want a roomy cabin in any car, and the 2009 Sonata really delivers with a total interior volume of 121.7 cubic feet, greater than that of the Accord, Camry, Altima and Malibu. Headroom abounds, legroom is excellent for front-seaters and for those behind. The Sonata's 16.3-cubic foot trunk is the biggest in its class. What’s more, the rear seatbacks fold down in a 60/40 pattern to create extra hauling space.
The 2009 Hyundai Sonata is hard to beat. It costs around $2,000 less than its major competitors cost and is arguably the best value in its class. It wins on fuel economy, and no rival has more cabin or trunk space. Have we made a case for the 2009 Hyundai Sonata? Judge for yourself with a thorough inspection and a test drive.
