New Hyundai Sonata Review

Whether your desire is good looks, the latest in design styling, or the longest list of technologies, you’ll find the new Sonata and Sonata Hybrid have it all in 2026. The attractive interior is full of premium materials, helping this sedan punch above its price tag. Ergonomics, elegant lines, and soft touches contribute to the success of the design.

With 104 cubic feet of passenger area, spaciousness is a hallmark of this cabin. Hyundai has insulated the cabin so well that road noise is kept out. The large trunk measures 16 cubic feet, above average for the class. The designers used a square shape which makes it easier to organize than most trunks. A standard across the trim levels, a split-fold rear seat offers versatility.

The trim ladder offers the well-equipped budget model, a remarkable sporty edition, and an almost luxury-level sedan for every kind of Phoenix driver in 2026. The SE has extensive dash technologies and driver assistance aids. The SEL trim has a power chair for the driver, automatic climate controls for both front positions, and dual heated seats. It has push button start and a hands-free trunk lid. The SEL has handsome suede-and-leather upholstery and a panoramic sunroof. Among its many features, you’ll find the dual digital screens, the Digital Key, wireless charger, and the Bose audio system. The Limited is like a luxury car with its genuine leather seats, dual power chairs with ventilation, and advanced driver assistance.

Sonata Hybrid Trim Levels start with the Blue, which is similar to the SE with a few more features. The Hybrid SEL is similar to the SEL Plus. With its leather-clad cabin, the Sonata Hybrid Limited is similar to the regular Limited. In addition, it offers a solar roof to power the car’s accessories.

When it comes to a sporty ride that’s fun to drive in Phoenix, that’s the 2026 Hyundai Sonata N Line trim level. It has a turbo four that generates an incredible 290 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque. Selectable driving modes and special paddle shifters are part of the eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. The racy feeling is assisted by a suspension and steering that have both been tuned for sport driving.

This model is dressed in leather and suede upholstery on the trim-specific sport seats. Color accents are red to go with the racy demeanor. High tech is front and center from the Digital Key and wireless charger to the largest touch screen and digital instrumentation. The Bose audio system provides the soundtrack for this sporty ride. For a more mysterious look, the N Line Night Edition adds blacked out detailing.

The 8-inch touch screen provides you with the Apple and Android connectivity that makes it easy to stream map apps and other important apps to your screen. Features include HD radio and Bluetooth. The 10.25-inch touch screen offers crisp graphics and an intuitive interface. The Hyundai Digital Key simplifies life in a number of ways. The Android smartphone acts as the key with settings for a remote starter.

Remote Smart Parking Assist is an exciting exclusive Hyundai feature. The driver can use a key fob to put the vehicle into straight-line parking spaces. This can be done from inside or outside of the Sonata. The family sedan is offering reverse automatic braking with its rear cross traffic alert. The Limited trim has parking sensors and a perimeter camera system.

There are several performance options. The standard 191-horsepower engine is the most affordable. The 1.6-liter turbo four offers fun on the standard SEL Plus edition. The fuel economy is 27 miles per gallon in the city and 37 miles per gallon on the highway. A turbo four engine generates 180 horsepower and 95 lb-ft of torque. Powering the Sonata N Line, the top turbo engine generates 290 horsepower, but it still manages to earn 33 mpg on the highway.

All-wheel drivetrains are part of the new generation. This provides all-weather traction for this 2026 Hyundai midsize sedan, and it even has a snow mode. As you drive, it easily utilizes fuel-saving front-wheel drive until all-wheel drive is needed.

The new Hyundai Sonata Hybrid driver commands 192 horsepower generated by an electric motor and four-cylinder engine. The transition between electric power and gas power is seamless. Regenerative braking recaptures energy, helping the driver enjoy the best power outlay mile after mile. New e-Motion Drive allows new Sonata Hybrid drivers to control when they utilize their electric power. Fuel efficiency is 50 mpg/54 mpg in city/highway driving with the Blue trim. Other trims earn 45 mpg city and 51 mpg highway. Thanks to a built-in solar panel on the roof, a Sonata Hybrid Limited can increase its electric driving range by as much as two miles per day.

To learn more about 2026 Hyundai Sonatas in Phoenix, check out this extended review.

Year after year, Hyundai Sonata Hybrids -- and their gas-powered counterparts -- have no trouble getting good safety ratings from the NHTSA. Driver assistance standards include a forward collision system with warning, autobrake, and pedestrian awareness. The lane keeping assist helps the driver keep the Sonata on the safest trajectory. With adaptive cruise control, the Sonata slows and speeds automatically.

Highway Driving Assist is available for an even more automated highway experience. The blind spot monitor can be upgraded to a camera-based system, a Hyundai system not available on many rivals. Heated side mirrors, speed sensitive wipers, and automatic high beams are among the car’s standard exterior equipment. It is no wonder the IIHS rated the 2026 Hyundai Sonata as a Top Safety Pick +.

With so much to offer, the Sonata and Sonata Hybrid are definitely some of the best sedans for the money. Are you interested? Schedule a test drive and discover how these two compare in person at Earnhardt Hyundai San Tan, your Phoenix Hyundai dealership.