2018 Hyundai Sonata Changes: 5 Best Changes for the New Generation

The recipient of a mid-model year refresh, the updated 2018 Hyundai Sonata is turning heads like never before. Already a long-time favorite in the mid-size sedan segment, these 2018 Hyundai Sonata changes are causing quite a stir. Somehow, despite some serious enhancements, the 2018 Sonata manages to stay affordable.

Between its affordability and latest industry attention, the 2018 Hyundai Sonata continues to challenge its prime rivals, like the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry.

In a recent press release, Dean Evans, chief marketing officer of Hyundai Motor America, cited the inspiration behind the Sonata’s refresh: “We fully recognize that the road of life is hectic enough already. While we can’t control what other drivers do, or change a crazy commute, we’ve done everything possible to make that daily drive more enjoyable…

The new Sonata may not shorten your commute, but it can certainly help make it sweeter.”

Here, we sample the 5 sweetest changes for the new Sonata...

Safety Supports

To start with, the Hyundai Sonata is the sole sedan in the segment to provide blind spot detection and rear cross traffic alert as standard safety features. This year, the new Sonata will also include a revised lane departure warning and lane keep assistance among its standard safety equipment.

Not surprisingly, given its existing innovative safety technology and recent updates, the 2018 Hyundai Sonata received top marks of “Good” across the board from the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS), which designated it a Top Safety Pick+ The National Highway Traffic Administration (NHTSA) awarded the Sonata five out of five possible stars, overall.

Power Perks

Although the Sonata’s three engines will carry over unchanged, the optional 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, capable of 245 horsepower, is now paired to a new eight-speed automatic transmission. The result? Improved fuel efficiency and increased responsiveness.

Revised Ride Quality

In order to enhance what was already consistently experienced as a pleasant ride with precise handling, the updated Sonata now boasts a stiffer suspension, enhancing communication between car and driver. Even the steering was revisited to give drivers a more centered sense behind the wheel.

Tech Tweaks

Brand new for the Sonata, 2018 technology tweaks include a second-row USB port, enhanced Hyundai-exclusive Blue Link telematics - now available to use with Amazon Echo, and the available navigation systems now feature bird’s-eye view.

The Edge on Exteriors

The updated Sonata takes the edge on exterior design details expected from the sedan segment. Featuring a cascading style on the front grille, the Sonata now strikes a more aggressive stance. Other details include brand new wheel designs, chrome trim around the windows, and a new taillight design to match the brand new back end.

Aesthetically pleasing, but also beneficial, Hyundai replaced the old headlights, and the Sonata now benefits from LED daytime running lights, with available LED headlights to boost night vision, particular around corners, courtesy of dynamic light bending technology.

 

Hyundai made the new Sonata such a sweet sedan, we almost feel bad for the rest of the segment…almost.