2010 Hyundai Sonata: High End Luxury, Low End Price

2010 marks 25 years of production of the Hyundai Sonata, and it seems that now the automaker is really starting to hit it’s niche in the automobile market. Previously considered as a low end, economy vehicle manufacturer, Hyundai has stepped up the quality of their vehicles significantly in the last few years.

The vehicle’s exterior is relatively plain, with slightly angled headlights up front and available 17″ wheels providing the only real styling queues to the vehicle. It’s look is easily compared to previous generations of Toyotas and Hondas.

The real showstopper for the 2010 Hyundai Sonata is the interior. At the high end, the wood grain and leather interior is reminiscent of vehicles in the forty to fifty thousand dollar range. The console is clean, with available in-dash navigation providing a cockpit view one might expect out of a BMW or Acura. And priced at only $26,550, that makes the Sonata a great choice for customers looking for a posh grocery-getter.

The 2010 Hyundai Sonata comes loaded with standard features that other automakers charge extra for. Anti-lock four wheel disc brakes with ABS and electronic brake management are standard. Cruise control, traction control, stability control, and power, heated mirrors – all standard.

Engine choices are a 2.4L 4 cylinder producing a very average 175 hp at 6000 rpm, or a 3.3L V6 producing a heftier 249 hp at 6000 rpm. Both engines are mated to a 5-speed automatic transmission. The 4 cylinder nets 21 mpg in town and 32 mpg on the highway while the V6 is slightly less at 19/29 mpg.

For the worst-case scenario the Sonata is equipped with dual-stage front-seat airbags, side impact airbags, and full side-curtain airbags.

The 2010 Hyundai Sonata is backed by a 10 year, 100000 mile power train warranty, and 5 year, 60,000 mile bumper to bumper coverage. That’s some of the best coverage in the industry.