2012 Hyundai Sonata vs. Its Competition

2012 Hyundai Sonata 4-door Sedan 2.4L Auto Limited Side Exterior View

Meta Rating 8.6 out of 10

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Jan 19, 2012

The Sonata's dramatic styling and three-pronged attack on the mid-size market have worked.

It's now one of the sales leaders and TCC's Best Car To Buy for 2011.

It still competes in a very tough segment with two of the best selling passenger cars, the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord.

The Accord remains very much a Honda in driving feel, even though it's quite a large vehicle now; the Camry's revamped this year for better economy, but the proto-Ford looks and spotty interior neither advance its case or cost it points.

Ford's Fusion and the Mazda6 share some DNA, and both are fun to drive, with excellent road manners making up some for slightly smaller rear-seat space; both have excellent reliability records as well, and the Fusion's Hybrid edition is a gas-mileage leader.

Then there's the Kia Optima: on the spec sheet it's almost identical to the Sonata, but its sleeker styling and slightly beefier handling make it an interesting direct competitor for the Sonata.

2012 Hyundai Sonata Get FREE Price Quote	2012 Ford Fusion Get FREE Price Quote	2012 Honda Accord Sedan Get FREE Price Quote	2012 Kia Optima Get FREE Price Quote	2012 Mazda MAZDA6 Get FREE Price Quote	2012 Toyota Camry Get FREE Price Quote
Quick Specs
Meta Rating
8.6 After more than a decade on the market, the latest Hyundai Sonata's an overnight success--thanks to great gas mileage, grabby styling, and exceptional value for the dollar.	8.2 The 2012 Ford Fusion stays at the top of its game, especially as a Hybrid, with perky handling and its cut-above looks.	8.2 Though the 2012 Honda Accord now has one of the more dated four-door sedan designs--and Bluetooth connectivity remains hard to get--its comfortable interior and perky, refined performance hit the sweet spot for families.	8.6 The basics don't have to be boring: the 2012 Kia Optima evades design and driving boredom with suave looks, good performance and great gas mileage and features.	8.2 The 2012 Mazda6 is just as comfortable, practical, and refined as most other mid-size sedans, but it's a little more enjoyable to drive.	8 The redesigned 2012 Toyota Camry remains the most conservative-looking pick among mid-size sedans, but if you want comfort, value, and frugality above all else, it's probably just your style.
MSRP From
$19,795	$20,705	$21,480	$19,500	$20,480	$22,055
Gas Mileage
22 MPG City / 39 MPG Hwy	17 MPG City / 36 MPG Hwy	20 MPG City / 34 MPG Hwy	22 MPG City / 39 MPG Hwy	18 MPG City / 31 MPG Hwy	21 MPG City / 35 MPG Hwy
Engine
Gas I4	Gas I4	Gas I4	Gas I4	Gas I4	Gas I4
EPA Class
Large Cars	Mid-Size Sedan	Large	Midsize Cars	Midsize	Midsize Car
Style Name
4dr Sedan 2.4L Man GLS	4dr Sedan S FWD	4dr I4 Man LX	4dr Sedan 2.4L Man LX	4dr Sedan Man i Sport	4dr Sedan I4 Auto L (Natl)
Drivetrain
Front Wheel Drive	Front Wheel Drive	Front Wheel Drive	Front Wheel Drive	Front Wheel Drive	Front Wheel Drive
Passenger Capacity
5	5	5	5	5	5
Passenger Doors
N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Body Style
4 Door Sedan	4 Door Sedan	4 Door Sedan	Sedan	4 Door Sedan	4 Door Sedan
Transmission
Manual	Manual	Manual	Manual	Manual w/OD	Automatic w/Manual Shift