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2009 Hyundai Sonata Features Review

May 22, 2009

FEATURES | 8 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

All trims get a CD/MP3 audio system with XM Satellite Radio
Cars.com

impressive equipment list
Kelley Blue Book

Since the Sonata is already fairly well equipped, options are few
Car and Driver

The 2009 Hyundai Sonata offers a great deal in terms of standard features.

Experts at TheCarConnection.com find the list of standard equipment to be impressive, as does Kelley Blue Book, which calls it "one of the Sonata's key selling points...the base Sonata features a sophisticated 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine mated to a five-speed manual transmission, air conditioning, AM/FM/CD/MP3 sound system, cruise control, keyless entry, power windows and door locks, heated power side mirrors and leather-wrapped tilt steering wheel." For 2009 this list includes “USB, AUX and iPod inputs for the audio system,” MyRide.com reports. The SE adds “alloy wheels, power driver’s seat, steering-wheel audio controls and leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob,” while the Limiteds “get pretty much everything available: standard leather seats with heated fronts, more chrome outside, automatic climate control inside, and a sunroof.”

Car and Driver notes that since the Sonata "is already fairly well equipped, options are few." Options are grouped into packages, according to Automotive.com: "The Popular Equipment Package adds automatic headlights, chrome window belt moldings, upgraded interior accents, power driver seat with adjustable lumbar support, steering wheel audio controls and a trip computer,” while the Premium Package “adds an Infinity AM/FM/XM/6CD/MP3 audio system with six speakers, subwoofer and component amplifier; power tilt-and-slide sunroof; and an electrochromic auto-dimming rear view mirror with HomeLink and a compass.”

For 2009 the Sonata adds an optional navigation system with voice control. MyRide.com reports the nav system “offers up a sharp but slightly small screen, and we found it easy enough to use during our short time with the car.” Even better, CNET proclaims, is the new voice command system: it “really floored us…It doesn't take much time with the onscreen help to figure out some useful commands. It also recognized our spoken commands with good accuracy, working just as well as the system we've used extensively in the Honda Civic.” CNET is disappointed that their Sonata “doesn't have Bluetooth cell phone integration as an option, especially as a hands-free law is about to come into effect in California,” but noted “Kia and Hyundai models will be getting a Microsoft system similar to the Ford Sync.” A vehicle tested by TheCarConnection.com sported a headliner-mounted Bluetooth speaker, a late running change for the 2009 model year.

Conclusion

The 2009 Hyundai Sonata base model has enough features to satisfy most drivers, now that Bluetooth’s arrived.

FEATURES | 8 out of 10Expert Quotes:All trims get a CD/MP3 audio system with XM Satellite RadioCars.comimpressive equipment listKelley Blue BookSince the Sonata is already fairly well equipped, options are fewCar and Driver The 2009 Hyundai Sonata offers a great deal in terms of standard features. Experts at TheCarConnection.com find the list of standard equipment to be impressive, as does Kelley Blue Book, which calls it "one of the Sonata's key selling points...the base Sonata features a sophisticated 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine mated to a five-speed manual transmission, air conditioning, AM/FM/CD/MP3 sound system, cruise control, keyless entry, power windows and door locks, heated power side mirrors and leather-wrapped tilt steering wheel." For 2009 this list includes “USB, AUX and iPod inputs for the audio system,” MyRide.com reports. The SE adds “alloy wheels, power driver’s seat, steering-wheel audio controls and leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob,” while the Limiteds “get pretty much everything available: standard leather seats with heated fronts, more chrome outside, automatic climate control inside, and a sunroof.” Car and Driver notes that since the Sonata "is already fairly well equipped, options are few." Options are grouped into packages, according to Automotive.com: "The Popular Equipment Package adds automatic headlights, chrome window belt moldings, upgraded interior accents, power driver seat with adjustable lumbar support, steering wheel audio controls and a trip computer,” while the Premium Package “adds an Infinity AM/FM/XM/6CD/MP3 audio system with six speakers, subwoofer and component amplifier; power tilt-and-slide sunroof; and an electrochromic auto-dimming rear view mirror with HomeLink and a compass.” For 2009 the Sonata adds an optional navigation system with voice control. MyRide.com reports the nav system “offers up a sharp but slightly small screen, and we found it easy enough to use during our short time with the car.” Even better, CNET proclaims, is the new voice command system: it “really floored us…It doesn't take much time with the onscreen help to figure out some useful commands. It also recognized our spoken commands with good accuracy, working just as well as the system we've used extensively in the Honda Civic.” CNET is disappointed that their Sonata “doesn't have Bluetooth cell phone integration as an option, especially as a hands-free law is about to come into effect in California,” but noted “Kia and Hyundai models will be getting a Microsoft system similar to the Ford Sync.” A vehicle tested by TheCarConnection.com sported a headliner-mounted Bluetooth speaker, a late running change for the 2009 model year. ConclusionThe 2009 Hyundai Sonata base model has enough features to satisfy most drivers, now that Bluetooth’s arrived. 2009 HYUNDAI SONATA STYLING | [8 out of 10] Automotive.com: "the Hyundai Sonata remains refreshingly clean and spare" LeftLaneNews: “revamped interior moves Hyundai upward into premium territory” MyRide.com: interior “looks a lot like the Veracruz” The 2009 Hyundai Sonata is ...

Read More of this Review:

  1. styling
  2. performance
  3. quality
  4. safety
  5. features

Other Choices:

The true competition for the 2009 Hyundai Sonata is the large four-door sedan with less emphasis on road manners and more emphasis on comfort. The Toyota Camry and Honda Accord have long dominated this niche, though the Camry’s reliability has slipped by some reports and the Accord’s styling has ventured off on a slightly odd tangent. The Nissan Altima’s an exceptional large sedan, with quick steering and slick styling, but a less useful trunk and like all but the Accord, less room overall than the Sonata. The Chevrolet Malibu scores like the Sonata in room and style, and like the Camry and Altima, it comes in hybrid trim too (covered in separate reviews).

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See the Hyundai Sonata in Other Years:

2011 | 2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001 | 2000 | 1999 | 1998 | 1997

Comments (2 total)

  1. By  Keith Ainsley #1, Posted: 8/1/2009

    I looked at Honda and went with a 2009 Sonata GLS. I feel I was getting a better car for my money. The car seems to keep out road noise better and really all the Honda sales rep could say "It's a Honda." With cash rebates and warranties I feel I did better with this car.
    I got sunroof, Bluetooh, iPod connect, etc. Unlike my Chevy Cobalt everything seems to fit like it should.
    My first foreign car. My last General Motors vehicle. I hate to say that but I want value for my money. GM just doesn't have anything for me anymore and probably never will.

  2. By David K #2, Posted: 8/2/2009

    I too have a 2009 GLS Sonata. Prior to that I had the 2006 GL Sonata (car wreck ended the 3 1/2 year journey together) and I also traded my dreaded Cobalt in for it. The Sonata has easily been the best car I have ever owned. I love what you get for the money, and the new inteior is wayyy better. It is a combination of the reliability experience and the updates that made me go with another Sonata. You honestly cannot go wrong with this car. I was just in a 2009 Accord for a week on vacation and I really was not impressed. The Sonata isn't as agile but I'll take the more comfortable ride over bumps. Definitely seemed a little quieter than the Accord in some aspects as well. The Accord is also half a foot longer, the Sonata has just as much leg room without adding more of a hassle for parallel parking. Highly Recommended vehicle for the practical minds out there.

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