I love these reviews! The size comparison chart ruler is golden. But now you put in the side menu to skip to parts, wow, never seen that before in a car review. Very good thinking!
It's interesting that according to the official specs, the Accord has an inch less rear headroom than this Sonata, but in the real world, the Accord has more headroom. Being able to learn facts like these is a reason why I like your detailed reviews.
I had the 2008 sonata. I totally agree with you that the last generation was cartoonish and this one is more elegant and restrained. I also agree that this should age better.
I have a powershift ford, and I can't even tell you how many times I have been asked "Whats wrong with your car?" or had it jerk and shudder crazily while pulling away at a stop light. I can't wait to get rid of it.
Totally agree! Bought my wife the 2015 sport 2.0t in pearl white and it looks amazing. One thing I like better about this design over the previous is that it looks more grown up. (IMO)
+Tony Lester Forgot to test this out at my recent 16 Hyundai Tucson test drive: Can you please let me know if nav operation by hand works while the car is in motion? Very useful for the front passenger while the driver is in operation of the car. Thanks.
Alex, amazingly detailed review as always. I'm not sure if you are testing a different format out but I find I prefer the previous drive sections where your head shot fills just the upper left part of the video. The fuller shot in this one divides the screen into some narrower aspect ratios, especially with the menu bar taking up another section to the right. Personally looks a bit odd to me, I guess it is something to get used to if you stick with this format. Keep up the great work!
Looking to trade in my Chrysler 200 limited 2011 what will be a good car to get that not small but in my price range below 24,000 and maintenance not high
Per Edmunds...Driving Impressions Possibly the most striking characteristic of the 2015 Hyundai Sonata is the utter silence with which it goes about its business. This is a quiet car. Swallowing road irregularities with hushed damping and quiet confidence is this sedan's biggest strength. Ride quality, regardless of trim, is well-controlled but never harsh..... Also Cars.Com tested 10 2015 mid size sedans and Sonata came in first for quietness.
This is a great car. In a competition between this and the Audi A3 it's the clear winner. I bet if it were advertised as the fast, sporty (dual sway bars, 0-60 in 7 sec or less, etc) vehicle it is I bet its sales would double. Just bought one with 43k miles & it seems to be faster than brand spanking new models that haven't been broken in yet. The only issue is the so-called "premium audio". My 2006 G6, with 150,000 miles, has the Monsoon premium sound system & has harder-hitting bass coming out of the speakers. I'm NOT saying I don't enjoy the sound from my 2015 Eco Dimension sound system so don't let that detur you from owning this awesome vehicle.
I don't like, "bundling" options into packages. Because some options that I don't want I have to pay for to get some of the other options that I really want. "Bundling" only saves the manufacturer big money by using, "standard work" practices (i.e. combining options that some customers want). So that the manufacturer doesn't have to custom retool for each car for options that the customer really wants to buy and not stuff that they don't want in the mix. This costs the customer more to get what he wants.
Looking at the Honda Toyota and now this car. The Honda is the most expensive given the rebates, with the Sonata being way cheaper than the other two. Also, you can get the collision alert without going to the high end package.on the Hyundai. I haven't made up my mind but am leaning towards the Camry XSE.
Very good review. I had to laugh a little bit when he said that "if you explain to your passengers that this is a dual dry clutch tramsmission, they will probably be ok with it." Haha. I think if I would try to explain it to my passengers, they would either fall asleep, or leave the car asap.
Can't help but think that the Mazda6 and 4cyl. Honda Accord can both compete with this car's mileage capabilities with no decrease in handling, different tires, etc.
Great review as always, I've really been waiting for this one. I'm always a little disappointed that you don't review the top trims of the cars. I get that you review the highest volume cars but I'm always interested in your views on the best the brands have to offer and how they compare at higher trim levels. Isn't it good for your views if you reviewed and post videos of the middle of the pack cars as well as the top trims? Or is that too much work, haha
I usually prefer top end trims actually so that I can evaluate all the options and talk about whether or not they are worth it, but the ECO trim is such a novelty for Hyundai that I had to ask for that one.
Another excellent review Alex. However, if you could change the color of the menu background, it'll be even better, because blue light is harmful to the eyes (that's why BenQ and Eizo have low-blue-light mode for their monitors). Amber, grey, and black are the least harmful to the eyes.
Alex, I think the new front end and profile is very generic and boring. However, I think the rear end is unique, and seems like a natural evolution over the previous model. Great review, as always. You're the man! :-)
+Alex on Autos NOTICED you stopped saying robotized manual. That's good because I don't see any robots (machines with arms) inside new cars. As an engineer I prefer the term Computer-controlled manual as it is most accurate .
I want to like this car more, especially because they use a 4 spoke steering wheel and I like the dash, but I find it to be ridiculous that they didn't package the sport model with the 7 speed DCT and would therefore not consider it until they do.
That was a very pro-Hyundai review. I may get one. What size tires and wheels would you put on the Honda Eco and what differences would you expect on the speedometer?
Still love my 2012 Optima EX Premium for its styling and performance. Did see the Optima wagon concept that will be shown at an upcoming European auto show...Maybe I'll be shopping for another new car!
It may look a bit boring compared to the very curvy and intriguing 2011 Sonata limited but it's still nice looking. I think the 2011 limited still looks best, other than the new 2018 beautiful model.
Something about that center console bugs me. The hazard light is not centered in the touchscreen and it the air vents look off center compared to the controls below them. Total deal killer for my OCD tastes.
Hey how would you compare this to the DSG TDI Golf? I'm asking because they're both supposed to be quiet, refined, efficient DCT cars that aren't super boring to drive.
Acura's is smoother because it uses dual clutches AND a torque converter which is an interesting hybrid between a traditional automatic and a dual clutch transmission. This makes the Aucura's transmission smoother but less efficient.
Alex, you mentioned cabin noise was a problem in the last generation, and it's only slightly improved in this generation. I'm a little confused since other reviews I've seen have noted how quiet the 2015 Sonata is. Is there less sound insulation in the Eco version to cut down on weight or something? Thanks,
Hi Alex. Big fan of your no nonsense reviews. I have a question regarding the 2.0T Sonata. A lot of the review sites dinged it for slow acceleration, getting a rather pedestrian 8+ seconds 0-60. However, when I took one out for a test drive it was closer to 7 seconds in my admittedly unscientific testing; and that's with my wife in the passenger seat! I've seen similar videos confirming this faster acceleration from Sonata owners online; most reported
Alex on Autos Any chance you can test the 2.0T too? I trust your tests far more than I trust those other big name review sites. For example, I find it odd that in 2015 reviewers seem to be blissfully unaware of how much their driving habits impact fuel economy often quoting numbers all over the spectrum for the very same car. The Eco, while interesting is not available in Canada and past experience has taught me that I'd rather have the top of the range model than a few more mpg; I almost always exceed the EPA quoted figures.
horndogy2k6 I'll see what I can do. I'll probably try to get one that has the new Android Auto functionality when it is available in their loaner fleet
Looking forward to it. I hope you can put to bed the discrepancy between C&D and Motortrend 0-60 times and real life ones. Those two reported 8 second 0-60 with the 2.0T!! That seems outrageously slower than the 2014 model.
Alex on Autos I think they came up with numbers on their test tracks but I could be wrong. However, the Autobytel 0-60 video on youtube here achieves a similar upper 7 second low 8 0-60 time and I am wondering how in the world they are getting these numbers? Another youtuber uploaded a video of their own car and it achieved a 6.3ish 0-60 time. This is very weird.
Phillip Bishop I think I'd get the Altima at the moment, but if the ECO version of the Sonata becomes available with the higher end options you get on the other Sonata trims, then I'd get the Hyundai.
+Alex on Autos I think you're doing fine. The tiny mistakes are understandable for me when I watch your videos. It's not easy to talk about all the technicalities without any cut on the video.
Hi Alex! Do you have any plan on reviewing the 2016 Mazda CX-5? I was really excited when the 2015 CR-V came out, but the vibration problem I've seen many consumers complained about really turn me away from buying it. The CX-5 is a nice alternative.
its boring just like the new passat and the accord... not looking for space age or cartoony but german cars used to have a lot more of a premium feel a few years ago...lately everyone has been trying to reinvent the silver vanilla...and what you got is basically an accord with different body kits across the board...its so damn boring.
This looks so generic. It could be anything. I'm not a fan of the looks AT ALL. The last one felt stylish and expensive. This one feels like a mass market product.
I loved the previous generation. It was quite the looker, especially amongst its bland competition. However, I am also the first to admit that it did not age well. The new design may not be trend-setting but is very well executed. Definitely looks a lot more up-market this time around. Sadly, that's reflected in the price; it's just not the same deal it was before. Still good value but not a steal like the last model.
+Nick Olsen IF my Sonata looks like an Accord or Camry, why buy the Hyundai? I'd sooner go with the high-reliability brands from Japan (Honda ranked #1 and Toyota ranked #2) then a lower-reliability korean car . The previous generation Sonata and Elantra at least looked distinctive. They lacked reliability but they did have the sexy looks. They appeared to be moving even when sitting in a parking lot .
I love these reviews!
The size comparison chart ruler is golden. But now you put in the side menu to skip to parts, wow, never seen that before in a car review. Very good thinking!
The eco is a sleeper car it can keep up with almost every car and is real quick for a sedan. I have one right now and it’s fun to drive
Agreed I have the 1.6 turbo in my Kia optima and I’ve kept up with v6 chargers smoked VW Passats and Cadillacs 2.0s all day !
I think that the 2015 Sonata exterior look is improved over the previous gen. I like the simplicity which to me is not boring but rather elegant.
It's interesting that according to the official specs, the Accord has an inch less rear headroom than this Sonata, but in the real world, the Accord has more headroom. Being able to learn facts like these is a reason why I like your detailed reviews.
I had the 2008 sonata. I totally agree with you that the last generation was cartoonish and this one is more elegant and restrained. I also agree that this should age better.
I have a powershift ford, and I can't even tell you how many times I have been asked "Whats wrong with your car?" or had it jerk and shudder crazily while pulling away at a stop light. I can't wait to get rid of it.
Hyundai and Kia have been kicking their styling into high gear, FINALLY.
I think this is best looking sonata yet!
Totally agree! Bought my wife the 2015 sport 2.0t in pearl white and it looks amazing. One thing I like better about this design over the previous is that it looks more grown up. (IMO)
Agreed..enjoy the new car
I love the new sonata. I have a sport 2.0T and couldn't be happier.
+Tony Lester Forgot to test this out at my recent 16 Hyundai Tucson test drive: Can you please let me know if nav operation by hand works while the car is in motion? Very useful for the front passenger while the driver is in operation of the car.
Thanks.
Sorry I don't have the nav on mine.
Alex, amazingly detailed review as always. I'm not sure if you are testing a different format out but I find I prefer the previous drive sections where your head shot fills just the upper left part of the video. The fuller shot in this one divides the screen into some narrower aspect ratios, especially with the menu bar taking up another section to the right. Personally looks a bit odd to me, I guess it is something to get used to if you stick with this format. Keep up the great work!
Thanks for the feedback, I was just playing with it and I'm not sure I like it either. Thanks for letting me know!
Any reviews regarding chevrolet malibu LTZ prem 2015?
Looking to trade in my Chrysler 200 limited 2011 what will be a good car to get that not small but in my price range below 24,000 and maintenance not high
Per Edmunds...Driving Impressions
Possibly the most striking characteristic of the 2015 Hyundai Sonata is the utter silence with which it goes about its business. This is a quiet car. Swallowing road irregularities with hushed damping and quiet confidence is this sedan's biggest strength. Ride quality, regardless of trim, is well-controlled but never harsh..... Also Cars.Com tested 10 2015 mid size sedans and Sonata came in first for quietness.
Chances are the eco model has a lot less sound-deadening materials in the interest of saving weight.
This is a great car. In a competition between this and the Audi A3 it's the clear winner. I bet if it were advertised as the fast, sporty (dual sway bars, 0-60 in 7 sec or less, etc) vehicle it is I bet its sales would double. Just bought one with 43k miles & it seems to be faster than brand spanking new models that haven't been broken in yet.
The only issue is the so-called "premium audio". My 2006 G6, with 150,000 miles, has the Monsoon premium sound system & has harder-hitting bass coming out of the speakers. I'm NOT saying I don't enjoy the sound from my 2015 Eco Dimension sound system so don't let that detur you from owning this awesome vehicle.
Does the Sonata Eco with Tech package have a sunroof??
I don't like, "bundling" options into packages. Because some options that I don't want I have to pay for to get some of the other options that I really want. "Bundling" only saves the manufacturer big money by using, "standard work" practices (i.e. combining options that some customers want). So that the manufacturer doesn't have to custom retool for each car for options that the customer really wants to buy and not stuff that they don't want in the mix. This costs the customer more to get what he wants.
Looking at the Honda Toyota and now this car.
The Honda is the most expensive given the rebates, with the Sonata being way cheaper than the other two.
Also, you can get the collision alert without going to the high end package.on the Hyundai.
I haven't made up my mind but am leaning towards the Camry XSE.
Very good review. I had to laugh a little bit when he said that "if you explain to your passengers that this is a dual dry clutch tramsmission, they will probably be ok with it." Haha. I think if I would try to explain it to my passengers, they would either fall asleep, or leave the car asap.
Awesome review as always. Was wondering if it was possible to have a camera on the gauges so we could monitor how it shifts/revs as you're driving it.
I'll see what I can do.
Note the 2016 hybrid model is coming in spring. Should be bit better than last year model: better mpg and cargo space.
great review Alex as always! lol the sun blinding everything but your eyes.
I like Passat than any other car in this segment. Good handling and smooth
Can't help but think that the Mazda6 and 4cyl. Honda Accord can both compete with this car's mileage capabilities with no decrease in handling, different tires, etc.
Great review as always, I've really been waiting for this one. I'm always a little disappointed that you don't review the top trims of the cars. I get that you review the highest volume cars but I'm always interested in your views on the best the brands have to offer and how they compare at higher trim levels. Isn't it good for your views if you reviewed and post videos of the middle of the pack cars as well as the top trims? Or is that too much work, haha
I usually prefer top end trims actually so that I can evaluate all the options and talk about whether or not they are worth it, but the ECO trim is such a novelty for Hyundai that I had to ask for that one.
That rear seat leg room is insanely huge! I think it's at least as large as the Toyota Avalon!
As usual, great review. Keep them coming!!
Another excellent review Alex.
However, if you could change the color of the menu background, it'll be even better, because blue light is harmful to the eyes (that's why BenQ and Eizo have low-blue-light mode for their monitors). Amber, grey, and black are the least harmful to the eyes.
Thanks for doing review for Eco model. I've been researching this model.
Alex, I think the new front end and profile is very generic and boring. However, I think the rear end is unique, and seems like a natural evolution over the previous model. Great review, as always. You're the man! :-)
Wont those high profile 16" tires that have more rubber between the rim and the road give a better ride on bumps?
I think the older model look design forward and better than the current.
how does a dual clutch work vs a traditional automatic? also you misspelled speed and put "sped"
You can check out this video for a more detailed explanation . ruclips.net/video/cZab3urXfko/видео.html
+Alex on Autos NOTICED you stopped saying robotized manual. That's good because I don't see any robots (machines with arms) inside new cars. As an engineer I prefer the term Computer-controlled manual as it is most accurate
.
I want to like this car more, especially because they use a 4 spoke steering wheel and I like the dash, but I find it to be ridiculous that they didn't package the sport model with the 7 speed DCT and would therefore not consider it until they do.
That was a very pro-Hyundai review. I may get one. What size tires and wheels would you put on the Honda Eco and what differences would you expect on the speedometer?
You mentioned 0-60 in just a hair over 7 seconds..is this in sport mode? sea level? gas?
In drive at approximately sea level.
Does this gen sonata eco have stiffer suspension than honda accord 13-15 gen?
Still love my 2012 Optima EX Premium for its styling and performance. Did see the Optima wagon concept that will be shown at an upcoming European auto show...Maybe I'll be shopping for another new car!
It may look a bit boring compared to the very curvy and intriguing 2011 Sonata limited but it's still nice looking. I think the 2011 limited still looks best, other than the new 2018 beautiful model.
"exclusive trunk comfort index" lol
Something about that center console bugs me. The hazard light is not centered in the touchscreen and it the air vents look off center compared to the controls below them. Total deal killer for my OCD tastes.
Hey how would you compare this to the DSG TDI Golf? I'm asking because they're both supposed to be quiet, refined, efficient DCT cars that aren't super boring to drive.
mulleygraves The Hyundai DCT is a hair more refined.
Good review, as always.
I'm purchased the 2018 Hyundai sonata eco & omg I'm changing my idea about Hyundai 😏
Is this dual clutch transmission better than Acura's?
Acura's is smoother because it uses dual clutches AND a torque converter which is an interesting hybrid between a traditional automatic and a dual clutch transmission. This makes the Aucura's transmission smoother but less efficient.
I think they swung the styling pendulum too far to the conservative side. Too vanilla for my tastes.
Love the Hyundai sonata
Alex, can you review the Volvo XC90 in the future?
Alex, if I replaced the tires with 17 inch or 18 inch wouldn't that decrease fuel efficiency? Which should I get - 17 or 18?
John Canlas The width has more of an impact than the wheel size unless the overall diameter changes drastically.
The Truth About Cars what tires would you recommend for the Eco model?
Alex, is it a complete redesign? To me it looks like a refresh of the previous model.
Yes, this is a complete redesign
Alex, you mentioned cabin noise was a problem in the last generation, and it's only slightly improved in this generation. I'm a little confused since other reviews I've seen have noted how quiet the 2015 Sonata is. Is there less sound insulation in the Eco version to cut down on weight or something?
Thanks,
I that that the competition has become quieter and that has also had an impact,.
Alex you really love your Taco Bell
Hey Alex. Can you review the Bmw 5series?
when a camry has more style you know you went to plain jane. excuse me while i take a nap.
Love you Alex!
Hi Alex. Big fan of your no nonsense reviews.
I have a question regarding the 2.0T Sonata. A lot of the review sites dinged it for slow acceleration, getting a rather pedestrian 8+ seconds 0-60. However, when I took one out for a test drive it was closer to 7 seconds in my admittedly unscientific testing; and that's with my wife in the passenger seat! I've seen similar videos confirming this faster acceleration from Sonata owners online; most reported
horndogy2k6 The Eco model we tested was just under 7 seconds.
Alex on Autos Any chance you can test the 2.0T too? I trust your tests far more than I trust those other big name review sites. For example, I find it odd that in 2015 reviewers seem to be blissfully unaware of how much their driving habits impact fuel economy often quoting numbers all over the spectrum for the very same car.
The Eco, while interesting is not available in Canada and past experience has taught me that I'd rather have the top of the range model than a few more mpg; I almost always exceed the EPA quoted figures.
horndogy2k6 I'll see what I can do. I'll probably try to get one that has the new Android Auto functionality when it is available in their loaner fleet
Thanks. Hopefully you can figure out where the discord is coming from.
Will you be doing the 2.0T? I really was looking forward to that review. Still, this Eco is a unique entry to the segment.
I hope so, but I don't have dates yet.
Looking forward to it. I hope you can put to bed the discrepancy between C&D and Motortrend 0-60 times and real life ones. Those two reported 8 second 0-60 with the 2.0T!! That seems outrageously slower than the 2014 model.
La Tempesta
Unless I am mistaken, aren't the MT and CD numbers "estimates" at this time? I put more trust in Edmund's instrumented tests myself.
Alex on Autos I think they came up with numbers on their test tracks but I could be wrong. However, the Autobytel 0-60 video on youtube here achieves a similar upper 7 second low 8 0-60 time and I am wondering how in the world they are getting these numbers?
Another youtuber uploaded a video of their own car and it achieved a 6.3ish 0-60 time. This is very weird.
La Tempesta
Sounds like I need to get my hands on one.
It's Dad's car.
The best
Alex, would you pick the Sonata or the Altima, 4 cyl.? Fantastic job, btw. I watch you even though I'm not in the market for a new car!
Phillip Bishop I think I'd get the Altima at the moment, but if the ECO version of the Sonata becomes available with the higher end options you get on the other Sonata trims, then I'd get the Hyundai.
7-sped dual clutch alex! 3:00
Yikes! It was going fast! Sigh. I wish Premiere Pro had a sanity checker.
+Alex on Autos I think you're doing fine. The tiny mistakes are understandable for me when I watch your videos. It's not easy to talk about all the technicalities without any cut on the video.
Imo the Fusion interior is trash, while the Sonata could go in the recycling bin.
I really don't think the 2.0l turbo will be faster than the camry v6 0-60
Hi Alex! Do you have any plan on reviewing the 2016 Mazda CX-5? I was really excited when the 2015 CR-V came out, but the vibration problem I've seen many consumers complained about really turn me away from buying it. The CX-5 is a nice alternative.
I do but I don't know when yet.
Too many compromises in handling and braking for a negligible improvement in mpg.
Alex on Autos How much more would it be to replace these wheels and tires?
mountainhobo
Tires you can just swap at the first tire change, wheels could be $1000 depending on what you were looking for.
Alex on Autos Will the factory wheels mount larger tires that limited model uses? Or does it require different wheels?
mountainhobo
You could probably put 215s on them, but they are too narrow for 235
Alex on Autos Thanks!
its boring just like the new passat and the accord... not looking for space age or cartoony but german cars used to have a lot more of a premium feel a few years ago...lately everyone has been trying to reinvent the silver vanilla...and what you got is basically an accord with different body kits across the board...its so damn boring.
Mark X is a way better car.
Diggin my '17 Symphony Silver Hyundai Sonota Sport :O) ~ ibb.co/Qj6sYx6
This looks so generic. It could be anything. I'm not a fan of the looks AT ALL. The last one felt stylish and expensive. This one feels like a mass market product.
The last one looked and felt cheap. This is much more of an understated beauty. If you notice, most expensive items have a simple and sharp design.
I loved the previous generation. It was quite the looker, especially amongst its bland competition. However, I am also the first to admit that it did not age well. The new design may not be trend-setting but is very well executed. Definitely looks a lot more up-market this time around. Sadly, that's reflected in the price; it's just not the same deal it was before. Still good value but not a steal like the last model.
+Nick Olsen IF my Sonata looks like an Accord or Camry, why buy the Hyundai? I'd sooner go with the high-reliability brands from Japan (Honda ranked #1 and Toyota ranked #2) then a lower-reliability korean car
.
The previous generation Sonata and Elantra at least looked distinctive. They lacked reliability but they did have the sexy looks. They appeared to be moving even when sitting in a parking lot
.
👍
Styling is a total snoozefest -- inside and out.
Please stop saying the word "transmission "
Exactly lol
Alex: how about change of pace? Tired of all the boring Asian vehicles review. How about 2015 Chevy SS sedan?