2021 Hyundai Sonata Limited: The Virtual Parking Valet (Watch)

JeffCars.com Demonstrates The Hyundai Sonata Remote Park Assist Feature Being Demonstrated (Video)

Highlight: This is the first non premium vehicle offering a remote smart parking assist system.

Test Vehicle's MSRP: $35,000 (Base SE Model: $24,955)

Seating Capacity: 5

Standard Safety Features: airbags; ABS; a tire pressure monitoring system; automatic high beams; a rearview camera; a forward collision avoidance assistance  with cyclist and pedestrian protection; a lane keep assist system; a stability control system; and a traction control system

Standard Equipment (SE): 16-inch wheels; solar panels; cloth seats; manual operated front seats; a manual operated tilt/telescopic steering wheel;

Standard Equipment (Limited): 18-inch wheels; a 1.6-liter gas turbo engine; 180-horsepower; shifters; paddle a rear traffic collision avoidance assist system; a parking collision avoidance assist-rear; a 360-degree camera; a remote smart park assist and blind view monitor; leather seats; power front seats with integrated memory for driver’s seat; heated and ventilated front seats; an electronic parking brake with an automatic hold feature; a panoramic sunroof; heated side mirrors with turn signal indicator; a radar activated cruise control system; a digital key; a 12-speaker Bose audio system with SiriusXM; a 10-inch infotainment screen; a navigation system;

Options: carpeted floor mats

Other Trim Levels:

SEL

N-Line

Standard Audio On Test Vehicle: a 6-speaker AM/FM/HD audio system

Bluetooth Connectivity: Standard

USB Connectivity: Standard

Apple/Android Connectivity: Standard

Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty: 5 years or 60,000 miles

Powertrain Warranty: 10 years or 100,000 miles

Standard Engine/Horsepower: 2.5-liter GDI, 4-cylinder engine/191-hp

Recommended Fuel: Regular

Standard Fuel Mileage: 28-city/38-hwy

What’s New: The seven-generation Sonata went through a major overall during the 2020 model year. For the 2021 model year, a new more performance-like N Line has been added to the midsize vehicle’s portfolio. This vehicle produces 290-horsepower.

Pros:

·        A premium exterior design and colors

·        Easy-to-use infotainment system

·        A roomy five-seater

·        Best warranty in segment

T    N-Line model produces 290-horsepower

·        An affordable and well-equipped value package

·        Great road vehicle

·        An optional remote park assist system

·        Available as a hybrid

·        Ability to use a smartphone to remotely control several operations of the vehicle

·        Wireless in-vehicle charger

      Solar panel roof

      Optional panoramic sunroof

But: 

·        Oval shaped fascia is reminiscent of the discontinued Chrysler Concord

T   A more premium interior should be offered

·        No AWD available like its twin the Kia K5

·        No plug-in/electrified model

·        Push button gear shifter and electric brake release requires a skillset to have both released at the same time

Verdict: While the new vehicle market has steered away from cars to SUVs, crossovers and trucks, the restyled Sonata has managed to remain relevant in this segment, as a result of offering consumers a premium looking value packed family sedan. The seventh-generation Sonata, which was restyled during the 2020 model year, is available in both a gasoline and hybrid powertrain, using a 4-cylinder engine. New for this year, the engineering team added a N-Line model, which stiffens the steering and suspension all while pushing out 290-horsepower.

The Sonata is a twin to Kia's K5, which was formerly known as the Optima.

Competition: Chevrolet Malibu; Honda Accord; Kia K5; Mazda6; Nissan Altima; Toyota Camry; and Subaru Legacy