When it comes to choosing your all-new Sonata, you'll be faced with 3 powertrain choices. So how do you decide which one is right for you? I've already driven the 2.4 and 2.0T engines and now I complete the trifecta with a week in the gas sipping Sonata Eco. Sandwiched smackdab in the middle of the new Sonata lineup sits the Eco. Now depending on which of the 6 models tickles your fancy, your combined gas mileage may be 25, 26, 28, 29, or like here, 32mpg; quite unusual to see such a trim-specific spread in a car that always has a 4-cylinder engine. The Eco makes its way with the smallest Sonata engine – a 1.6-liter turbo. It’s also the only Sonata – and only midsize sedan for that matter – to utilize a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. If you’re not familiar with the term dual clutch or direct shift as you’ll hear it called, it’s a type of transmission that shifts automatically without the need for a clutch pedal but that is based on manual transmission principals… a blending of the two technologies, if you will. The key benefit is improved fuel economy. The key detraction can be a transmission that feels odd to the driver.To those in the know, these powertrain components may seem familiar as Hyundai employs the same engine in the Veloster Turbo – though tuned for more horsepower – and a 6-speed version of the DCT transmission in the non-turbo Veloster. So they both come to the Sonata with some experience but this is their first dance together. And as if often the case with initial meetings, things can be a little awkward. The Sonata is a fantastic car – big, smooth, comfortable and loaded with intuitive tech – it’s matured into the family sedan Hyundai always knew it could be, selling over 200,000 units annually. My favorite is the Sonata Sport 2.0T though that’s not the range-topper; that title belongs to the Limited 2.0T. That 245-horsepower motor and 6-speed auto hits the sweet spot. But for the efficiency minded, the 178-horsepower Eco returns 28mpg city/38mpg highway according to the EPA so compared to the 2.0T, this car manages to consume about 20% less gas which could save you about $250 per year at the pump. It also extends the driving range to almost 600 miles on a single tank.Here's the thing about the Sonata Eco - unless you're driving in Sport mode it feels completely lifeless. To those who don't mind sedate driving, the extra 3 mpg the Eco buys you just might be worth it but if you have even a modicum of hustle in your driving style you'd better turn your attention to one of the other 2 models. Normal and Eco modes are almost indistinguishable, but it’s Sport mode that truly delivers on normal. There are times, like merging into traffic for instance, where you press the gas and nothing happens – to the point where you seriously question your decision to go for it. And though mostly smooth shifting, the DCT sometimes behaves in ways that’ll have owners wondering if something’s wrong. In cold temps on winter blend, I averaged about 28mpg. But the sacrifice in drivability is too steep for me. Now as it pertains to everything else, the Sonata continues to be a stand-out. The cabin is brilliantly simple with a huge backseat and, thanks to the optional tech package – the only add-on available for the Eco model – delivers comprehensive, fun and easy to use electronics. At $4,100 it’s not cheap, but it includes the complete pantry of step-up items for safety, luxury and convenience including special items like the hands-free smart trunk opener and the exceptional infotainment unit with great features like SoundHound, taking the guess work out of “who sings that?” Priced from $24,085 and like this for $28,560, the Sonata Eco is the one Sonata I’d take a pass on. The Sonata Eco is priced from $24,085 and sits like this for $28,560.

My first evaluation of the all new Hyundai Sonata came courtesy of a range topping, fully-loaded 2.0T Sport and I came away very impressed with the car’s maturation. So now it's time to see how forgoing the turbo and fancy amenities play in this bread and butter 2015 Sonata Sport.This Sport 2.0T Ultimate is as high as you can go in the Sonata lineup and it’s quite the car, but it stickers for over $34,000. This here is the step up from the base Sonata SE also called the Sport but you’ll notice there’s no alphanumeric badge following it. It’s the volume model and comes fitted with a revised 2.4-liter 4-cylinder, trading in some power in order to hold the line on gas mileage; now making 185 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque – still working through a 6-speed automatic and returning 24mpg city/35mpg highway despite its increase in passenger volume and thus weight. The Sonata is classified as a large car and comes with a sizeable 16 cubic-foot trunk and greater rear seat room. As is often typical in the car world, the Sport moniker usually means something other than what you’re thinking and that’s as true here as it’s ever been. Sport models do receive a more athletic appearance via a specific front grille, bumper, rocker panels and chrome molding but this car wants nothing to do with sporty driving. Instead, it offers the plushest ride in the segment and a luxury-level quietness which together foster a comfy, sleepy cabin perfect for napping kids in the backseat on long trips. The engine provides just the right amount of power but no more to keep the Sonata from feeling overburdened, though you’ll definitely want to step up to the turbo if you have even a modicum of raciness in you. There are selectable driving modes including ECO and Sport but this is the kind of car that has been perfectly mainstreamed – both in its new, more refined appearance and in its completely inoffensive drivability. Some will call it mature others dull – just don’t let the word Sport fool you.Gray cloth seats greet passengers in a cabin free of distraction. Higher quality materials match this Sonata’s added refinement while the 5” color touchscreen which anchors the center stack houses the backup cam and music functions. Bluetooth for phone and audio is standard and Hyundai provides easy-to-access plug-in points.There are heated front seats and a power driver’s seat along with auto headlights. And for you music lovers, this 6-speaker audio system is one of the best standard setups I’ve heard.Though there's no hard disk navigation system in this model without opting for the tech package it does come standard with s complimentary trial of Blue Link which provides driving directions and other telematics based features. The base Connected Care package with emergency assistance comes free for 1 year while the Guidance package powered by Google adds navi functionality. Each is priced at $99 annually.The only option on my tester is carpeted floor mats, leading to an as-tested MSRP of $24,110. That’s about $10,000 less than the loaded Sport 2.0T giving Sonata shoppers a wide range in both price and personality from which to choose.

Who has the highest brand loyalty in the biz? That’d be none other than Hyundai which makes the success of this next generation Sonata even more crucial in preserving that hard earned title and to keep their customers coming back.
When a car buyer visits a Hyundai showroom, 6 out of 10 times they drive off in either an Elantra or a Sonata and it’s this car which has become the brand ambassador. It debuted in 1998 but really took off in 2010 when Hyundai introduced its fluidic sculpture design which put the rest of the midsize segment on high alert. And after 4 highly successful model years, it’s time to reboot the Sonata for 2015 featuring a more restrained fluidic sculpture 2.0, a sharper focus on vehicle dynamics and Hyundai’s signature class-above level of amenities.
An overhaul of the trim levels and a brand new powertrain smartly address an even broader audience. Shoppers desiring a more conservative outward appearance will appreciate the non-Sport models while those with a racier heartbeat will flock here. The newly named Sonata Sport is available with either the bread and butter 2.4-liter engine or with the performance oriented 2.0-liter turbo as I have here. Both receive numerous enhancements directed at improving efficiency as well as responsiveness. Slotted where a V6 might be offered by the competition, this twin-scroll turbo-4 now makes 245 horsepower and 260 pounds-feet of torque – both of those numbers are down from the 2014 model yet the engine modifications result in a more urgent feeling takeoff and a 2mpg improvement in around the town mileage, now rated at 23mpg city/32mpg highway. The 6-speed automatic with paddle shifters remains.
The biggest nick against the previous car’s drivability was in its artificial, disconnected steering. That issue has been successfully addressed in this Sonata and in particular in Sport models by strengthening key components, adding a faster processor and calibrating it for a much more enjoyable and organic feel.
During this one day media introduction, my drive time in the Sonata Sport 2.0T revealed a car that has truly honed its craft. Not only is the steering significantly improved, but the body’s increased rigidity and new and improved suspension produce a Sonata that drives more precisely, arbitrates the balance between ride and handling with greater astuteness and does so with a heightened sense of luxury and quietness. This Sport model also contributes larger brakes, its own unique motor driven steering setup, a rear diffuser and quad exhaust, while inside there’re sport bolsters for the front seats, mechanical gauges, a flat-bottomed steering wheel, unique shifter, aluminum pedals and special trim. Drive modes consist of Eco, normal and Sport.
Who doesn’t want more rear legroom in their family sedan? This Sonata has actually grown out of its midsize classification into a full-blown large car with its bigger back seat while maintaining its supersized trunk.
The new Sonata is longer, wider, taller and heavier than the outgoing car. A reimagining of the interior is another area where the Sonata takes a big leap forward with a new center stack layout, simplified controls and of course, lots of new features all executed with greater quality. The $4,950 Ultimate Package added to my tester invites the full arsenal of Hyundai’s latest driver assistance features like forward collision warning, smart cruise control and rear parking assist in addition to a plethora of luxury-level features and the latest generation navi system with advanced features like Apple Car Play and Google’s Android Auto. Blue Link Connected Care – an OnStar-like emergency assistance service over a 3G connection - is also included free for 1 year while more in depth packages cost $99 annually.
A base Sonata SE stickers for $21,960 while this Venetian Red Sport 2.0T Ultimate carries an MSRP of $34,335. With a price advantage over its competitors, a better model mix and new layers of refinement the 2015 Sonata will continue to gobble up market share.