[TEST DRIVE] Hyundai Sonata gets a facelift, but is the price worth it?

Once considered the definitive family sedan in Korea, Hyundai Motor’s Sonata has been losing out in recent years to SUVs, with the car increasingly relegated to taxi service.

Hyundai Motor's latest Sonata sedans [HYUNDAI MOTOR]

GAPYEONG, Gyeonggi — Once considered the definitive family sedan in Korea, Hyundai Motor’s Sonata has been losing out in recent years to SUVs, with the car increasingly relegated to taxi service.

However, the mid-size sedan first introduced in 1985 has gotten a facelift, disproving rumors of its imminent discontinuation, with a completely different look and highly advanced features.

Some 9.3 million Sonata sedans have been sold globally as of last year. Its popularity, however, started to wane in 2019 and rumors swirled that Hyundai had decided to pull the plug on the model.

The latest Sonata may be the last gasoline-powered Sonata in its 38-year history, as Hyundai Motor pushes toward electrification.

Hyundai Motor’s partially revamped Sonata sedan [HYUNDAI MOTOR]

The Korea JoongAng Daily recently got behind the wheel of the 1.6-liter turbocharged gasoline-powered Sonata on a 100-kilometer (62-mile) drive from Hanam to Gapyeong, both in Gyeonggi, and took a 2.5-liter high-performance N model on the way back.

Exterior-wise, the new Sonata in no way resembles its former self. The bigger parametric jewel grille and Hyundai’s new signature seamless horizon lamp, the so-called unibrow design, give it a totally different look that resembles the latest Grandeur sedan.

The length has been increased by 10 millimeters (0.4 inches) while the height decreased by 30 millimeters. The sloping roofline is reminiscent of a sporty fastback.

Taking the wheel, the panoramic curved display stood out. Connected to a 12.3-inch display screen, it gives the car a simple, sleek look. It is the first Hyundai to have such a design.

Hyundai also dropped its logo on the steering wheel, giving it a polished look.

The interior of the new Sonata sedan [HYUNDAI MOTOR]

The gear knob has been moved to an electronic shift column on the right side of the steering wheel, and a wireless smartphone charger takes its place.

A notable feature of the car is the many entertainment services offered. The infotainment system not only offers basic services like weather and temperature but also real-time sports scores in Korea and overseas.

The back seats can be folded down, and although it is a sedan, there's enough space for at least three golf bags.

An advanced driving assistant system includes a lane-following assistant, forward collision-avoidance assist, and intelligent speed limit assist, which notifies the driver of speed limits on unfamiliar roads.

The rear of the new Sonata sedan [HYUNDAI MOTOR]

When pushing the blinker upwards for the right-turn signal on highways, the car automatically changed the lane.

The heads-up display was particularly helpful, with almost all essential information available including speed and navigation. It also shows nearby cars through graphics just like Tesla's cars, which prevents possible accidents.

Driving was soft but light, but the motor noise was quite recognizable. The 1.6-liter model generates a maximum of 180 horsepower and 27 kilogram-meters of torque.

For more dynamic driving, people should consider the Sonata N version. The N brand is Hyundai Motor’s high-performance line, targeting the same market as Mercedes-Benz’s AMG and BMW’s M lines.

Pressing the accelerator, the aggressive purr of the engine made this reporter feel like she was driving a sports car.

Even when driving over 140 kilometers per hour, the writer felt perfectly safe. Cornering was easy and soft.

The high-performance model boasts up to 290 horsepower, with 43 kilogram-meters of torque.

However, price-wise, the Sonata N is less competitive, going against many alternatives with cheaper sticker prices.

While the previous Sonata was a cost-effective option, the new Sonata offers more luxurious features and a sporty side but requires a bit more cash.

The sticker price of the Sonata sedan starts from 27.9 million won ($21,000), which is around 4 million won more expensive than Kia’s K5, the same-sized model in the market.

The Sonata N begins from 38.9 million won.

For that price, Hyundai's Grandeur sedan is an option.

For anyone who wants high-performance features, the Avante N is also an option, which is around 6 million won cheaper than the Sonata N.

Hyundai Motor’s latest Sonata sedans on the road [HYUNDAI MOTOR]

BY SARAH CHEA [chea.sarah@joongang.co.kr]