Hyundai Sonata Model Years and History

For 2026, the Sonata receives an updated trim lineup, while the Sonata Hybrid introduces a new base-level Blue Hybrid trim; otherwise, both models carry over with minimal changes.

The Sonata gets an updated trim lineup but otherwise carries over with minimal changes while the Sonata Hybrid rolls with the same trim lineup.

The Sonata gets a refreshed exterior, a new all-wheel drive trim and a bigger touchscreen for 2024.

The Sonata carries over with minimal changes for 2023, while the N Line Night Edition was removed from the lineup.

The Sonata carries over with minimal changes for 2022, an N Line Night Edition was added to the lineup, the SEL Plus trim adds navigation, a sunroof and upgraded radio as standard equipment and a remote parking assist system was added to the Limited trim on the Hybrid Sonata.

The Sonata carries the redesign from previous year. A few changes for the 2021 model are standard safe-exist warning on all trims except for the SE, height adjustable passenger seat in the SE and SEL, and 6-way power passenger seat in the limited trim. The biggest news for the Sonata 2021 is the sporty version N Line.

Hyundai has completely redesigned the Sonata for 2020. The car showcases Hyundai's bold new styling direction with a bigger, more aggressive grille and a curvier rear end that gives the mid-sized sedan a coupe-like presence. While past Sonatas have had somewhat subdued styling, the new design is bold and extroverted. The mission of the Sonata remains unchanged however, where it provides plenty of space and comfort, combined with build quality and a base price that is lower than many of its competitors.

The Hyundai Sonata sees no major changes for 2019.

In 2018 the Hyundai Sonata gets updates to the suspension and steering aimed at improving the quality and feel of the ride. It was restyled inside and out and all models now come standard with blind-spot detection, rear cross-traffic alert and lane change assist. On the 2.0T models, a new 8-speed automatic transmission replaces the previous 6-speed.

The Hyundai Sonata remains mostly unchanged for 2017. Some of the option packages have been streamlined a little for this year, but the biggest new additions are to the headlights on the Limited trim. Sonata Limited's now feature an optional dynamic bending light system, which will swivel the headlights to help see around corners, increasing nighttime safety. The Headlights also have an auto-dimming feature, so drivers won't forget to dim their lights when approaching oncoming traffic with their high-beams on.

The Hyundai Sonata was completely redesigned for 2015. For 2016, changes include a slightly revised suspension, which incorporates more lightweight aluminum components. A new 7-inch color touchscreen infotainment system incorporates Android Auto smartphone capabilities, with Apple CarPlay coming later in the model year, and is standard on all but the Limited 2.0T trim. The forward collision warning system of the Limited 2.0T now includes automatic emergency braking.

The Hyundai Sonata is all new for 2015, Hyundai having given the car a total redesign. The most obvious change is to the exterior, where Hyundai's designers have managed to make the new car look even cleaner and more refined. However less obvious is the new interior, which will likely make the biggest difference in driver and passenger satisfaction. The new interior is cavernous for a car of its size, offering more space than just about any of its rivals.

Hyundai has given the Sonata a significant refresh for 2014. On the outside, the Sonata gets a set of minor enhancements, like a new grille design that flows smoothly into the rest of the design and better matches that of other recent new Hyundai models. Optional HID headlamps and LED taillights complete the updated look, along with new alloy wheel designs. Inside, the Sonata gets more sound-deadening material throughout the model line. A driver's blind-spot mirror is newly optional on GLS models, while a blind-spot detection system is a new option on SE models and standard on the Limited. Inside, SE and Limited trims of the 2014 Sonata get a newly optional infotainment and navigation system with an 8-inch touch screen, while the standard system on those models is a 4.3-inch touch screen system with rearview camera display and HD Radio. All versions of the 2014 Hyundai Sonata get a new Driver Selectable Steering Mode, with three different levels of boost, while SE versions now include a sport exhaust system. SE versions also get a new body-colored spoiler, while both SE and Limited versions now include a leather steering wheel and fully automatic climate control. The Sonata Hybrid also returns for 2014, similarly equipped to last year's Sonata GLS and includes revisions to the powertrain to further improve fuel economy.

Following a thorough redesign in 2011, the 2013 Hyundai Sonata carries over relatively unchanged. More features are now available on the base model, and all versions come equipped with a 6-speed automatic as the only transmission option. SE models now feature heated front seats. Limited models no longer include a panoramic sunroof--instead, a regular sunroof has been fitted. The panoramic version is now available as part of Limited Premium Package.

Following a thorough redesign in 2011, the 2012 Hyundai Sonata carries over relatively unchanged.

Hyundai's mid-size Sonata sedan has been completely redesigned for 2011. The new model bears very little resemblance to the previous model and is quite a bit larger, though it hasn't become any heavier. It's also much more fuel-efficient than last year and has a more powerful base engine. Safety has been improved, as has the Sonata's standard-feature list, while a new-generation entertainment and navigation systems bring Hyundai's mid-size sedan up to the front of the pack for technophiles on a budget.

The Sonata saw only a few upgrades in the past couple of model years, and 2010 is no different. As a concession to gas prices and demand for more fuel-efficient cars, Hyundai has dropped the V6 engine from the GLS trim level; the SE and Limited are still available with either a 4-cylinder or 6-cylinder engine. The interior received a thorough revamp in 2009, with nicer materials and a "flow-through" center console.

Hyundai's Sonata receives a mild facelift for 2009, with more changes in both the cabin and the engine bay. The front end has been revised and now features a classier look with a more upscale grille and larger headlight treatment. Inside, both 3.5 mm and USB auxiliary jacks are new, the door trim has been revised, and the console wears a new design. The front seat heaters now have a high-low setting, and a power sunroof and dual climate control have been added as standard features to the Limited. A touch-screen navigation system is a new option. Both of the Sonata's engines are more powerful as well. The 2.4L four-cylinder is up from 162 horsepower to 175 horsepower, while the 3.3L V6 goes from 234 horsepower to 249 horsepower. Variable induction and variable timing on the intake system are new to the base engine, while the V6 also gets a variable intake system.

Hyundai has dropped the price of the Sonata GLS V6 model by $450 for 2008, and made the more frugal four-cylinder engine available with all trim levels. The sporty SE model gets new performance tires and a rear spoiler, along with a new power driver's seat, and the high-end Limited model now gets new aluminum trim outside, and the Infinity high-end audio system as part of its standard equipment. Both GLS and SE models get new premium cloth upholstery.

After a complete redesign for 2006, the Hyundai Sonata returns for 2007 with a price reduction across the line, a revised feature list, and new trim levels. The base Sonata GLS entered the market for 2007 costing $700 less than a comparable 2006 Sonata GL. Electronic stability control (ESC) is now standard on all Sonatas, and all engines now meet ultra low emission vehicle (ULEV) standards. An Infinity premium sound system is now available on the Limited model. The exterior color palette includes Dark Cherry Red and Natural Khaki for 2007, and black leather interior trim is now optional on the Limited model.