As far as midsize family sedans go, the 2021 Hyundai Sonata is an unsung hero of the segment.
Available with traditional gasoline-fueled 4-cylinder engines or a thrifty gas-electric hybrid drivetrain, the 2021 Sonata is offered in several trim levels to meet various buyer budgets. The car earns high marks for safety and comes with Hyundai’s industry-leading warranty and roadside assistance coverage.
These are appealing reasons to consider buying a new 2021 Sonata, but there are numerous things about Hyundai’s family-sized 4-door that are unusual for the class. If you’re interested in learning more, check out these five fun facts you might not know about the 2021 Hyundai Sonata.
Photo: Christian Wardlaw
Hyundai equips the racy Sonata N Line with a turbocharged 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine making 290 horsepower. This power plant, combined with a “wet” dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT), reworked steering and suspension, front sport seats, and 19-inch wheels with sticky tires, transforms the Sonata into a genuine sports sedan.
Based on my experience driving this car on writhing mountain roads, occasional torque steer is the only downside to driving it. Otherwise, it can rip along your favorite ribbons of road with sure-footed, confidence-inspiring ease. If you like to drive, the Sonata N Line demands careful consideration.
For a different kind of driving fun – namely hypermiling – the Sonata Hybrid delivers up to 52 mpg in combined driving. That’s for the basic Blue trim level, though. If you upgrade to the Limited version, you’ll get a “solar roof” as standard equipment.
The solar roof is self-explanatory. It’s a solar panel that adds up to two miles of driving range every day by feeding electricity to the Sonata Hybrid’s battery. In turn, this makes the car more efficient, saving you money over the course of the year.
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Hyundai’s Remote Smart Parking Assist (RSPA) technology is available for the 2021 Sonata. In this car, it is a simple system, and isn’t as capable as what Hyundai offers in other vehicles such as the Genesis G80. It moves the Sonata forward and back in a straight line while the owner stands outside of the vehicle operating the technology using the key fob.
Use cases for RSPA include extracting the car from a parking space when other drivers crowd the Sonata on either side. It’s also suitable for pulling into and out of tight garage parking.
Additionally, Hyundai’s Digital Key technology is available for the Sonata. It allows owners with Android-based smartphones to use their device as the car’s key. Using near-field communication technology, the phone unlocks the doors and activates the engine start system. When you reach your destination, you can use the digital key to lock the car.
Versions of the Sonata with Hyundai’s ultrasonic Rear Occupant Alert can detect movement in the car for up to 24 hours after you’ve left the vehicle. The use case for this rear-seat reminder system is if a parent has forgotten about a sleeping child in the back seat. If the system detects movement when the child awakes, it will honk the horn and flash the lights, and send the Sonata’s owner a text alert to check the car.
Additional safety features include:
Photo: Christian Wardlaw
When you buy a new Hyundai, you get more than just a great warranty and a 3-day free exchange promise. You also get complimentary scheduled maintenance for three years or 36,000 miles and, if the Sonata you select has it, free Blue Link connected services.
Highlights of Blue Link include:
Blue Link is available with higher trim levels and is free for the first three years of Sonata ownership.
Hyundai is the source of information in this article. It was accurate as of May 20, 2021, but it may have changed since that date. Always confirm product details and availability with the automaker’s website or your local dealership.
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