2009 Sonata Update

[hyunelan2]

James' post in the Genesis thread made me go look for this. Awesome news that the Theta II will be in the Sonata, replacing the first-gen Theta. More hp.

the DOHC 2.4-liter four-cylinder (Theta II) that will generate 175 horsepower and 169 pound-feet of torque, up substantially from the current 2.4-liter four-cylinder Theta in the outgoing Sonata that makes 162 horsepower and 164 pound-feet. We expect the new 2.4-liter to eventually replace the 2.7-liter V-6 in Hyundai's lineup.

The addition of dual-zone climate control is awesome too, that's something I wanted my next car to have.

http://www.caranddriver.com/autoshows/14373/2009-hyundai-sonata.html

http://www.caranddriver.com/assets/image/2007/W48/112820071525130284.jpg
http://www.caranddriver.com/assets/image/2007/W48/112820071525148081.jpg

[BobMs_wht2k2]

C&D has a new comparo in this month's rag. The 09 Sonata ranked 4th, ahead of hte Camry, Fusion, Avenger and closely behind the new Malibu, Altima nad Accord (no suprise there :rolleyes: ). They were very impressed with the top 4 cars.

[hyunelan2]

Yeah, if a Honda or BMW are in the comparo, they automatically win at C&D. I wonder where my copy of C&D is... damn mailman.

Oh, and it has to be the 08 in the comparison. The 09 hasn't even debuted yet - it gets unveiled in Chicago Feb 9th.

[BobMs_wht2k2]

Ah, but they DID test an 09 in the 08 group!

[Matrixloader]

http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/02/2009_hyundai_sonata_03.jpg
http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/02/2009_hyundai_sonata_01.jpg



PRESS RELEASE:

2009 SONATA: TRANSFORMED FROM THE INSIDE OUT FOR A MORE PREMIUM AND FUEL-EFFICIENT MID-SIZE SEDAN EXPERIENCE

CHICAGO, February 6, 2008 – As gas prices and competition in the mid-size sedan segment surge, Hyundai is introducing its refreshed Sonata at the 2008 Chicago Auto Show today. The 2009 Sonata features an all-new interior, enhanced suspensions and revised powertrains boasting both improved fuel economy and horsepower. The 2009 Sonata will be available at Hyundai dealers later this month.

The Sonata combines refined design, proven dependability, spirited performance and an extensive list of standard features to increase its appeal to a broader range of customers. For 2009, Sonata raises the bar for value and standard safety technology in the mid-size segment. Hyundai's sales leader boasts new features ranging from standard USB/iPod auxiliary inputs to available navigation and sport-tuned suspension. Combined with Sonata's continued leadership in safety – it remains the only mid-size sedan under $20,000 with standard Electronic Stability Control (ESC) – the 2009 American-made Sonata is the smartest choice in the competitive mid-size sedan segment.

CHOICE OF TWO MORE POWERFUL AND FUEL-EFFICIENT POWERTRAINS

The 2009 Sonata debuts Hyundai's second-generation Theta four-cylinder engine. The Theta II 2.4-liter DOHC inline four-cylinder engine delivers more horsepower and quicker acceleration, while also improving fuel economy. In fact, the Sonata I4 is now more fuel-efficient than both Camry and Accord four-cylinder engines, delivering an impressive 22 mpg city/32 mpg highway fuel economy rating with the standard five-speed manual transmission or the newly available five-speed automatic transmission with SHIFTRONIC®. The Theta II is rated at 175 horsepower and 168 lb.-ft. of torque. This high-tech, all-aluminum, 16-valve engine now features Continuously Variable Valve Timing (CVVT) on both camshafts and a Variable Induction System (VIS) for better engine breathing. A version of this engine also meets Partial Zero Emission Vehicle (PZEV) standards.

Theta II 2.4-liter DOHC inline-four cylinder engine

Sonata's 3.3-liter V6 engine has also been improved for more performance and efficiency. It now pumps out 15 more horsepower and three more pound-feet of torque (249 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm and 229 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,500 rpm). The first member of Hyundai's "Lambda" V6 engine family, this newly refined powerplant features all-aluminum construction, dual overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder, CVVT on both camshafts and stiffer hydraulic engine mounts for optimum power, efficiency and refinement. A variable intake system is added for 2009, which further broadens its power curve, improving off-the-line acceleration and passing performance. New mileage figures for V6-powered Sonatas are 19 mpg city/29 mpg highway, which represents unsurpassed V6 fuel economy in the mid-size sedan segment.

All V6-powered Sonatas use Hyundai's five-speed SHIFTRONIC automatic transmission, which features an overdrive lock-up torque converter for improved highway fuel economy. Neither Accord nor Camry offer manual-mode operation as standard equipment. The automatic transmission has a new reducing valve and solenoid valve for smoother shift quality while the manual transmission has been refined for more precise shifts.

A NEW, WELL-CRAFTED INTERIOR THAT IS STILL A "CLASS ABOVE"

The pleasant surprises continue inside where Hyundai designers have thoroughly revamped the cockpit to create the ambiance of an upscale, premium sedan. The sophisticated look is achieved thanks to a completely new center console and instrument panel, which borrows design cues and rich materials from the premium Hyundai Veracruz. The Sonata continues to be classified by the Environmental Protection Agency as a Large Car, truly a "class above" Camry, Altima, Fusion and Malibu (all are categorized as mid-size cars). Even in trunk room, the Sonata shines. Sonata's 16.3 cu. ft. of trunk space give it an eight percent advantage over the Camry, and a 16 percent advantage over Accord.

Music lovers will welcome the 2009 Sonata's inclusion of standard auxiliary input jacks (3.5 mm mini-jack and USB input) to accommodate and charge audio devices such as iPods®. Among the other refinements are the addition of dual-zone climate controls for the driver and front-seat passenger, and two-stage front seat warmers. A new factory-installed touch screen navigation system is now available as well.

More contrast has been added to the Camel and Gray interiors, and for the first time ever, Cocoa Brown is available. The front cupholders are also upgraded for more capacity and holding power. Hyundai's signature blue backlighting for interior gauges, switches and buttons highlights the vehicle's modern interior design.

SUPPLE RIDE, AGILE HANDLING

An advanced four-wheel independent suspension system combines a supple ride with sharper handling and steering response for Sonata GLS and Limited models. Up front is a double-wishbone system with coil springs, revalved, twin-tube, gas-filled hydraulic shock absorbers, and a larger 26 mm stabilizer bar. The system's lower control arms increase handling precision while reducing vibration, and bushing size has been increased to better absorb the shock from road impacts.

In back, a new sophisticated multi-link system provides excellent handling along with superb ride quality and noise isolation. The rear spring rates have been increased by five percent, shocks revalved and the sway bar thickened from 15 mm to 16 mm. All together, this suspension now provides superior control of ride motions for a more dynamic driving experience.

The high-performance Sonata SE becomes an even more exciting and willing partner for enthusiastic drivers with its own unique sport-tuned suspension. The new sport-tuned suspension features a 15 percent stiffer front spring rate, 10 percent stiffer rear spring rate, unique strut valving at all four corners and 27 mm front and 17 mm rear stabilizer bars along with unique 17-inch alloy wheels and tires.

All Sonatas also now have quicker ratio steering for a crisp feel on turn in.

SOPHISTICATED EXTERIOR DESIGN

The design team added a more refined touch to Sonata's exterior design, with new bumpers, lamps, wheels and grille creating a more elegant, dynamic and taut stance.

The unibody design crafted of high-tensile steel features a concave hood design, distinctive rear-door cut lines, strong Z-lined body-to-bumper interfaces and four-barrel jeweled projector lens headlights. New chrome bodyside and bumper moldings match the chrome grille and chrome-accented exterior door handles on Limited models. The model range offers a choice of seven new colors.

UNSURPASSED ACTIVE AND PASSIVE SAFETY

On the safety side, 2009 Sonata's front collision performance has been further improved by tweaking the design of the engine subframe. The Hyundai Sonata is expected to earn the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's (NHTSA) top five-star crash test rating for front and side impacts. This accomplishment was made possible by Sonata's strong body structure and advanced airbag technology. Sonata delivers an unsurpassed commitment to both active and passive safety technology. Every Sonata has lifesaving ESC as standard equipment. This is important because NHTSA has reported that ESC results in 35 percent fewer single-vehicle crashes and 30 percent fewer single-vehicle fatalities in passenger cars.

The Sonata also features a state-of-the-art braking technology package. The package includes four-wheel disc brakes and an Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) that includes Brake Assist, which provides maximum braking force when a panic stop is detected, and Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) to automatically adjust the braking force to front and rear axles based on the vehicle loading conditions.

In the event that a crash is unavoidable, the Sonata features six airbags-including dual front, front seat-mounted side-impact, and front and rear side curtain airbags-along with active front-seat head restraints. Other passive safety features include shingle-style rear-seat head restraints for improved visibility, three-point seatbelts for all seating positions, front-seat seatbelt pretensioners and force limiters, and a rear-seat Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) system for child seats.

THREE ENHANCED, WELL-EQUIPPED MODELS

From the well-equipped GLS, to the sport-focused SE, to the downright luxurious Limited, the 2009 Sonata lineup addresses the needs and desires of mid-size sedan customers with a highly competitive mix of features and benefits. Each model delivers a level of standard equipment that is a cut above competing models.

SONATA GLS

The 2009 Sonata GLS continues to provide value and a sizable price advantage compared with its four-cylinder competition, undercutting the lesser-equipped base 2008 Honda Accord and 2008 Toyota Camry. All Sonata models have offered standard ESC since May 2005. This is important, as NHTSA claims ESC is the most effective lifesaving technology since the seatbelt. In comparison, Toyota still offers ESC only as an option on the 2008 Camry, while Honda Accord has only recently matched Sonata with standard ESC on the new 2008 Accord, more than two years after Sonata made this commitment to active safety technology leadership.

Sonata features a new, sophisticated 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine matched to a smooth-shifting five-speed manual transmission, with a new five-speed SHIFTRONIC automatic transmission optional.

The Sonata GLS features an impressive array of standard active and passive safety features including ESC, a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), six airbags, ABS and active front head restraints. Other standard features include power windows, door locks and outside heated side mirrors, keyless entry with alarm, an AM/FM/XM/CD/MP3 audio system with USB/iPod® auxiliary inputs, 60/40 split fold-down rear seatback, air conditioning, cruise control and tilt-adjustable steering column.

The Popular Equipment Package includes automatic headlights, chrome window belt moldings, woodgrain interior accents, power driver seat with adjustable lumbar support, steering wheel audio controls and a trip computer. A sunroof is also available.

SONATA SE – I4 OR V6 PERFORMANCE, REMARKABLE VALUE

The sport-focused SE adds a unique sport-tuned suspension as standard equipment, matched with a smooth-shifting B&M Racing five-speed manual transmission (2.4L four-cylinder) or optional five-speed automatic (3.3L V6). Other performance-oriented SE features include 17-inch alloy wheels with unique, handling-focused 215/55R17 all-season performance tires, rear decklid spoiler, fog lights, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, special cloth seats with leather bolsters, and an eight-way power driver's seat with adjustable lumbar support. SE tires feature stiffer sidewalls and a unique tread design for more responsive steering and capable handling. The Sonata SE V6 adds dual chrome exhaust tips.

Other standard features include automatic headlights, steering wheel-mounted audio controls, chrome window belt moldings, telescoping steering wheel and a trip computer. The Premium Package includes an AM/FM/XM/6-CD Changer/MP3 audio system with USB/iPod® auxiliary inputs, six speakers, subwoofer and component amplifier, power tilt-and-slide sunroof, and an electrochromic auto-dimming rear-view mirror with HomeLink® and a compass.

SONATA LIMITED

The feature-packed Sonata Limited is a fully equipped luxury model for mid-size sedan buyers who want it all-at a great price. The interior features luxurious leather seating surfaces, a standard Infinity AM/FM/XM Satellite/6-CD Changer/MP3 audio system with six speakers, subwoofer and component amplifier, an eight-way power driver's seat, heated front seats and power sunroof. Other upgrades include automatic temperature control, an electrochromic auto-dimming rear-view mirror with HomeLink and compass, sliding center armrest, premium scuff plates and 215/55R17 tires. The Sonata Limited is so well equipped that the only option besides the engine choice is a navigation system. Sonata Limited four-cylinder and V6 models feature a five-speed automatic transmission with the added control of SHIFTRONIC manual shifting.

WARRANTY

The all-new 2009 Hyundai Sonata is protected by the Hyundai Advantage, America's Best Warranty. Coverage includes five-year/60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper protection, 10-year/100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty, five-year/unlimited mileage roadside assistance and seven-year/unlimited mileage anti-perforation coverage. In addition, Sonata buyers receive 24-hour roadside assistance coverage at no extra charge for five years (no mileage limit) that includes emergency towing, lockout service and limited coverage for trip-interruption expenses. http://www.autoblog.com/2008/02/03/chicago-08-preview-2009-hyundai-sonata/

[2002 GLS]

Wow that looks great! I would love to roll in that. That IMHO is bragging rights.

kinda looks like how many different cars? I see some Honda and Toyota:tongue: .

I hope hyundai starts with USA DRL'S That would be kinda nice. maybe even a switch to activate them (like again toyota Switch named "DRL off""

[DJ Hellfire]

NICE! Big step up from the chicken mcnugget boxes they were making 15 years ago!

[SuperGLS]

The 249HP out of the 3.3l Lambda is good news. I'm glad they've upped it a bit ever since hearing that the 3.3l Lambda in the Genesis Sedan would be making more.

The other thing I like is the "Cocoa Brown" interior. I'm sure it'll look nice like the Veracruz brown interior.

It also seems that Hyundai is making an effort to not only badge things as SE/GT/GS/etc, but to actually make them worthy of the badge. I'd like to get back to back testing of a GLS and an SE to see if the tester could feel the difference.

I've said it before and I'll say it again, that interior is like 20825 times better than the previous gen.

[SuperGLS]

I decided to do some basic price comparisons with the Accord and Camry to see what's up.

Sonata - Starts $18795 - $26345 (without options).
Accord - Starts $20360 - $28060 (without options).
Camry - Starts $18720 - $30320 (XLE, not Hybrid, without options).

Someone should compare the Sonata GLS with 2.4l engine and 5 speed with the Camry with the 2.4l engine and 5 speed and see which one has the better options and such. My guess is that the Sonata has it beat, but I have to get to sleep, so I can't look in depth.

[quickfingerz]

Theta II is also makes the Sonata have better gas mileage than either the Camry or Accord. Go Hyundai!

[SilverElantra]

Theta II is also makes the Sonata have better gas mileage than either the Camry or Accord. Go Hyundai!


ya but now with the way hyundai is tuning the ecu' and such its making it exremely hard for any aftermarket. as seen with the new elantra's even intake can easily throw a cel light. with the theta II i would imagine they applied this even more so, especially to be achieving the gas mileages they now are.

[Matrixloader]

2008 Camry vs 2008 Accord vs 2009 Sonata

TOYOTA CAMRY
Engines

2.4-liter DOHC 16-valve VVT-i 4-cylinder 158 hp [1] @ 6000 rpm/161 lb.-ft. [1] @ 4000 rpm / Fuel Economy 21/31 mpg

3.5-liter DOHC 24-valve Dual VVT-i V6 268 hp @ 6200 rpm/ 248 lb.-ft. @ 4700 rpm / Fuel economy 19 / 28 mpg

HONDA ACCORD
Engines

177-hp, 2.4-Liter, 16-Valve, DOHC, i-VTEC® 4-Cylinder Engine (LX, LX-P)
Fuel Economy 22/31 mpg

190-hp, 2.4-Liter, 16-Valve, DOHC, i-VTEC® 4-Cylinder Engine (EX)
Fuel Economy 21/31 mpg

268-hp, 3.5-Liter, 24-Valve, SOHC i-VTEC® V-6 Engine with VCM® (EX V-6, EX-L V-6) Fuel Economy 19/28 MPG

HYUNDAI SONATA
Engines

Theta II 2.4-liter DOHC inline-four cylinder 175 horsepower and 168 lb.-ft. of torque / Fuel Economy 22 mpg city/32 mpg highway


3.3-liter Lambda V6 249 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm and 229 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,500 rpm / Fuel Economy 19 mpg city/29 mpg highway
Sonata I4 is now more fuel-efficient than both Camry and Accord four-cylinder engines

[SilverElantra]

if you actually translate that to what the cars truly get its all the same difference...ive yet to own any car that got the gas mileage companies said i was supposed to get.

[SuperGLS]

I agree with you on that, but if people perceive that it gets more MPG than a Toyota and a Honda then people will take notice.

[Matrixloader]

it all depends on your driving style, i drove like an old man on a full tank of gas until i was almost empty just to see how much my mpg would improve and the result was 35.6mpg.

but usually the way i drive only gets me 26-28mpg

[2002 GLS]

With the elantra, i can get over 40MPG... i have done it, all highway driving.. the XG that's a different story.. the 3.5L LOVES the liquid gold. lol. maybe at best 25MPG...

[hyunelan2]

My Beta II Elantra (nonCVVT) gets on average 26mpg. My 2.7 Delta Santa Fe gets about 23mpg. My in-laws 3.3 Lambda Sonata gets about 27mpg on average. Something weems wrong there, doens't it. The modern engines are tuned so much more efficiently than the engines of even a couple years ago.

[quickfingerz]

The driver makes a HUGE difference. When I drive the wife's civic, I get 3-4 mpg less than she does when she's driving. I feel like I drive normally too.

Theta II should now go in new Elantra as upgraded model. Toyota has their 2.4L Corolla, Mazda 2.3L Mazda3, Nissan 2.5L Sentra, Saturn 2.4L ION, Chevrolet 2.4L Cobalt. Honda's Civic doesn't have a 2.4L but they have the 2.0L that makes 198hp.

C'mon hyundai... I WILL BUY AN ELANTRA WITH 2.4 THETA II ENGINE

[Matrixloader]

same here, if hyundai wanted to win the small 4 door sadan competition they should come out with something like a HYUNDAI ELANTRA 2.4L XD-S or EX or
something like that, i would trade my XD in a heartbeat for one of those.
yeah, theres the v6 tib but the gas mileage sucks on it, A 2.4L Tib or Elantra would see big mpg numbers and HP if it came stock with it.

I Feel like sending an e-mail to corporate hyundai about this and say:
"HEY WTF HYUNDAI? THINK ABOUT IT!"

[ilanpro]

I get 34mpg on average, and I got 150K

[SuperGLS]

Let's keep this thread more about the Sonata and it's MPG rather than our own MPG values. Thanks.

[05xd]

We just got a truckload of these cars in today and let me say,retch!!
The interiors are cheap feeling.Kinda Nissan plastic feel,if you will.So far I have found many noises in the interior,the dash is just horrible looking and bleh.To me,they have went backwards in the interior dept.The only thing I like about the car is the headlamps and re-designed tail lamps.

Give me a 06-08 NF any day

[Matrixloader]

I rather see it in person and give it my own review, im really exited to see one and hope to not be disapointed, from the pics i saw of the interior i can't see why it would look worse than before, i tought the new interior was 10 times better, but i guess everyone has their own opinion.

[05xd]

I thought I would wait til I saw one in person before I said anything too.I personally love the NF cars and to see how much of a backwards step they took on the new ones really surprised me.Thats just me though

[Matrixloader]

do they all come with the nav, bluetooth, ipod doc, or is that optinal?

[05xd]

Probably optional.We had GLS's come in today and I didn't fool around with them as much as I should have.I had too much to do.Im sure and hope that the 6 cylinder models come better equipped with better fabric on the seats.This car was white with a dark tan/black interior.Looked bleh.Probably would have looked better if it was a all one color interior

[Matrixloader]

yeah, the v6 should be better equiped. will just have to wait and see when they arrive.
I don't think i'll buy one since im waiting for the 4cyl turbo genesis coupe, but i still want to see it anyway.

my girl wants to buy a new camry but i want to convince her to go for the new sonata, so thats why i just want to check it out.

[SuperGLS]

To me the interior looks a lot better in the pictures. If it feels cheaper than the NF, then that is crappy, but no matter what I still think it looks better.

I should go by my dealer sometime (no class next week for Spring Break) and see what they have.

[Matrixloader]

I was just at my local hyundai dealer picking up some tib ultrasports and did not see any new 09 sonatas, I guess not all dealers have them yet.

[2001GLS]

Looks like a nice upgrade. My 2006 Sonata will be paid off in 2011. By then I should be able to get a sweet deal on the current gen Sonata or might wait for the next platform. Glad to see the 3.3L getting a bump in HP even though the current seems pretty fast to me. I have nearly 40k trouble-free miles on my Sonata now with only routine maintenance. I get about 30mpg on the highway too. The interior is light years better than the current Sonata. That is the only weak spot of the current Sonata compared to the competition IMHO. It isn't horrible but definitely not as good as it should have been either.

[optimoprime]

new sonota's are getting more and more baller

[quickfingerz]

Cars.com video:

http://www.cars.com/go/video/player.jsp?makeid=19&year=2009&modelid=222&location=CC_2009_Hyundai_Sonata_FI.flv&aff=national

Sucks the steering wheel isn't a telescoping one. I'm 5'5" & my wife is 4'11" so w/o a telescoping wheel, we are either too far from the steering wheel or too close to the pedals.

[Pete03GLS]

y dont u just move the seat? lol :D

[SuperGLS]

The steering wheel is telescopic on the SE and Limited.

[quickfingerz]

y dont u just move the seat? lol :D

That's the problem. The seat will move us too close to one and too far from the other and vice versa. I guess I'll have to go with an SE.

[SuperGLS]

I took my car in for the Timing Belt service (and oil change and state inspection) today and I got a 2009 Sonata GLS for a loaner. The car feels great. I don't know if it's the 7 years of better quality from Hyundai or if it's that the car is brand new (only 256 miles on it), but, it feels SO much better than my Elantra.

As for the interior quality, I was pleased with everything. The cloth on the door panels was kind of thick/nappy, I don't know if that's a good thing or a bad thing. If I were to buy one I'd have the leather interior so it wouldn't matter to me.

It's been a long time since I drove a Sonata so I can't really compare the updated Theta (are we calling it the Theta II yet?) to the first generation engine. Like I said, it felt good.

[2001GLS]

I took my car in for the Timing Belt service (and oil change and state inspection) today and I got a 2009 Sonata GLS for a loaner. The car feels great. I don't know if it's the 7 years of better quality from Hyundai or if it's that the car is brand new (only 256 miles on it), but, it feels SO much better than my Elantra.

As for the interior quality, I was pleased with everything. The cloth on the door panels was kind of thick/nappy, I don't know if that's a good thing or a bad thing. If I were to buy one I'd have the leather interior so it wouldn't matter to me.

It's been a long time since I drove a Sonata so I can't really compare the updated Theta (are we calling it the Theta II yet?) to the first generation engine. Like I said, it felt good.

I think another major plus with the 09 Sonata is they now are putting the 5 speed auto on the 4 cylinders, instead of the older 4 speed. Before you had to get the V6 to get the updated transmission... or buy the Kia Optima 4 cylinder. Let us know what kind of mileage you're getting out of it. I passed on the 4 cylinder when I got my Sonata because of the transmission and the fact fuel mileage wasn't that much better. Not to mention the V6 has a lot more power. Both of those things have been improved with the Theta II (better mileage and more HP) Shame I was also never able to find a Sonata GL 5 speed to drive. I really wanted to compare that to my previous Elantra 5 speed. I bet with the new Theta II in there it would have decent performance and mileage at a very low price point compared to the competition.

[SuperGLS]

Well, they told me the car was going to be ready in about 4 hours, so the dealership called 5 hours after I dropped the car off and said they hadn't started yet and was wondering if it would be OK to do it tomorrow instead. Since I had the loaner I told them no problem, and he said he would bump my 10% off coupon for the Timing belt to 15%. Bonus.

As for getting a mileage count, sorry, can't help there. My total mileage will be less than 25 miles.