2009 Hyundai Sonata Reviews, Pricing & Specs
Overview
The Hyundai Sonata continues to up the ante in its competition with Honda and Toyota by significantly revamping its interior look,...
The Hyundai Sonata continues to up the ante in its competition with Honda and Toyota by significantly revamping its interior look, powertrains, and standard features for 2009. This midsize, front-wheel-drive sedan still tends toward the blander side when compared to its top two Japanese rivals, but maintains its significantly lower price tag and top-notch safety profile.
There are some minor tweaks to the grille, headlamps, and bumpers in the 2009 Sonata, but the real focus is on performance and comfort. A new generation Theta II 2.4-liter inline four engine with variable valve timing now delivers 175 hp and 168 ft-lbs of torque, with improved fuel economy of 22/32 mpg. Likewise, the 3.3-liter DOHC V6 gets a new variable intake and boosts horsepower and torque ratings to 249 and 229 respectively. Mileage numbers also improve to 19/29 mpg. A tweaked 5-speed shiftable automatic is now available for all trims, along with a 5-speed manual.
On the inside, this 5-passenger car updates its materials for a more high-end feel. Blue-black lighting and more alloy accents accomplish this task. An MP3 input jack is now standard, along with wheel-mounted audio controls. New for 2009 is an optional touchscreen navigation system, bundled with satellite radio. The base GLS starts out well equipped with full power features, a CD player, and cruise control. The performance SE stiffens up its sport suspension and adds larger 17-inch alloy wheels, a rear spoiler, foglights, and leather trim. The more upscale Limited gets new dual-stage heated front seats, leather upholstery, a 6-CD changer, and a sunroof. Limited features are available as options for the other trims.
A big selling point for the 2009 Sonata is not only its standard warranty, but its five-star crash test ratings. For a midsize sedan under $20,000, it features an impressive array of safety equipment. This includes ABS brakes (now combined with electronic brakeforce distribution), six airbags, traction and stability control, and a tire monitor. For 2009, the front stabilizer bar is strengthened to mitigate front impacts. Owners and drivers seem very happy with the 2009 Sonata. Its lower price makes it a good value, thanks to a roomy interior, strong safety reputation, and long list of features.
What owners say
"Owners of the 2009 Hyundai Sonata generally appreciate its smooth handling, good gas mileage, and comfortable interior. Many drivers enjoy the reliable performance and feel that it offers great value compared to competitors like Toyota and Honda. On the downside, some mention that the interior could use updates and that certain driving characteristics, like shifting, can be jumpy when accelerating."
I got my 2009 Hyundai Sonata GLS as a birthday gift around June. It has pretty good take-off and she can go.The brakes are really good..just tap n you stop. I haven't had any problems with anything yet and I'm hoping I don't for a while. The paint job is amazing and interior is out of this world. Major upgrade for Hyundai. I get great gas mileage...22/23 in City and 32/33 on Highway. Overall, I think the Sonata is a good car and I would recommend it.
July 29, 2008I love the way the Sonata looks. It's got very sporty lines that make it look sleeker while it has an incredibly roomy interior. The trunk space is huge and the seats fold down. The instrument panel is very intuitive and driver-focused. The car feels solid when you drive it and the ESC works amazingly on ice. Solid build quality and the performance is great. The only downside is the shifting is a little jumpy when accelerating. Handling is very precise and responsive.
January 31, 2011Handled great, awesome interior simple yet sophisticated leather and navigation, exterior smooth lines and chrome in all the right places. front wheel drive makes it easier for me at least in Wisconsin with the snow and all. standard abs, overhead and side curtain airbags, power driver and passanger seat, heated seats, ESC, low emission vehicle, 3.3 liter v6, front cd changer and aux input, ac, cruise control, automatic transmission.
May 13, 2008What owners say
I got my 2009 Hyundai Sonata GLS as a birthday gift around June. It has pretty good take-off and she can go.The brakes are really good..just tap n you stop. I haven't had any problems with anything yet and I'm hoping I don't for a while. The paint job is amazing and interior is out of this world. Major upgrade for Hyundai. I get great gas mileage...22/23 in City and 32/33 on Highway. Overall, I think the Sonata is a good car and I would recommend it.
July 29, 2008I love the way the Sonata looks. It's got very sporty lines that make it look sleeker while it has an incredibly roomy interior. The trunk space is huge and the seats fold down. The instrument panel is very intuitive and driver-focused. The car feels solid when you drive it and the ESC works amazingly on ice. Solid build quality and the performance is great. The only downside is the shifting is a little jumpy when accelerating. Handling is very precise and responsive.
January 31, 2011Handled great, awesome interior simple yet sophisticated leather and navigation, exterior smooth lines and chrome in all the right places. front wheel drive makes it easier for me at least in Wisconsin with the snow and all. standard abs, overhead and side curtain airbags, power driver and passanger seat, heated seats, ESC, low emission vehicle, 3.3 liter v6, front cd changer and aux input, ac, cruise control, automatic transmission.
May 13, 2008I purchased this car new and have never had any complaints. Routine maintenance has been performed regularly and the only other maintenance that's been required in the past seven years are new tires and a new battery. The manual overdrive has proven itself over and over as a great asset for driving on icy roads in Denver. I've gotten great mileage and the engine is responsive and powerful.
December 28, 2014Really a nice little car. Does great on gas, has options I love (XM, Sunroof) and is very affordable. Any issues we have had have been covered by their awesome warranty. My parents have the new body style, and while it's nice. I like driving my car better.
July 7, 2014Met all our expectations of style, features and affordability. Warranty is excellent as is fit and finish. Blue paint seems prone to small road debris chips but overall a solid, comfortable car. Infinity radio provides excellent sound and voice activation makes it easy to control hands free.
February 21, 2014Normally I don't find face-lifted cars worth reviewing over because often almost nothing changes. In many cases the only changes are exterior only with no interior changes at all. The 2009 Sonata is an extremely rare case where there is significant changes over the previous year. Not much of the car's driving abilities have changed although it seemed more refined and somehow feels a bit better when it comes to turns. The interior on the other hand got a massive change. The plastics have been designed so well they almost lose the image that they are plastic, rather they look like they're worth a bit more. This imagery is extremely good and something I didn't expect Hyundai to pull off. The stereo is superior to the previous awful unit. This car truly looks fantastic inside and the build quality from Hyundai has never been better. Like the 2008 model, no reliability issues and its pretty efficient. I like the 2009 Sonata a lot, this is definitely Hyundai's best car I've driven. A lot of focus was placed in the interior, since the car drives pretty well its an excellent car overall. I never thought I'd have such positive thoughts about a Hyundai car.
January 17, 2009The car looks and rides like a new car. Its a much better car than the Toyota I previously owned.
October 11, 2021Other than tire and battery replacement there have been no problems in 70,000 miles. This is my third Hyundai. All have been great cars! My wife drives an 08 Sonata Limited and will never go back to driving a Nissan.
November 23, 2011This car is so much fun. it is not very expensive. it is relatively cheap and is a very nice and luxurious car. it drives very well and very smooth. it drives like a bmw in my opinion, thats how smooth it drives. its also very spacious it has room for 5 people and has PLENTY of trunk space. the trunk is HUGE!! it also gets VERY good GAS MILEAGE. so in closing i just want 2 say that this is a very good, high quality car for a cheap price that is very fun 2 drive and i highly reccommend it 2 nybody looking 4 a new car.
March 19, 2009Trims & specs
Base MSRP $20,520 | Seating 5 |
Engine 2.4L 175 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 16.3 cu ft |
Combined MPG 27 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $24,550 | Seating 5 |
Engine 2.4L 175 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 16.3 cu ft |
Combined MPG 27 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $22,450 | Seating 5 |
Engine 3.3L 249 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity 16.3 cu ft |
Combined MPG 24 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $26,550 | Seating 5 |
Engine 3.3L 249 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity 16.3 cu ft |
Combined MPG 24 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $24,050 | Seating 5 |
Engine 3.3L 249 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity 16.3 cu ft |
Combined MPG 24 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $18,700 | Seating 5 |
Engine 2.4L 175 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 16.3 cu ft |
Combined MPG 26 | Drivetrain FWD |
Pricing trends
MSRP range
$18,700 - $26,550
Current avg. market price
$5,178
Trending up by 1.8% this month
May 2026 - November 2026
