The big news for the 2012 Hyundai Sonata is BlueLink. Similar to GM’s OnStar system, the BlueLink telematics system, with three packages of services, will now come standard in this year’s models. The Assurance package (with 6 months of complimentary service) provides safety features such as automatic crash notification and assistance, an SOS button to request 911 emergency assistance and enhanced roadside assistance with the push of a single button. The Essentials package (free for 3 months) includes convenience features such as remote door lock/unlock and remote horn and lights, as well as self-diagnostics features, such as maintenance alerts or recalls and safeguard alerts, which can notify owners of speeds exceeding a set limit or when the vehicle is being driven past a curfew time. The package also includes stolen vehicle tracking and can slow down the engine if the vehicle is stolen. Finally, a Guidance package (also with 3 months of service included free) gives navigation assistance, traffic information, gas station locations and prices, and even restaurant ratings and weather forecasts.

Although there is no V6 option for the Sonata, Hyundai is quick to point out that it has recalibrated its engines to improve fuel economy for 2012, noting that its 2.4-liter gasoline direct injection (GDI) 4-cylinder engine with automatic transmission now leads the midsize non-hybrid segment in city, highway and combined fuel economy. In fact, the 2.4-liter has improved its city fuel economy by 2 mpg (now 24 mpg city/35 highway/28 combined), and the 2.0-liter turbocharged engine (known as 2.0T) has inched up its highway mileage from 33 to 34 mpg (city remains at 22 and combined at 26). All three of the returning Hyundai Sonata trims start with the 2.4-liter version of the DOHC inline 4-cylinder. With the 2.4-liter engine, the base GLS and high-end Limited trims make 198 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque as ultra low emissions vehicles (ULEV) and 190 hp and 179 lb-ft of torque as partial zero emission vehicles (PZEV). The SE sport trim, available only in ULEV form, offers slightly more power with 200 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque. The SE and Limited trims can be upgraded to a 2.0-liter turbo GDI 4-cylinder, making 274 hp and 269 lb-ft of torque. The GLS’s 2.4-liter is paired with a 6-speed manual transmission, while the SE and Limited come only with a 6-speed automatic transmission with Shiftronic manual shift mode (available for the GLS). The SE adds paddle shifters to the steering wheel (also included with the Limited in its 2.0T version). While most find the Sonata’s power adequate for most driving conditions, highway passing may be a different story, as some find that the 2.4-liter has only adequate power for the task. The 2.0-liter is not jackrabbit quick, but does offer a better buildup of speed.

Although the Sonata’s ride has been described as comfortable and controlled, larger rough patches in the road may throw it off its stride. The GLS and Limited come with four-wheel independent suspension using MacPherson struts in the front and multi-link rear suspension, coil springs, fade-resistant dual flow dampers and stabilizer bars. The SE changes to a sport-tuned suspension with stiffer springs and larger stabilizer bars, as well as low-profile 18-inch tires rather than the GLS and Limited’s low-rolling-resistance tires. However, the suspension will likely remain a weak point for the Sonata in 2012, since it has not been altered for the model year, and an unrefined suspension was one of the few criticisms leveled at the redesigned 2011 edition.

The GLS remains the base trim for the 2012 Hyundai Sonata. Seating five, even the base comes with a standard tilt and telescoping steering wheel with integrated audio, Bluetooth and cruise controls. Power doors, remote keyless entry and power windows are standard, as are heated outside mirrors. The GLS’s seats are cloth-covered, and the rear seat folds with a 60/40 split to increase its standard 16.4 cubic feet of cargo space. Safety features include front, front seat side impact and curtain airbags, as well as standard electronic stability control, traction control, antilock brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution and brake assist, and tire pressure monitoring. The GLS can also be upgraded with the Popular Equipment Package, which adds a power driver's seat with lumbar support, leatherette interior door panel inserts and chrome interior door handles, as well as changing the 16-inch steel wheels for alloy. This year, however, a navigation system is no longer available for the GLS.

The sporty SE trim includes the features of the GLS’s Popular Equipment Package, but adds trim-specific wheels with low-profile 18-inch performance tires. Unfortunately, these wheels also increase highway noise compared to the other trims. The SE also comes with a sport-tuned steering system and suspension with stiffer springs and larger stabilizer bars, as well as chrome-tipped dual exhaust, foglights, sport seating with leather bolsters and a proximity entry with pushbutton start. When the SE is upgraded to the 2.0-liter turbo engine, it also adds dual-zone automatic temperature control. The SE can be outfitted with an available Navigation and Sunroof Package. In addition to a power tilt-and-slide sunroof and navigation system (now with this year’s larger 7-inch touch screen and HD radio technology), the options package also improves the SE’s stereo system from its standard Autonet AM/FM/XM/CD/MP3 system with 6 speakers and iPod/USB port to a higher-end audio system with 7 Dimension speakers, a subwoofer and a 360-watt external amplifier, as well as 90 days of XM traffic, weather, sports and stocks. Finally, a Navigation and Sunroof package includes the new rear backup camera.

The high-end Limited trim now incorporates a standard 3-piece panoramic sunroof in 2012, which allows the front portion to tilt and slide, while the back, fixed rear roof comes with a sunshade. The Limited includes features found in the SE (with the exception of its sport suspension and steering), but adds integrated turn signals to the exterior mirrors and premium door sill plates. The seats are covered in leather and come with front and rear heated cushions. The interior décor switches from metal grain trim to piano black or wood grain. The dual automatic temperature control includes floor-console-mounted rear vents for back passengers. An autodimming rear-view mirror with compass and HomeLink integrated universal remote system are also included. With the 2.0T engine, the Limited rides on 18-inch Hyper Silver Alloy wheels with performance tires, and the 6-speed automatic can be controlled via steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters. A Navigation Package is available for the Limited, providing the new 7-inch high-resolution touchscreen navigation system, a rear backup camera and another audio upgrade, with Infinity premium speakers, a subwoofer and an external amplifier, as well as 90 days of XM NavTraffic, NavWeather, sports and stocks.

The 2012 Hyundai Sonata continues to offer what has been a winning blend of standard and available features, combined with a comfortable ride, spacious interior, V6 power in a 4-cylinder 2.0-liter turbo and class-leading fuel economy, all at a reasonable price. Given the fact that the 2012 Sonata earned a perfect 5-star overall rating from the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration and last year’s Sonata made the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s list of Top Safety Picks, the 2012 Sonata may be worth a test drive for those considering the midsize competition.