Used 2016 Hyundai Sonata for Sale nearChicago, IL

How much does the 2016 Hyundai Sonata cost?

Prices have softened 6.64% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 1,395 listings available, which gives you a solid amount of inventory to compare.

Is the 2016 Hyundai Sonata a good car?

Yes — you’re looking at a 5/5 user-rated car with an expert score of 7.8/10. The model scores 9/10 across Form and function and Cost effectiveness.

Reviewers consistently praise its features, comfort, and overall value, and they also call out the technology and the condition of the vehicle even after substantial mileage. That lines up with the overview’s focus on a practical midsize family sedan that checks the major boxes and feels satisfying in everyday use. The tradeoff is that it’s more competent than exciting, so you should expect a sensible, well-rounded sedan rather than something emotionally engaging.

There are 27.8% of listings priced as good or great deals, which suggests there’s still room to shop selectively.

Is the 2016 Hyundai Sonata reliable?

Owners rate it 5/5, a strong signal of long-term satisfaction.

Reviewers describe it as dependable in the way it delivers features, comfort, and value without much drama, and they specifically note that many owners appreciate the vehicle’s condition even after substantial mileage. The expert commentary also reinforces that sense of durability by describing it as a thoroughly capable car that checks the important boxes for a midsize family sedan. Hyundai’s warranty and roadside-assistance plan further support the ownership experience.

For used buyers, the main long-term risk is less about day-to-day satisfaction and more about making sure the specific car you choose has been maintained well and hasn’t been worn down by heavy use.

What should I look for when buying a used 2016 Hyundai Sonata?

At 54.2% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.

You should start with a vehicle-history report and then prioritize a pre-purchase inspection, especially if the car has higher mileage or visible cosmetic wear. Focus on condition, maintenance records, and evidence of prior bodywork so you can separate a clean, well-kept example from one that has been repaired after a collision.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The Sonata is offered in SE, Sport, Sport 2.0T, Limited, and Limited 2.0T. The SE is the value-oriented starting point, while the Limited 2.0T adds the most equipment and is the trim that brings the strongest safety and convenience upgrades.
• Powertrain: The standard setup uses a 185-horsepower, 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine, while turbocharged versions use a 245-hp, turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder. The turbo model delivers strong low-end torque and broad power, but the ride is firmer and the handling setup is more focused.
• Safety package: Blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic alert are included on the test car, while the Limited 2.0T adds forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, adaptive high-beam headlights, lane-departure warning, and rear parking-assist sensors. The Limited 2.0T is the trim that meaningfully expands the safety tech.
• Infotainment: Android Auto smartphone integration is standard, and Blue Link subscription services are included on every Sonata. The Limited 2.0T can add navigation, a premium sound system, and upgraded instrumentation.
• Fuel efficiency: The turbocharged test car returned 25.5 mpg in mixed driving, and the source notes an EPA estimate of 26 mpg in combined driving.

Which 2016 Hyundai Sonata trim should I buy?

The 2016 Hyundai Sonata is offered in 5 trim levels: SE, Sport, Sport 2.0T, Limited, Limited 2.0T.

Here's the short version:

• SE: This is the trim to choose if you want the lowest entry price and the core Sonata experience without paying for extras. It gives you the basic midsize-sedan formula in the most affordable package.
• Sport: This is the better pick if you want a more distinctive look and a step up in character without jumping all the way to the turbo models. It sits in the middle of the lineup and balances value with added appeal.
• Sport 2.0T: This trim adds the turbocharged engine and a sport-tuned suspension, so it’s the one to consider if you want stronger acceleration and a firmer, more aggressive driving feel. It’s the least expensive way into the turbocharged Sonata.
• Limited: This is the comfort-and-features choice, especially if you want a more upscale cabin and more available equipment. It makes the Sonata feel more expensive than its price suggests.
• Limited 2.0T: This is the best-value trim if you want the strongest mix of performance, equipment, and safety tech. It adds forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, adaptive high-beam headlights, lane-departure warning, and rear parking-assist sensors.

The Limited 2.0T is the trim where the safety package becomes most complete.

Is now a good time to buy a used 2016 Hyundai Sonata?

This looks like a moderate, selective buyer’s market, so you can shop carefully and still find worthwhile options.

• Deal availability: 27.8% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 1,395 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 6.64% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 54.2% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $9,148, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

What is the 2016 Hyundai Sonata's resale value?

The current average of $9,148 sits slightly below last year's $9,798.

That tells you the market has softened, which is good news if you’re buying now but a caution sign if you’re thinking about future resale. If you own one for a few years, you should expect value retention to depend heavily on condition, mileage, and how well the car has been maintained. A clean, well-kept example should still be easier to move than one with accident history or visible wear.

Vehicles with strong owner satisfaction ratings, like this model year's 5/5, tend to retain buyer demand, which supports resale value over time.

Is the 2016 Hyundai Sonata safe?

The 2016 Sonata earns an Acceptable rating in the IIHS small overlap frontal-impact test and a four-star rollover resistance rating from NHTSA.

It earns an 8/10 safety score from our experts.

The Sonata includes blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic alert on the test car, and the Limited 2.0T adds forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, adaptive high-beam headlights, lane-departure warning, and rear parking-assist sensors. The forward-collision warning and automatic emergency braking system is described as performing at a Superior level by IIHS, which is a strong reason to move up to the Limited 2.0T if safety tech matters to you.

The main caveat is the Acceptable small-overlap result, which is one step below Good and keeps the car from earning the highest IIHS distinction for that year.

Should I buy a 2016 Hyundai Sonata or consider a different year?

If you're weighing the 2016 against nearby model years, here's how to think about it:

Choose the 2016 if:

• 27.8% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 54.2% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 6.64% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 5/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• It delivers a thoroughly capable, well-rounded midsize-sedan package without trying to be flashy.

Consider the 2015 if:

• At $8,884, the 2015 costs less than the current year's $9,148 average.
• It offers a more refined take on the Sonata with broad strengths in comfort and everyday usefulness.

The bottom line: You should lean toward the 2016 if you want the stronger current-market value story and a well-rounded sedan with high owner satisfaction. If your priority is spending less up front, the 2015 is the better budget-first alternative.

How does the 2016 Hyundai Sonata compare to the 2016 Toyota Camry?

Our experts score the 2016 Hyundai Sonata 7.8/10 and the 2016 Toyota Camry 7.2/10.

The Sonata gives you the better expert score, a lower average used price, and a stronger highway fuel-economy figure. The Camry counters with a higher share of good and great deals, but it also carries a higher average price and fewer accident-free listings. If you want the better value proposition, the Sonata is the stronger pick; if you’re shopping purely on deal share, the Camry deserves a look.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from October 27, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.