How much does the 2021 Hyundai Sonata cost?

Prices have softened 7.20% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 1,442 listings available, which suggests you have room to compare prices and equipment across the market.

If you find a listing below $17,274.05, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

Is the 2021 Hyundai Sonata a good car?

Yes — the 2021 Hyundai Sonata earns a 4.75/5 user rating, which points to strong owner approval. It also earns an 8.5/10 expert rating, with especially strong marks for cost effectiveness at 10/10.

Drivers consistently praise its smooth driving experience, safety features, strong fuel economy, stylish design, and excellent powertrain warranty. The expert review also frames it as a compelling midsize sedan for people who want on-pavement performance without giving up passenger and cargo practicality.

The trade-offs are clear: all-wheel drive is not available, and the base engine is described as underwhelming. That means the Sonata makes the most sense if you value style, efficiency, and a well-rounded daily drive more than maximum traction or a lively entry-level powertrain.

Only 30.9% of listings are priced as good or great deals, so the best examples may require quick action.

Is the 2021 Hyundai Sonata reliable?

Owners rate it 4.75/5, a strong signal of long-term satisfaction.

User feedback points to a dependable, trouble-free ownership experience, with drivers especially appreciating the excellent powertrain warranty and the sense that the car is built for long-term use. The expert review also emphasizes the industry-leading warranty and three years of free scheduled maintenance, which strengthens the case for lower ownership stress.

The Sonata’s strong value proposition helps reduce long-term ownership risk, but you should still prioritize maintenance records and overall condition when shopping used.

What should I look for when buying a used 2021 Hyundai Sonata?

At 70.5% 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 focus your inspection on bodywork, panel alignment, and signs of prior repair. Because this model year combines strong tech with performance-oriented hardware, it’s worth checking that all electronics, driver-assistance features, and drivetrain behavior work as intended. If you’re considering a higher-mileage example, pay extra attention to tire wear, brake condition, and evidence of regular service.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The N Line treatment adds a more aggressive exterior, sport front seats with premium Nappa leather bolsters and Dinamica suede inserts, red stitching, aluminum pedal covers, dark chrome accents, and a panoramic sunroof. It also brings larger air intakes, gloss black exterior trim, a rear spoiler, a lower diffuser panel, and a four-outlet exhaust system.
• Powertrain: The turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder makes 290 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed wet dual-clutch automatic transmission with paddle shifters, rev-matching, and launch control. It also includes Normal, Sport, Sport+, and Custom driving modes.
• Safety package: Hyundai’s SmartSense collection includes adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, forward-collision warning with pedestrian and cyclist detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, lane-centering assistance, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, driver-attention warning, automatic high-beam headlights, Rear Occupant Alert, Safe Exit Warning, and Highway Drive Assist.
• Infotainment: The cabin uses a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Navigation is standard, along with wireless smartphone charging, HD Radio, SiriusXM satellite radio, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Blue Link connected services, and Hyundai Digital Key. It does not offer a WiFi hotspot.
• Fuel efficiency: The powertrain is rated at 27 mpg in combined driving, and the test route returned 23.7 mpg.

Which 2021 Hyundai Sonata trim should I buy?

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata is offered in 1 trim level: N Line.

Here's the short version:

The N Line is the clear choice if you want the Sonata’s most engaging driving experience, strongest performance hardware, and richest feature set. It adds the turbocharged 2.5-liter engine, the dual-clutch transmission, sport-tuned suspension, upgraded brakes, and a long list of standard tech and safety equipment.

The safety package is especially comprehensive, with SmartSense and Highway Drive Assist standard.

Is now a good time to buy a used 2021 Hyundai Sonata?

This looks like a moderate, selective buyer’s market, so you can shop carefully without assuming every listing is a bargain.

• Deal availability: 30.9% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 1,442 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 7.20% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 70.5% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $17,274.05, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

What is the 2021 Hyundai Sonata's resale value?

The current average of $17,285 sits slightly below last year's $18,625.

That price movement suggests the market has already adjusted downward, which can help future sellers if they buy at the right price today. A lower entry cost can leave more room for resale later, especially if the car remains well maintained and lightly used.

Vehicles with strong owner satisfaction ratings, like this model year's 4.75/5, tend to retain buyer demand, which supports resale value over time.

Is the 2021 Hyundai Sonata safe?

It earns a 9/10 safety score from our experts.

The Sonata N Line comes with Hyundai’s SmartSense collection of advanced driver-assistance systems, including adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, forward-collision warning with pedestrian and cyclist detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, lane-centering assistance, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, driver-attention warning, automatic high-beam headlights, Rear Occupant Alert, Safe Exit Warning, and Highway Drive Assist.

The expert review also notes an important caveat: the standard Sonata’s crash-test ratings were not carried over to the N Line at the time of publication, and IIHS had not assigned a rating to this version yet. That means the safety story here leans heavily on the breadth and performance of the driver-assistance package.

Should I buy a 2021 Hyundai Sonata or consider a different year?

If you're weighing the 2021 against nearby model years, here's how to think about it:

Choose the 2021 if:

• 30.9% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 70.5% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 7.20% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.75/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• The N Line brings a compelling mix of performance, practicality, and value.

Consider the 2022 if:

• At $19,828, the 2022 costs more than the current year's $17,285 average.
• It leans harder into value and quality.

The bottom line: If you want the better price today, the 2021 is the stronger buy. If you’re willing to spend more for a newer model-year alternative, the 2022 is the cleaner upgrade path for shoppers focused on value and quality.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from August 21, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.