How much does the 2021 Hyundai Sonata cost?

Prices have softened 7.68% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 1,525 listings available, which suggests you should have a reasonable amount of inventory to compare.

If you find a listing below $17,276.61, 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 and an 8.5/10 expert rating. The standout strength is Cost effectiveness at 10/10.

Drivers consistently praise the smooth driving experience, strong fuel economy, and stylish design. Many also appreciate the safety features and the excellent powertrain warranty.

The trade-offs are minor cabin noise and some frustrations with optional features that require an upgrade for full functionality. The overview points to a midsize sedan that balances style, practicality, and performance, especially if you want a sportier N Line setup.

Only 29.4% of listings are priced as good or great deals, so the best examples may not linger long.

Is the 2021 Hyundai Sonata reliable?

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

The user feedback also points to a dependable ownership experience, with drivers highlighting strong fuel economy and a car they feel good about living with over time. The expert drive notes reinforce that sense of confidence, describing the car as quiet, solid, and secure on the road.

The cost-effectiveness notes add more reassurance, with three years of free scheduled maintenance and a strong warranty helping reduce early ownership burden.

For used buyers, the main long-term risk is less about outright durability and more about making sure the specific car was maintained well and equipped the way you want.

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

At 71.1% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.

Start with a vehicle history report and make sure any prior damage is fully documented. Then prioritize a pre-purchase inspection so you can check for repair quality, wear, and any signs that the car’s advanced systems were affected. Focus especially on condition consistency across the body, cabin, and electronics.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The N Line stands out with sport front seats, premium Nappa leather bolsters, Dinamica suede inserts, red stitching, aluminum pedal covers, dark chrome accents, a panoramic sunroof, and 19-inch alloy wheels.
• 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.
• Safety package: Hyundai’s SmartSense suite includes adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, 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 N Line uses a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with navigation, wireless smartphone charging, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, HD Radio, SiriusXM, Blue Link connected services, and no WiFi hotspot.
• Fuel efficiency: The EPA says the powertrain should return 27 mpg in combined driving, and the test route averaged 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 pick if you want the strongest performance, the most distinctive styling, and the richest feature set in this model year. It adds the turbocharged 2.5-liter engine, the dual-clutch transmission, the larger digital displays, and the full SmartSense safety suite, so you are not giving up much in daily usability.

The safety package is standard on this trim, so you do not need to step up to unlock the core driver-assistance features.

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

This looks like a moderate, selective buyer’s market, so you should shop carefully and be ready to move on a strong listing.

• Deal availability: 29.4% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 1,525 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 7.68% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 71.1% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $17,276.61, 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 $17,354 sits slightly below last year's $18,798.

That softer pricing suggests the market has already adjusted downward, which can help you buy at a more favorable point. For a future seller, that also means resale value may depend more on condition, mileage, and equipment than on broad market momentum.

The good news is that strong owner satisfaction can help support demand when you eventually sell. Well-kept examples with the right features should remain easier to market than cars with visible wear or incomplete service history.

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.

Hyundai’s SmartSense suite is standard and comprehensive, with adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning with pedestrian and cyclist detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping and 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 that the system works smoothly and accurately in traffic, which is a good sign for everyday use. One caveat is that the review says the standard Sonata’s crash-test ratings were not carried over to the N Line at the time of publication, so you should rely on the car’s equipment and condition when evaluating a used example.

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:

• 29.4% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 71.1% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 7.68% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.75/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• It pairs strong performance with a full SmartSense safety suite and a bargain-minded value proposition.

Consider the 2022 if:

• At $19,994, the 2022 costs more than the current year's $17,354 average.
• It adds a broader value-focused package with a strong warranty and a well-rounded midsize-sedan setup.

The bottom line: If you want the better price and the sportier N Line experience, the 2021 is the smarter buy. If you are willing to spend more for a newer model-year alternative, the 2022 is the cleaner next step for price-insensitive shoppers.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from August 7, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.