2011 Hyundai Sonata Reviews, Pricing & Specs

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$19,395 to $27,245

Original MSRP

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expert review

4.4

avg user rating

(38 reviews)
2011 Hyundai Sonata Preview summaryImage

Stretched and simplified, the 2011 Hyundai Sonata has received plenty of changes over the 2010, with a 3-inch increase in wheelbase, a new engine, and freshened styling. This front-wheel-drive (FWD) four-door sedan comes in three trim levels - base GLS, sport-inspired SE, and Limited - all powered by the same brand-new 2.4-liter, inline four-cylinder (I4) engine. In addition, special attention was paid to upgrade the Sonata’s styling, both inside and out, and this was done at Hyundai’s Irvine, California, studio.

The sole engine offered is a 16-valve-per-cylinder 2.4-liter inline four that produces 198 hp amd 184 lb-ft of torque in the GLS and Limited, and strangely bumps up only 2 hp and 2 lb-ft of torque in the supposedly sporty SE. SE and Limited get a six-speed automatic transmission standard, while the GLS gets a six-speed manual with the option for the automatic. Thanks to upgrades like direct injection, continuously variable valve timing, and variable induction, the 2.4-liter engine manages 23/34 mpg with the manual transmission and a class-leading 23/35 with the automatic.

The GLS has some unexpected features for a base trim, like heated power mirrors, remote keyless entry, a satellite-ready CD and MP3 player with iPod adaptor and Bluetooth, and a tilt and telescoping steering wheel. Otherwise, the cloth upholstery, air conditioning, and 16-inch steel wheels with wheel covers are what you’d expect. Moving up to the SE will get you some welcome and “sporty” upgrades. Not just 2 extra hp and lb-ft of torque, the SE also gets a sport-tuned suspension and steering, dual exhaust, 18-inch alloys, foglights, keyless entry, and push-button start as well as visual upgrades like dark chrome exterior trim and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and tranny knob.

It’s the Limited that really gets the business, however: full leather upholstery with heated front seats, dual-zone automatic climate controls, an upgraded HD stereo with 6-CD changer, unique interior trim, a power sunroof, 17-inch alloys, and mirror-mounted turn signals. Regardless of trim, the Sonata is equipped with standard traction control, antilock four-wheel disc brakes with brake assist, an anti-skid system, and six standard airbags.

Hyundai has made a lot of noise regarding the freshened styling of the Sonata, especially that of the interior. The 3 inches added to the wheelbase should do a lot for stability, but an immediate benefit has been seen in the interior, which many have noted is noticeably roomier. Upgrading interior materials was also a major focus for Hyundai, and reviewers have so far been impressed, commenting that the Sonata surpasses expectations within its class.

So far, the 2011 Sonata seems to be a winner, with a more-powerful and more-efficient four-cylinder engine, a seriously upgraded interior, and freshened styling. Testing is still being done, so we’ll have to wait and see what is made of the engine and transmissions, but early indications are positive. Given the Sonata’s sub-$20,000 entry price, Hyundai may have a winner for 2011.

CarGurus Editorial Team
Published May 31, 2022 by CarGurus Editorial Team
While we highlight specific author bylines where possible, sometimes our content results from the combined efforts of several members of the CarGurus editorial team. As with all our editorial content, you can expect high levels of automotive insight and expertise delivered in a style that is approachable and free from jargon.

User reviews for 2011 Hyundai Sonata

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User rating:
by Anonymous
Jan 19, 2024
car features are great this car at this dealership was not a good value missing a back up camera Jan 19, 2024
by Jouny M
Aug 25, 2023
Solo tengo 4.500 $ no mas me gusta mucho Aug 25, 2023
by Antoinette G
Mar 02, 2023
Worst car ever lots of electrical problems. If you own one check your taillights I guarantee you they are out on both sides or the driver side. Mar 02, 2023

2011 Hyundai Sonata Pricing

Original MSRP
$19,395 to $27,245
Price range
$6,145 to $6,626
Average price on CG
$6,145
YoY price change
$6,585 to $6,145

Trims & specs

Air Conditioning

Single front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: element · Auxiliary audio input: jack · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · HD radio · XM-ready satellite radio · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 6

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.8 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.2 · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: front center · Door sill trim: scuff plate · Door trim: leatherette · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet

Convenience Features

Center console: dual level · Cupholders: 4 · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 12V · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: door pockets · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Manual adjustments: 4

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 3.25

Exterior Features

Body side moldings: body-color · Door handle color: body-color · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: body-color · Mirror color: body-color · Paint: pearl · Rear bumper color: body-color · Window trim: chrome

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: low oil level

Lights

Headlights: Auto on/off

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power

Passenger Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Manual Adjustments: 4

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Roof

Sunroof: wind deflector

Safety

Active head restraints: driver · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: rear

Seatbelts

Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat manual adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: premium cloth

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: twin-tube gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Stabilizer Bar: diameter 25 mm · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: twin-tube gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Stabilizer Bar: diameter 15 mm · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link

Telematics

Navigation system: touch screen display · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheels: steel

Wheels

Wheel covers: full

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent · Power windows: with safety reverse

Air Conditioning

Single front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: element · Auxiliary audio input: jack · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · XM-ready satellite radio · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 6

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.8 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.2 · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: front center · Door sill trim: scuff plate · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Center console: dual level · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 12V · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: front seatback · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Power adjustments: 8

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 2.89

Exterior Features

Body side moldings: body-color · Door handle color: chrome · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome · Mirror color: body-color · Paint: pearl · Rear bumper color: body-color · Window trim: chrome

Headrests

Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: coolant temperature warning

Lights

Headlights: Auto on/off

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power

Passenger Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: manual

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Roof

Sunroof: wind deflector

Safety

Active head restraints: front and rear · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: rear

Seatbelts

Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather · Upholstery accents: cloth

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: twin-tube gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Stabilizer Bar: diameter 25 mm · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: twin-tube gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Stabilizer Bar: diameter 17 mm · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link

Telematics

Navigation system: touch screen display · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Wheels

Wheel spokes: 5

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent · Power windows: with safety reverse

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: element · USB auxiliary audio input · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 6

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.8 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.2 · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center with cupholders · Door sill trim: scuff plate · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Center console: dual level · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 12V · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: phone · Storage: door pockets · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 8

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 2.89

Exterior Features

Body side moldings: body-color · Door handle color: chrome · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome · Mirror color: body-color · Paint: pearl · Rear bumper color: body-color · Window trim: chrome

Headrests

Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: range · Warnings and reminders: low oil pressure

Lights

Headlights: Auto on/off

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: heated · Inside rearview mirror: manual day/night

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Roof

Sunroof: tilt/slide

Safety

Active head restraints: driver · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: rear

Seatbelts

Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Front seat type: bucket · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather · Upholstery accents: cloth

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: twin-tube gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Stabilizer Bar: diameter 25 mm · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: twin-tube gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Stabilizer Bar: diameter 15 mm · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link

Telematics

Navigation system: touch screen display · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent · Power windows: with safety reverse

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Single front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: element · Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone integration · 6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Infinity · Infinity premium brand speakers · AM/FM radio · XM-ready satellite radio · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 6 · 360 watts

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.8 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.2 · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center with cupholders · Door sill trim: scuff plate · Door trim: leather · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 12V · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: phone · Storage: front seatback · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Power adjustments: 8

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 2.89

Exterior Features

Body side moldings: chrome accents · Door handle color: chrome · Front bumper color: chrome accents · Grille color: black with chrome accents · Mirror color: body-color · Paint: pearl · Rear bumper color: chrome accents · Window trim: chrome

Headrests

Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: range · Warnings and reminders: lamp failure

Lights

Headlights: Auto on/off

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: integrated turn signals

Passenger Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: manual

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Roof

Moonroof: power glass · Sunroof: wind deflector

Safety

Active head restraints: driver · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front

Seatbelts

Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: twin-tube gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Stabilizer Bar: diameter 25 mm · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: twin-tube gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Stabilizer Bar: diameter 15 mm · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link

Telematics

Navigation system: touch screen display · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent · Power windows: with safety reverse

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: element · Auxiliary audio input: jack · 6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Infinity · Infinity premium brand speakers · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 7 · 360 watts

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.8 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.2 · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: front center · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Center console: dual level · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: keyless entry with panic alarm · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 12V · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: paddle shifter · Storage: door pockets · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 8

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 2.89

Exterior Features

Body side moldings: body-color · Door handle color: chrome · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome · Mirror color: body-color · Paint: pearl · Rear bumper color: body-color · Window trim: chrome

Headrests

Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: lamp failure

Lights

Headlights: Auto on/off

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: heated

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Roof

Moonroof: power glass · Sunroof: wind deflector

Safety

Active head restraints: driver · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front

Seatbelts

Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Front seat type: bucket · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: twin-tube gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Stabilizer Bar: diameter 25 mm · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: twin-tube gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Stabilizer Bar: diameter 15 mm · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link

Telematics

Navigation system: touch screen display · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent · Power windows: with safety reverse

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