Compare the 2018 Hyundai Sonata vs. 2017 Hyundai Sonata

Serving Capitol Heights, Washington D.C, and Arlington

For many years, loyal customers have traded in their old Sonata for a new one. The model has always been at the forefront when it comes to innovative design and performance upgrades. There's no better choice among the mid-size sedan class, especially if your focus is on comfort, a smooth ride, and plenty of high-tech delights.

For 2018, the Sonata gets a new, more aggressive exterior look, meaning it's the first thing you'll notice when you see it in photos or on the dealer lot. The interior has also been tweaked a bit, and there are also some upgrades to the suspension system. If you've been shopping for a new sedan and are thinking of taking advantage of the reduced prices on the outgoing 2017 Sonata, don't punch the button until you've seen what the new 2018 model has going for it.

Exterior

The Sonata always departed ways with the appearance norm. For years, this model was designed with rather sleek outward contours, and even the interior featured an interesting, visually deceptive telescoping and vanishing perspective from the center of the cabin to the dash. The new 2018 model has a completely different exterior, and among the highlights is the all-new front end. The grille is lower and has a rather nasty, villainous look that will appeal to many. You'll also notice a change in the overall lines of the car. The hood lines are longer and more dominating. The rather plain vanilla tires that come on the 2017 model are gone on the 2018 2.0 turbo version, replaced by 18-inch Michelins. The rear fascia is also new, with strikingly beautiful reflectors and plenty of curvy accents.

Interior

The 2017 Hyundai Sonata isn't a show-stopper when it comes to interior materials quality, but it's on par with the competition. The uplevel trims are a bit more plush and have very convincing wood grain accents. The new 2018 model comes with just a few design changes, the most significant being the new ring that encircles the instrument cluster. The HVAC vents are larger and have more rounded edges. There's also a new three-spoke steering wheel on all trims except the 2.0 turbo version, which retains the flat-bottomed wheel. Vented, cooled and heated seats carry over from 2017 as do the available voice recognition and smartphone integration. The panoramic sunroof is also still standard on the Limited trim.

Powertrain and Mechanical

The 2017 Hyundai Sonata can be purchased with the choice of three different engines. The standard engine is a four-cylinder, 2.4L rated at 185 horsepower. The turbo 2.0L is more powerful, making a total of 245 horsepower, and the Eco trim features a 1.6L turbocharged engine that produces 178 horsepower. Each of these engines is available on the 2018 Sonata as well. The 2.4L engine is coupled to a six-speed transmission, while the Eco trim gets a seven-speed dual clutch system. The turbocharged 2.0L engine is paired to an eight-speed automatic. The 2018 models, however, get a steering response upgrade with stiffer torsion. Advanced brushings results in quicker response time, and the new, thicker trailing arms means better management on uneven road surfaces.

It might not sound like much of a design change, but there's much more to see and appreciate on the all-new 2018 Hyundai Sonata. If you've owned a Sonata in the past, both the 2017 and 2018 models are worth a look. Contact our dealership today to schedule your test drives.

MSRP excludes destination, taxes, title and registration fees. Starting at MSRP refers to the base model, optional equipment not included. Pricing and offers may change at any time without notification. To get full pricing details, see your dealer.

All figures are EPA estimates. Actual mileage may vary.