Yes, the Korean carmaker once built their popular flagship sedan, the Hyundai Sonata, in Quebec at the Bromont plant. They’re now built in Alabama. At its initial launch, this Hyundai was miles above its predecessor, the rear-wheel drive Stellar. The seventh generation of this family hauler started strong in 2015 with sales of 13,500 units, but it has been downhill ever since with just 3,700 units leaving dealer lots in the last year of gen seven. We are concentrating on the gasoline only models in this review, not the hybrids.
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Used Hyundai Sonata 2015-2019 engine options and trims
In a move to try and compete with perceived consumer demand for individually specified factory builds by domestic makers, the seventh gen Sonata started off with no less than eight different trim levels from the entry 2.4 Auto GL, moving up the price and equipment ladder to the 2.4 Auto GLS, to the 2.4 Auto Sport to the 2.4 Auto Sport Tech, to the 2.0 T Auto, to the Auto 2.4 Limited, to the 2.0 T Auto Ultimate, landing at the 2.0 T Auto Ultimate with Colour Pack.
That number was cut to a more manageable five trims in 2019; 2.4 Essential, 2.4 Essential with Sport Package, 2.4 Preferred, 2.4 Luxury and 2.0T Ultimate. All were front-wheel drive with the 2.4 L naturally aspirated power-plant putting out 185 hp and the 2.0 L Turbocharged version cranking out 245 hp. The 2.4Ls were mated to a 6-speed automatic, while the turbo models got an 8-speed automatic.
Used Hyundai Sonata 2015-2019 price range
Current asking prices for the used seventh generation Hyundai Sonata range from CDN $4,995 to CDN $27,000.
Hyundai Sonata 2015-2019 interior and practicality
Interior space is good for up to 5 passengers although that sloping roof-line cuts into available headroom for taller rear seat occupants. For families, you can actually fit three child-seats in the rear. The dashboard is simple and user-friendly, with buttons for key functions like audio, phone, and navigation. The touchscreen is easy to use, but it’s only five inches in size (if you choose the optional navigation system, you’ll get an eight-inch screen).
Like many others in its class, the Sonata is not great for towing anything more than a small utility trailer with its maximum 1,000 lb rating. Trunk capacity measures just over 16 square feet.
Problems in Used 2015-2019 Hyundai Sonata
More than one model of Hyundai has had its share of catastrophic engine failures and the sixth gen of the Sonata was among this group. The seventh generation Sonata models from 2015 and later have much greater reliability but owners should check the engine oil regularly. Hyundai has extended the engine warranty to 10 years/200K km for original and subsequent owners on many models and offer software updates to make relevant engine sensors more sensitive to conditions that might foreshadow a total failure.
Hyundai Sonata 2015-2019 reliability
Other than the engine, buyers should watch for noisy sunroofs, seat covers that wear out or discolour, chipping paint, and faulty wiring. Brakes, exhaust, cooling system, suspension, and steering all have normal life expectancies for the most part and the Sonata is easily serviced by qualified techs at most independent shops. If you’re going to make a Sonata your daily driver in this country, and will driveway park it like most of us, don’t expect to get much more than 10 years or 250K km without major expenses.
Hyundai Sonata 2015-2019 recall history
The 2015 model has nine recalls to its name for faulty electrical system, parking brakes, airbags, seat-belts and steering. The 2016 model was recalled seven times for issues relating to electrical system, parking brakes and airbags. 2017 model Hyundai Sonata was recalled four times for lighting, locks and a turn signal indicator that activated for the opposite direction. 2018 models have only two recalls relating to latches and locks. 2019 models however are recall free at the time of publishing this guide.
Which used Hyundai Sonata should you buy?
The entry level Essential is the only one without a glass panel in the roof. So if you’re hesitant on taking the risks of cracks, noises, or shatterings, this would be the model for you. But the preferred level that appeared in the later years of the seventh gen Sonata gives you the biggest bang for the buck. It won’t have nav, but that’s not as much of a put-off as it used to be with larger smartphone displays. It will also miss out on lane-departure warning and keep assist which only comes with the top two trims; Luxury and Ultimate, but price savings will make up for that. Stay away from anything over 200K km or 10 years on the road to benefit from Hyundai’s extended engine coverage and check for oil consumption and report it to an authorized dealer or Hyundai Canada’s head office. Any oil consumption over 1 L per 1,600 km should be investigated. And as any potential engine warranty claim will require maintenance records, make sure you get a complete set of documents from the seller. NRCan Fuel economy figures stand at: 9.4/6.7/8.2 L/100 km city/highway/combined (2.4-L).
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