CARS.COM — With its mid-cycle refresh, the restyled-and-retooled-for-2018 Hyundai Sonata gets re-priced. The sedan — set to arrive in showrooms this summer — now starts at $22,935, including an $885 destination charge, a $500 increase over the outgoing version. That's for the SE trim, which is now the base model; the new SEL trim, which essentially takes the SE's former spot, starts at $24,585 with destination.
Related: Hyundai Shows 2018 Sonata in Seoul
Both the SE and SEL get a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. The other six trim levels carry over. They are the Eco, which gets a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder and seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission ($23,535); the Limited and Sport, which both take the 2.4-liter four-cylinder mated to the six-speed ($28,285 and $26,085, respectively); and the Sport 2.0T and Limited 2.0T, both of which get a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with the new eight-speed automatic transmission ($28,485 and $33,335, respectively).
Despite the price increase, the Sonata still comes in under its competitors. The 2017 Ford Fusion starts at $22,995, the 2017 Honda Accord at $23,330 and the 2017 Toyota Camry at $23,955. All prices include a destination charge.
In addition to the Sonata's new look, buyers of the SE model will get beige-and-gray cloth seats, 16-inch alloy wheels, daytime running lights, chrome window surround, blind spot detection with rear cross-traffic alert and lane change assist, remote keyless entry, a six-way manual passenger sat, tilt/telescoping steering, a 7-inch multimedia display, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration.
The SEL adds 17-inch wheels, LED daytime running lights, heated side mirrors with turn signal indicators, chrome exterior door handles, proximity key entry with push-button start, a hands-free smart trunk opener, a 10-way power-adjustable driver seat with lumbar support, heated front seats, a 4.2-inch LCD trip computer, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, leatherette interior door panel inserts, a floor console-mounted USB port and Hyundai's Blue Link multimedia system. The available Tech Package ($1,000) adds auto emergency braking, lane keep assist and adaptive cruise control.
The Sport trim adds paddle shifters; a sunroof; special glossy trim; a sport grille, lower body elements and rear diffuser; dark-chrome rocker panels and door handles; dual exhaust; a black headliner; a sport instrument cluster, sport seats with leather bolstering and cloth inserts, a leather-wrapped flat-bottom steering wheel and sport shifter; and aluminum pedals.
The Limited trim adds adaptive headlights, LED headlights and taillights, leather seating surfaces, ventilated front seats, a six-way power passenger seat, woodgrain-look interior trim, dual climate control and metal door sill plates. The $2,900 Limited Ultimate Package includes auto emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, adaptive high beams, rear park assist, an 8-inch multimedia display, a premium Infinity stereo, wireless phone charging and a heated steering wheel.
The Sport 2.0T adds a sport-tuned suspension system, larger front brakes and 18-inch wheels. Above the Sport 2.0T's offerings, the Limited 2.0T adds auto emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane keep assist, adaptive LED headlights and high beams, rear park assist, LED taillights, adaptive cruise control, ventilated front sport seats with leather seating surfaces, a six-way power passenger seat, a heated steering wheel, dual-zone climate control, metal door sill plates, an 8-inch multimedia display and wireless phone charging.
Available exterior colors on all models include Quartz White Pearl, Phantom Black, Machine Gray, Scarlet Red, Symphony Silver, Electric Blue and Lakeside Blue.
