2016 Hyundai Sonata Sport 2.0T

Fresh off a 2015 redesign, the 2016 Hyundai Sonata benefits from a reworked chassis, new steering hardware and more refined powertrains. The Sonata Sport 2.0T comes with a 245-horsepower turbocharged inline-4 and a 6-speed automatic. In our test drives, we found this combination provided smooth and reasonably peppy acceleration, though the Sonata doesn’t quite live up to the “Sport” in its name.

That said, Hyundai’s new midsize offering is vastly improved and now represents a step upmarket from the old model and from its competition. In the crowded, hyper-competitive family sedan market, there are plenty of decent cars, but the Hyundai Sonata Sport 2.0T actually manages to stand out, thanks to an interior reminiscent of much pricier German luxury cars and a reworked steering rack that actually offers better feel than many of those German sedans.

The Sonata 2.0T’s option sheets are pretty extensive and high-tech features like forward collision warning, active cruise control and lane-departure warning are available. Hyundai’s smart infotainment system is another plus.

Gas mileage is about mid-pack for the class, with the Sonata Sport 2.0T averaging 23 mpg overall. Some turbocharged competitors rate a little higher on the EPA scale, and the naturally-aspirated Honda Accord and Mazda 6 use significantly less fuel, but they also lack the midrange thrust of the force-fed Hyundai.

So while it may not be the ticket for those looking for a gas-miser or stop light drag racer in their family sedan, the 2016 Hyundai Sonata nonetheless has a compelling combination of features and value. The fact that it’s not terribly dull to drive is a plus, too. Our shale gray metallic tester with grey interior delivered plenty of electronic features and good rear passenger and trunk space.