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A Hyundai Sonata on display at an auto show

Is the 2019 Hyundai Sonata a Good Car?

The 2019 Hyundai Sonata stands out in the midsize sedan class primarily for its style and smoothness. Most critics have had plenty of nice things to say about the 2019 Sonata but have noted a few flaws. Could this Hyundai be the right one for you? Does the Hyundai Sonata have a V6 engine? The 2019 Sonata offers five …

The 2019 Hyundai Sonata stands out in the midsize sedan class primarily for its style and smoothness. Most critics have had plenty of nice things to say about the 2019 Sonata but have noted a few flaws. Could this Hyundai be the right one for you?

Does the Hyundai Sonata have a V6 engine?

People view the Hyundai Motor SONATA during the Seoul Motor Show 2019 at KINTEX
The Hyundai Sonata | Chung Sung-Jun/Getty Images

The 2019 Sonata offers five different powertrains, but none of them feature a V6. Base Sonatas come with a 185-hp, 2.4-liter four-cylinder and six-speed automatic. Some reviewers have said the entry-level Sonata is ideal for everyday rides. One flaw, though, is that it’s a firmer ride compared to some of its classmates. 

On the other hand, critics at U.S. News   said that the Sonata’s base engine feels like “trying to talk with a mouthful of peanut butter.” This critique stems from the base model’s lack of power in typical driving situations. Additionally, the standard Sonata isn’t a standout for fuel economy with an EPA rating of up to 28 mpg overall. 

A Hyundai Sonata seen at an auto show
A Hyundai Sonata Plug-in Hybrid | Raymond Boyd/Getty Images

For a more engaging driving experience and better fuel economy, look to the Sonata Eco variant. The Eco model pleased various critics with its 178-hp turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder and seven-speed automatic; it has an EPA rating of 31 mpg overall. There’s a more powerful turbo-four that produces 245-hp. You may also be interested in the Sonata hybrid and plug-in hybrid variants.

There are plenty of cabin comforts available, too

RELATED: These Hyundai Models Achieve 40 MPG or More

While the Sonata’s performance options have garnered mixed reviews, critics agree that this Hyundai provides a chic and high-tech cabin. Sonatas can carry up to five, and its seats are remarkably supportive. It offers generous leg- and headroom, and it has ample cargo space also. The Sonata comes with cloth upholstery; upgraded models with leather have more amenities such as heated seats. 

The Sonata comes with lots of desirable tech. Standard infotainment features include a 7-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Sonata’s display screen is easy to use, and the graphics are sharp. A few active safety features are also standard, including blind-spot monitoring and lane-change assist. The upper-level models will have more gadgets, such as navigation and adaptive cruise control.

So, is the 2019 Hyundai Sonata a good car?

A Hyundai Sonata on display at an auto show
A Hyundai Sonata on display | Raymond Boyd/Getty Images

RELATED: Does the 2020 Hyundai Sonata Have Enough to Boost Sales and Dethrone the Honda Accord?

The 2019 Sonata is a good car. It received excellent safety ratings across the board, which made it an IIHS Top Safety Pick+. Additionally, Consumer Reports gave this Hyundai an above-average predicted reliability rating based on its member data. 

The Sonata’s safety and reliability ratings make it an attractive, used car. Depending on the mileage and features, the average price for a 2019 Sonata falls between $17,325 and $26,475.

We’d say that the Sonata is an ideal choice if your priorities are a mild-mannered ride and lots of in-car tech. But if you want a more performance-oriented experience, it’s still worth looking at the Sonata’s main rivals, the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord.