The 2016 Hyundai Sonata is Good On Value But Problematic
In recent years, the Hyundai Sonata has gained credibility in the midsize sedan segment. Better yet, the Sonata can hold its own against more tenured models like the Honda Accord. It’s an unsurprising reputation, though; the Sonata boasts a comfortable cabin and tech features that hold up in used models. If you are shopping for used midsize sedans, the 2016 Hyundai Sonata is a good value option, but you should know there are a few potential trouble spots.
What it’s like to drive the 2016 Hyundai Sonata
The 2016 Sonata is an automotive reminder of a time when Hyundai was starting to challenge other legacy marques in the auto industry. There are six available trim levels and three engine options for this 2016 model.
| Trim | Engine size | Horsepower |
| SE, Sport, Limited | 2.4L inline-four-cylinder | 185 hp |
| Eco | 1.6L inline-four-cylinder | 178 hp |
| Hybrid SE, Hybrid Limited, Plug-in Hybrid models | Hybrid 2.0L inline-four-cylinder | 193 hp/ 202hp |
| Sport 2.0T, Limited 2.0T | Turbocharged 2.0L inline-four-cylinder | 245 hp |
For more power, you will want to look for the 2.0T models equipped with a 245-hp, turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. However, if fuel-efficiency is your main priority, consider the Sonata Eco model, which comes with a 178-hp, 1.6-liter four-cylinder. Of course, you might also want to consider the separate hybridized Sonata for fuel economy concerns.
| Trim | Fuel economy (EPA estimates) |
| SE, Sport, Limited | 25 mpg city, 38 mpg highway |
| Eco | 28 mpg city, 38 mpg highway |
| Hybrid SE, Hybrid Limited, Plug-in Hybrid models | 40 mpg city, 44 mpg highway |
| Sport 2.0T, Limited 2.0T | 23 mpg city, 32 mpg highway |
On the inside, a Hyundai Sonata could be a comfortable, tech-savvy used car
A used 2016 Hyundai Sonata offers one of the roomiest car cabins in the segment. Further, the Sonata is comfortable enough for long road trips, and its high-quality materials are on par with more luxurious models. What’s better, the Sonata’s cabin boasts a bevy of infotainment features. For instance, a 7-inch touchscreen display, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and satellite radio all come standard.
What recalls are on my 2016 Hyundai Sonata?
While the 2016 Hyundai Sonata offers many desirable features, you should know that it was recalled six times. The 2016 model’s recalls pertain to potential problems with its electrical system, airbags, roof assembly, and parking brake. However, Hyundai notified owners of these potential issues and worked with its auto dealers to repair them.
Is the Hyundai Sonata a reliable car?
Despite the multiple recalls on the 2016 Hyundai Sonata, auto experts still gave the model above-average predicted reliability scores. RepairPal gave the 2016 Sonata a 4.0 out of 5.0 for predicted reliability, which makes it one of the most reliable model years to buy used.
According to RepairPal’s data, average repair prices for a car are $458, but the average yearly costs for the Sonata are $379. The Sonata’s lower repair prices also indicate that problems on the Sonata are less severe.
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