Hyundai Sonata: Comfortable Family Sedan
If you’re looking for a good family sedan, you can’t go wrong with the Hyundai Sonata. This reliable midsized car is a family favorite. For the decades it’s been on the market, it has been regarded as comfortable to drive, affordable, and dependable. In 2021, it ranked fourth in J.D. Power’s U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study.
This dependable daily driver has seen plenty of different iterations since its launch. We’ll showcase the most recent Sonata generations and their distinct features.
The History of the Hyundai Sonata from 1999-2022
The fourth generation of the Hyundai Sonata (also known as the EF model) launched in 1998. It was redesigned to be slightly larger than its predecessor, the Sonata Y3. Although available trims vary from model to model, there have been a few consistent trim packages among Sonata generations. Their SE is the most basic trim level. There are also higher-end GLS and Limited trims with extra features. Some generations also include trims like the mid-level Sport or the economy-minded Eco. The eighth generation, the most current Sonata, has SE, SEL, SEL Plus, and Limited trim levels.
Hyundai Sonata Trim Levels
What features are exclusive to each trim level? That depends on the generation of Sonata. Higher-end trims tended to have cushier features as well. The fifth generation, the Hyundai Sonata NF, was the first to include touchscreen navigation, but it was an option exclusive to the Limited trim. The most recent generation of Hyundai Sonata, the 2019 Sonata DN8, has Remote Smart Parking Assist, allowing the car to parallel park or back into parking spots, even if the driver is standing outside the vehicle. It also includes the Hyundai Digital Key features, which turns your phone into a fob. You can use your phone to lock, unlock, or remote start your Sonata.
Sometimes trims were introduced mid-generation. The sixth generation (YF) got an additional trim, SEL, in 2018. This trim included an in-vehicle telematics system plus a power-adjustable front driver’s bucket seat.
Hyundai Facelifts Between Generations
Hyundai Sonata generations have also had “facelifts” –a few years into the generation, Hyundai will sometimes revamp the model’s design or specs. For example, the Sonata EF debuted in 1998, but in 2001-2004, it got a facelift that revised several different parts, including the hood/bonnet, grille, headlights, and taillights. It also strengthened the model’s body shell and added thicker front brake discs.
Each successive generation –generations five through eight– has also received mid-gen facelifts from Hyundai. For example, from 2008-2010, the fifth-generation Sonata NF had a revised engine, front fascia, grille, and taillights/headlights. The seventh-gen Sonata LF got a radical new redesign in 2017, which gave it all-new headlights, taillights, and a cascading grille, among other changes, making its overall appearance more in line with the previous sixth generation.
Easy Ways to Improve Your Hyundai Sonata
How do you keep your favorite Hyundai Sonata in its best condition? For starters, the best care is preemptive care. Regular maintenance, such as routine oil changes and washes, go a long way in preserving the value of your car. Sometimes, however, accidents strike and leave you with unsightly body damage.
Hyundai Replacement Bumpers, Fenders, and More
If body damage spoils your sedan’s looks, we can help you get replacement parts. Paint A Part sells Sonata replacement bumpers, fenders, and more. These parts are direct-fit replacements modeled after the OE parts. Better yet, each part comes pre-painted in one of several factory-accurate color options. You can have a Sonata replacement bumper or fender that looks like it just rolled off the assembly line! Each part ships directly to you, ready for installation the moment it shows up.
These parts are specific to trim levels, models, and model years. Check the details of each part to make sure your replacement will fit!