Usually found mid-pack in monthly sales reports, the 2017 Hyundai Sonata lineup gains optional safety features and lowers in price in hopes of clawing its way higher up the charts.
The biggest news is the addition of Hyundai’s Dynamic Bending Light System (DBLS) on the Limited trim model’s list of available features. Contrary to what the name suggests, the Sonata does not actually have a large enough gravitational field to bend light, so it swivels the headlamps through turns to achieve a similar effect.
Also available on the 2017 Sonata are auto emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, auto high beam assist, rear parking assist, and blind spot detection. Check the box for blind spot detection and you’ll also get lane change assist and rear cross traffic alert.
Powering the 2017 Sonata will be three engines: the base 2.4L naturally aspirated four, the Eco’s turbocharged 1.6L, and the range topping 2.0L turbo, which makes 245 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. The base engine is good for 185 hp and 178 lb-ft while the 1.6L turbo puts out 178 hp and 195 lb-ft. Exact mileage estimates vary depending on trim level but generally speaking the 2.4L should see about 25/36 mpg city highway. The 1.6L turbo and much more powerful 2.0L turbo are rated around 28/36 and 22/31, respectively (top of the line Limited trim levels lose an mpg here or there).
The 2017 Sonatas have already started arriving at dealerships. Until we can get our hands on one, check out this video of the 2016 Sonata Hybrid.
