The way Hyundai tells it, the last Sonata was fine but kinda dull. This is, they say, because they were chasing best-in-class interior space at the expense of design.
Believe that if you want, but now Hyundai product planners say leading the specifications charts is not enough. SUVs of equal footprint have more space by nature, so sedans need something else to pull you in. The new strategy embraces the idea that a car purchase is more often​ an emotional one than a coldly logical one. It plays to your heart. Ideally, a car will hook your right brain with sleek, standout design and a comfortable, easy driving experience, then reel in your left brain with a laundry list of standard and optional features at an aggressive price point.
Solid strategy by the sound of it, but does the Sonata deliver? You bet it does.
Design is purely subjective, but love it or not, it’s hard to deny the Sonata looks more conventionally attractive than the Accord, Camry, or Altima. Even if it’s not your flavor, you have to respect it for pulling no punches. This car stands out, and that alone is attractive.
This story is from the March 2020 edition of Motor Trend.
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This story is from the March 2020 edition of Motor Trend.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
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