MT GARAGE
Motor Trend|March 2021
Updates on our long-term fleet
MT GARAGE

Arrival: 2020 Hyundai Sonata Limited 1.6T

“The new and improved Hyundai Sonata joins our long-term fleet. Will it stand the test of time?” Kelly Lin

EPA City/Hwy/Comb Fuel Econ 27/37/30 mpg

BASE PRICE $34,475 AS TESTED $34,630

The Hyundai Sonata is no longer just the value pick in its segment. Although the Accord is our overall favorite, the Sonata has a unique youthful appeal, boasting an eye-catching appearance and superior technology. Plus, its nimble handling makes it feel smaller than it is. We’ve driven multiple variants, but it’ll take further evaluation to know if the Sonata’s allure holds up over time. Is it reliable and affordable to own? Is all the fancy tech really useful? Is it comfortable on long road trips? This is what we aim to find out by the end of the year.

Our Sonata rolled into the MotorTrend garage wearing a Stormy Sea coat of paint, which looks more inviting than it sounds. Underneath its sapphire skin is an interior fitted with all the posh trimmings afforded by the Limited trim. Perched at the top of the Sonata lineup, this model comes standard with leather upholstery, heating and ventilation for the front seats, a panoramic sunroof, a 12-speaker Bose audio system, and a hands-free trunk. The cabin looks fresher than rivals thanks to its crisp 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and wide 10.3-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and navigation. This wide central screen responds quickly to touch, though the controls can be a little bit far from the driver’s reach.

This story is from the March 2021 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.

This story is from the March 2021 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.

MORE STORIES FROM MOTOR TRENDView All
MOTORTREND SUV OF THE YEAR 2024 - CERTIFIED FRESH
Motor Trend

MOTORTREND SUV OF THE YEAR 2024 - CERTIFIED FRESH

THERE’S NO REST FOR SUV MAKERS IN THE INTENSE QUEST TO BE THE BEST

time-read
10+ mins  |
January 2024
THE CHEVROLET BLAZER EV IS THE 2024 SUV OF THE YEAR
Motor Trend

THE CHEVROLET BLAZER EV IS THE 2024 SUV OF THE YEAR

Once again, the bow-tie brand shows leadership in the electric vehicle space

time-read
9 mins  |
January 2024
AGENTS OF ZERO
Motor Trend

AGENTS OF ZERO

WE DID IT AGAIN: RUNNING OUR VW ID4 EV OUT OF ELECTRICITY, JUST TO SEE WHAT HAPPENS

time-read
7 mins  |
January 2024
THEY LISTENED
Motor Trend

THEY LISTENED

THE NEW TESLA MODEL 3 HIGHLAND FIXES NEARLY EVERYTHING WE HATED ABOUT THE OLD CAR

time-read
9 mins  |
January 2024
2023 Lexus RZ
Motor Trend

2023 Lexus RZ

Lexus says it will make only battery-powered vehicles by 2035, and the new RZ 450e is the brand’s first dedicated EV. This midsize crossover indicates Lexus’ future lineup will have luxurious appeal, but we find this first effort lacking in crucial areas.

time-read
2 mins  |
January 2024
2024 Land Rover Defender
Motor Trend

2024 Land Rover Defender

The Defender 130 is a tricky one to judge. On one hand, it potentially improves upon a design and package we previously lauded enough to crown as our 2021 SUV of the Year in the form of the standard Defender 110. The 130 is more than a foot longer than the 110 and has more room for people and stuff, stretching the existing design into a new body style. (The 130’s wheelbase remains unchanged.)

time-read
2 mins  |
January 2024
2024 Kia Seltos
Motor Trend

2024 Kia Seltos

If you’ve been a fan of Kia’s recent styling direction but don’t want to pay top dollar for it, the 2024 Kia Seltos is a great way to get a rolling piece of that design aesthetic at a reasonable price.

time-read
2 mins  |
January 2024
2023 Jeep Compass
Motor Trend

2023 Jeep Compass

When asked to identify an off-road vehicle, the average person will point to just about any Jeep.

time-read
2 mins  |
January 2024
2024 Hyundai Kona
Motor Trend

2024 Hyundai Kona

The Kona enters its second generation for 2024 with a new design language. It’s larger than the outgoing Kona, too, and its uncommonly ornate (for this class) and unmistakable design is something we’re already seeing in other upcoming Hyundai products. Having really liked the previous Kona, would our judges warm to this one?

time-read
2 mins  |
January 2024
2023 Ford Escape
Motor Trend

2023 Ford Escape

The Escape is one of those SUVs that hasn’t ranked at the top of its class for a long time, but every time we drive one, we’re pleasantly surprised. Although it perpetually feels a little outdated, there’s some inherent goodness baked into the Escape.

time-read
2 mins  |
January 2024