Still have to see it in person,but,I do not like the lower vent,grill area and how the drl's are horizontal. Looks boring imo compared to the more aggressive looking front end the 2015 -2017 Sonata. I do like the tail lights.
I like the interior refresh. The back end is more Optima, which is to say nice. While I like the big grille on the Elantra, it will have to grow on me with the Sonata.
Once I see the car in person at the NY auto show I'll be able to give my honest opinion but it's growing on me a little bit except for the grille. It looks like Hyundai will continue to push that hexagonal grille design for future model years being that it's already on the current model Elantra.
My only thought is that if you buy this car and you live in a state that requires a front license plate it's going to look like it was just slapped on the grille. I see that a lot on the current generation Chevy Malibu.
Front looks terrible, which is exactly why I chose to purchase my 17 now. The rear looks much better to my eye though. The interior's metal look center stack looks really nice with that new matte wood trim look. The 8 speed is only for the 2.0T models. 2.4L models will stick with the 6 speed unfortunately. The grill is terrible though...I can't believe Peter Schreyer signed off on it.
Might still be LF... Hyundai stuck with NF on the 2009 Sonata refresh so its possible.
Im not sure I like it much but will see it in person soon I guess?
That front works on the Elantra (My girl just got the turbo Sport) but looks a little out of place on the Sonata.
The back is way too KIA for my taste.
Im hoping the next one is better if I decide to update!
I actually quite like the design...on the Elantra. I'm not sure if my hesitation is because it's too similar to the Elantra or if I don't think it translates as well as it should to the larger frame. Not that I don't like it, I think it is an attractive car, but I just like my '15 LF a bit better.
I do like (and am envious of) the 8 speed option. Though I'm not a fan of the aluminum strip around the infotainment screen. It's a little too Kia UVO for me.
I'll need to experience it in person to make a final opinon, but overall I don't think it's half bad.
Here's another vid from the NY show (and you can find a ton more on Youtube):
They'll never do Genesis styling. They separated for a reason - the same reason they gave the Sonata the oddly shaped grill. With this refresh they could have easily squared off the lower grill and headlamps, but they added these peculiar curves to it to differentiate it from the more elegant design reserved for Genesis.
Evidently I am in the minority, but I love the rear end, the interior, and I like the horizontal lights on the front end, It does look like a Fusion. The license plate location will ruin the front end look as others have mentioned. Pleasantly pleased IMHO.
Probably due to all the issues we've been having. I do wish there was the option of having just a glass roof. A lot of my passengers are amazed when I pull the liner back.
Really, really dislike the fish mouth grill that is getting so trendy on all cars these days.
The rear end look good and the interior refinements look good.
First off....hood & grille are a Ford Fusion clone....2nd, i live in NYC hence i need a front license plate so that being said...NO WAY. Front end is very unappealing. Not a fan.
The 8-speed can improve MPG up to 7.3% when compared to the 6 speed and is almost 7.7lbs lighter.
Why even bother with the hassle/complaints of the DCT or the ancient 6 speed? I guess the 2.0T is a profitable platform to beta-test the 8-speed on consumers prior to ramping up production for other models/engines.
Genesis is RWD and Sonata is FWD. There is no comparison between a FWD and RWD transmission.
I just hope that the known engine issue is addressed.
Maybe I'm just old fashioned, but I think the 6-speed is just right, it gives good acceleration and low rpm cruising without excessive gear hunting on every little hill. When you start getting up into 8, 9, or 10 speeds you end up with a busy transmission, constantly up shifting and downshifting, not to mention extremely high repair costs if out of warranty.
I do wish they could make the 6 speed shift a little quicker though, and eliminate the 2-3 flare.
Don't like the front end or the back but interior upgrades look nice. Did anyone else notice most of the cars they are showing are Limited models and they took the duel exhaust off. Rear end looks unbalanced now. Hope they kept the duels on the turbo model.
Hyundai has put the 2018 Sonata on their website and there will be 7 trim levels. The SE, Eco, a new SEL trim, Limited, Sport 2.4, Sport 2.0T, and Limited 2.0T.
The lack of a pano roof and fish looking grille is a deal killer for me .When my lease is up in December I will either go for the cadenza or optima
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