The 2010 and 2011 model Sonatas are completely different looking vehicles. The 2010, also known as NF, were discontinued during 2010 as the 2011, also known as YF, models were beginning to be introduced into the market. I remember teaser ads for the YFs at the end of 2009 shortly after we purchased our Sonata. At the time I thought it a little strange to be hearing about a car whose model year was 2 years into the future, but nowadays the actual model year has very little to do with the actual calendar year

 

QUOTE (asburydan @ Aug 6 2011, 08:55 AM) index.php?act=findpost&pid=486616

As a previous owner of 4 Hyundais, I was glad when my granddaughter told me she bought a 2010 Hyundai Sonata as her "first car." When I saw the car in person, and then did a Goolge search, some of the photos of 2010 looked like hers and some looked like the even sleeker body style used in 2011. Did Hyundai change body style in mid-year or did different trim lines get different bodies? That seems strange and yet my wife's Kia Sorento SX is a slightly different body style than the LX or EX. Before seeing a few photos that look like hers, I was beginning to wonder if the dealer sold her a 2009 as a 2010. Thanks.

I got my 2010 Sonata in June of 2009 - just about 1 month before the 2011 new style came out (go figure). The 2009 and 2010 versions are indistinquishable from one another but the 2011 is dramatically different.

 

pictures would make this far easier for us all

 

Here are some pics from a quick google search:

[attachment=28674:nf_sonata.jpg]
NF Sonata Model Years 2006-2008

[attachment=28675:sonata_001.jpg]
NF Sonata Model Years 2009-2010 (Sonata transform)

[attachment=28676:000_3d_m...ta2010_1.jpg]
YF Sonata Model Years 2011+

 

QUOTE (CLC @ Aug 6 2011, 01:57 PM) index.php?act=findpost&pid=486706

Here are some pics from a quick google search:

[attachment=28674:nf_sonata.jpg]
NF Sonata Model Years 2006-2008

[attachment=28675:sonata_001.jpg]
NF Sonata Model Years 2009-2010 (Sonata transform)

[attachment=28676:000_3d_m...ta2010_1.jpg]
YF Sonata Model Years 2011+

The first 2 appear to be UK versions = Steering wheel on right (wrong) side and side marking turn lights which Sonatas did not have until 2011.

 

QUOTE (SNDIO @ Aug 6 2011, 01:43 PM) index.php?act=findpost&pid=486722

The first 2 appear to be UK versions = Steering wheel on right (wrong) side and side marking turn lights which Sonatas did not have until 2011.

Hyundai --- as other car makers do, btw --- changes the model-year in the middle of the calendar year. You can already find 2012-model cars in many showrooms today. The model-year is what's printed on the Monroney sticker which is on the side window of every new car.

 

Your Granddaughter bought an actual 2010 NF Sonata. In the USA the NF was sold from Model Year 2006 to MY 2010. It appears that the 2010 model year was a short year(till June or July) and that the 2011 Sonata (YF) started to be sold early.

The USA is behind by a model year or two from Korea where the YF debuted in 2009

If there is any doubt check the door placard which will give the date of manufacture and there should be a placard saying the car conforms to US emissions for 2010. Then there is a owners manual which should say 2010

 

If you want to be 110% certain it's a 2010, check the tenth digit of the VIN. If it says A, it's a 2010 and B would make it a 2011.

 

QUOTE (mamamia @ Aug 6 2011, 04:20 PM) index.php?act=findpost&pid=486758

Hyundai --- as other car makers do, btw --- changes the model-year in the middle of the calendar year. You can already find 2012-model cars in many showrooms today. The model-year is what's printed on the Monroney sticker which is on the side window of every new car.

Mid-year seems about right except for the 2011 model which was introduced late in 2009 - at least in Canada. It was odd as I purchased my 2010 in June of 2009 at a surprisingly HUGE discount but discovered that Hyundai were desperately trying to unload the new 2010 from the lots and inventory before the 2011s came in which would really depreciate/lower the lot value as it did with mine. Brand new models do that.

From discussions here, there also appear to be style and equipment differences between USA and Canadian models and especially those in the UK and EU.

Given the price rebate though - I would have still bought mine but might have negotiated a tad harder? :whistling:

 

QUOTE (lovemysantafe @ Aug 6 2011, 05:45 PM) index.php?act=findpost&pid=486793

If you want to be 110% certain it's a 2010, check the tenth digit of the VIN. If it says A, it's a 2010 and B would make it a 2011.

Or look at the door jamb plate, the build date is there.
Also your registration papers will show the actual model year.

 

QUOTE (fourwd1 @ Aug 13 2011, 11:44 PM) index.php?act=findpost&pid=490492

Or look at the door jamb plate, the build date is there.
Also your registration papers will show the actual model year.

Registration papers -- yes. Build date -- no. It could be built (and SOLD) in '09, but it's a '10 model year.