I knew I wanted a mid size sedan. I test drove the accord, camry, optima and sonata. they were all priced similar (loaded 4 cyl models) the sonata was the nicest car.

 

For me, it's... different. There are a million Accords, Camrys, and ugly Maximas (in my opinion) out on the roads.

What sold me is the technology that comes with the price tag. Hyundai uses a terrific navigation system and their UI for the entertainment screen is pretty good. This is coming from using a Denso based nav (Subaru, Toyota/Lexus). Honda has the worst looking maps I've seen.

$32k for a 2.0T Ultimate package that has a panoramic sunroof ain't bad either

 

I can't speak for the 2015, but when I bought my loaded 2011 SE turbo, I test drove and researched the competitive models and the Sonata drove slightly better, was less expensive and offered lower operating costs with a longer warranty. Appearance is a matter of personal preference, but I liked the Sonata's appearance better than the competitive models (Accord, Camry, Altima...)

 

I did the same 2 weeks ago. Even drove a Chrysler 200s lol I know. But the Sonata Sport is different, looks great and has good space inside. Plus better warranty. To top it off I took it in for a hood paint issue and they gave me a NEW one. Yes I asked for my new Sonata that I put 700 miles on to get replaced and they said sure no problem. Hyundai is a great company.

 

For those of you who spent 35k or around that (so that would be around 30k u.s ?) On a sonata,at that price cars like Honda,Toyota etc come into play,why the sonata ? Just asking because sonata sport has my attention. Imo from low price to mid Hyundai cars are a no brainer, or budget to highend budget ...lol...but higher than that there are questions, for the sake of measure cars 30 to 35k are not budget to me.

I think you should make your decision based on test driving them, if you haven't done so already, versus comparing specs and prices online. I looked at a Sonata but decided on my Elantra Limited because I much preferred the handling and how the ride felt for the Elantra versus the Sonata (not to mention the Elantra has about the same interior space as a mid-size sedan, though it's listed a compact!) I've also come across other people that have said the same thing.

Hyundai also typically offers you a lot more for your money than other car manufacturers do, which was a huge attractor for me personally. You typically get a better warranty, nicer interior, and higher-end features with Hyundai than from other competitors. Not to mention you get the reliability! Hyundai is right up there now with Honda and Toyota in terms of longevity and offering a great product.

 

My must-have list included adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring and rear cross traffic alert. Many cars in the segment had some, but not all four. Other features I was looking for included HID headlights, heated and ventilated seats, and memory settings for the seat and mirrors. Initially the Sonata was not on my radar because the 2014 didn't have the ACC or LDW. But when the 2015 came out and I got to test drive one, I decided this was the car for me. It has the largest interior volume in the segment, which is important to me as I am 6'2". It was very quiet and I love the steering wheel controls, which are very similar to the Kia I owned previously. I've got about 2550 miles on it and have already had one road trip and I am totally satisfied with the car.

 

Question well answered, I'll check if Honda offers their ver of shiftronix..

 

Honestly kinda/sorta wish I got a Chrysler 200c everytime I see one on the street now. I've seen about 10. I've only seen one other '15 Sonata.

 

why the sonata ?

Because I could get it in orange...

Seriously, AlaskaEric has everything pretty well summarized above. It's just really good bang for your buck. Also surprisingly roomy. My co-workers were shocked when I showed up in mine as it's very unlike my previous rides, but every single one of them seems to be very, very impressed by it thus far.

Although it's not marketed as as sports sedan, I've really enjoyed driving it. 1,500km to date and I don't have a single regret (other than the lack of a heated steering wheel - I'm going to be bitching about that pretty soon).