After a few months, we're beginning to see the Sonata in a new light.
As much as I adore the Sonata, I can't help but wish it could evolve into a Santa Fe, because I could benefit from the extra room provided by a crossover. I had no idea such a little kid, our first child, would need so much stuff.
Having said that, the Sonata has been a dependable family transporter. Its trunk holds just enough gear for a two-week journey with a baby in tow. The leather seats are simple to maintain and have withstood the test of time. Installing a car seat is simple, although it does need some muscle. The bottom anchors are buried a little deeper into the seat, so you'll have to dig a little to get to them. In a current Kia K5, we experienced a similar scenario. Because the anchors are so visible, attaching a car seat in our recent Kia Carnival test vehicle was a breeze.
The Sonata, like many other midsize cars, has excellent crash test ratings. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration awarded it a five-star overall safety rating, and it was named an IIHS Top Safety Pick for 2021.
Having said that, the Sonata's eccentricities are becoming more apparent after a few months. When trying to execute rapid movements in traffic, an initial lag in acceleration off the line might be irritating. And our model's keyless entry is inconsistent; it occasionally fails to respond when the key fob is close.
In contrast, there is one aspect of the Sonata that I first overlooked but have come to love. The excellent 12-speaker Bose audio system's "sounds of nature" option is a hidden gem. Drivers may choose between sounds inspired by the beach, the forest, rain, a café, a fireplace, or a winter village. This feature makes urban trips less stressful and picturesque drives more complete.
We're most pleased by the Sonata Limited's feature-to-dollar value. It costs less than $35,000, which is a few thousand dollars cheaper than a comparably equipped Honda Accord. Boasting a sleek interior with high-quality leather and huge displays, the top-trim Sonata's cabin is nearly luxurious enough to pass for a luxury car.
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