The Hyundai Sonata has earned a reputation for its comfort, reliability, and incredible resale value. With a spacious interior, high MPG, and sporty exterior, it’s no wonder why so many people choose this sedan.

The Sonata is especially cherished for its safety. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has rated it “Good” in nearly all categories for all models from 2011 to date, making it a reliable choice for those searching for a long-lasting car on a budget.

A used Hyundai Sonata can be a great option for those who want to save money without sacrificing quality. In this guide, we’ll help you find your dream Hyundai Sonata at the best deal.

About Hyundai Sonata

The Hyundai Sonata is a well-known mid-size sedan that was introduced in 1985. Its journey began with the first generation, which was basically a revamped version of the Hyundai Stellar. After the brand discontinued the Stellar in 1987, the second-generation Hyundai Sonata was introduced a year later, garnering a whole new fanbase thanks to its sporty facelift.

Fast forward to the eighth generation, the Sonata is sportier than ever. It sticks to the signature architecture from its third generation, combined with Hyundai’s latest “Sensuous Sportiness.” This design, introduced in 2019, has a fastback-like shape and C-shaped tail lamps.

Hyundai offers the Sonata in five different trims.

SE: Introduced for the 2008 model year, this base trim features 16-inch aluminum wheels and a 12.3-inch touchscreen with wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay.
SEL: This mid-trim was introduced in 2018 with a Hyundai Blue Link in-vehicle telematics system and a power-adjustable front driver's bucket seat.
SEL Plus: Also introduced in 2018, this higher-level trim features 12-speaker Bose audio, a panoramic sunroof, and synthetic leather/suede upholstery.
N Line: This sports trim, introduced in 2020, features a more aggressive exterior and interior styling than non-N Line Sonatas.
Limited: This luxury trim has been available since 2009, with leather upholstery, ventilated front seats, heated steering wheel, and a 360-degree camera.

Key Features

Here are the three key features of the Hyundai Sonata.

Drive Mode Select

The Hyundai Sonata's Drive Mode Select system lets you personalize your driving experience based on your mood and driving conditions. This feature has been available in all trims since 2012. You can pick from four modes to adjust steering feel, engine response, and transmission behavior.

Eco Mode: Perfect for maximizing fuel efficiency, the Eco mode has a smooth throttle response, optimized transmission shifts, and a lighter steering feel.
Sport Mode: Sport Mode has a quick throttle response, aggressive transmission shifts, and heavier steering for a more dynamic drive.
Smart Mode: In this mode, the Sonata adapts to your driving style. It automatically switches between Normal and Sport modes based on your inputs.
Custom Mode: In this mode, you can choose your preferred combinations of powertrain and steering settings.

Hyundai Digital Key

The Hyundai Sonata offers two convenient versions of its Digital Key feature:

Hyundai Digital Key 1: Compatible with select Android devices, this feature allows you to unlock, lock, start, and drive your Sonata using your smartphone. It was introduced in 2020 and comes standard in all Sonata trims.
Hyundai Digital Key 2: Available on select Samsung, Google, and Apple devices, this enhanced version lets you use your smartphone or smartwatch to unlock, lock, and start your Sonata. This version is available in all Sonata models introduced in 2024, regardless of the trim.

Comfortable, High-End Interior

One of the best things about the Sonata is its comfortable, high-end interior at an excellent price point.

Older Sonata models (2011–2014) feature an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat in the higher trims, such as the Limited trim. This allows you to customize your seating positions for a relaxed ride. Since 2015, this feature has been available in all Sonata trims.

That was also the year the car’s infotainment system was upgraded to include a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It’s available in all trims of the 7th generation, but the 8th generation infotainment system was upgraded to an 8-inch touchscreen.

You can even enjoy heated seats, a luxury feature standard in all trims since 2020.

Performance

The Sonata offers a range of powertrains, including two types of 1.8 L I4s, a 2.0 L I4, and a 3.0 L V6 engine. Since the Sonata’s introduction, all models have had front-wheel drive, but all-wheel drive has also been available with a base 2.5-liter engine since 2024.

While it’s not the sportiest car in its class, the Sonata offers a perfectly comfortable ride. With various powertrains, starting with a 192-hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 181 lbs of torque and topping off with a 290-hp turbo four-cylinder engine producing 311 lbs of torque. You’ll also appreciate Hyundai’s commitment to offering a traditional automatic transmission in the Sonata. Many competitors have switched to continuously variable transmissions (CVTs), which can be less engaging.

The Sonata hybrid, available since 2008, is the most fuel-efficient. It has an EPA rating of up to 44 mpg city and 51 mpg highway. Non-hybrid front-wheel drive Sonatas get up to 25 mpg city and 36 mpg highway, while all-wheel drive reduces highway mileage to 34 mpg.

Safety

All Sonata trims come standard with Hyundai's SmartSense package. This suite of driver-assistance features has been available since 2019, including:

Automatic High-Beam Assist: Automatically switches between high and low beams for optimal visibility
Adaptive Cruise Control: Keeps a fair distance from the car ahead, adjusting speed as needed
Driver-Attention Warning: Monitors driver behavior to detect signs of fatigue or distraction

A unique parking assist feature is also available on the top-level Limited trim of the Sonata since 2020. It allows the car to automatically park or pull out of a parking space while you wait outside. For added safety, newer models of the Sonata (2021-) also include:

Forward-Collision Warning and Automated Emergency Braking
Lane-Departure Warning and Lane-Keeping Assist
Blind-spot monitoring and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert

Alternatives

If a Hyundai Sonata used car doesn’t meet your needs perfectly, you can explore similar alternatives like:

Honda Accord: Initially introduced in 1976, the latest generation of the Accord has a strong resale value and superior handling compared to the Sonata. It has a spacious interior, a 12.3-inch touchscreen, and advanced safety features like the Honda Sensing Suite.
Toyota Camry: The Toyota Camry was introduced in 1982. It’s slightly more expensive than the Sonata but is known for its reliability, safety ratings, and resale value. All Camry trims come standard with the Toyota Safety Sense suite, spacious trunk, and Apple CarPlay compatibility.
Kia K5: The Kia K5 was introduced in 2021 as a replacement for the Kia Optima. It offers a sportier design and driving experience than the Sonata. It also features an infotainment system with a standard 8-inch touchscreen and wireless charging.

Buy an Affordable Used Hyundai Sonata on EchoPark

The Hyundai Sonata will check all your boxes if you’re looking for a reliable and comfortable sedan. Beyond its resale value, you’ll also enjoy a used Hyundai Sonata Hybrid when you want a customized ride with maximum fuel efficiency on a budget.

If you’re in the market for a Hyundai Sonata used sedan, get started with EchoPark. We thoroughly inspect each car for performance and safety, so you don’t have to worry about buying used. Visit EchoPark today to explore your options!

¹ Vehicle must be in the same condition as described. If you sell to us within 48 hours of receiving our offer, we'll tack on an extra $250, and if not, our offer is still good for 7 days or 500 miles, whichever comes first.

Scheduling a test drive does not reserve the vehicle. It will remain in our inventory and may be sold prior to your scheduled test drive. An Experience Guide will contact you to confirm your appointment.

Fuel efficiency actual rating will vary with options, driving conditions, habits and vehicle condition. All fuel efficiency estimates are supplied by the original manufacturer or other reliable sources. Payment estimator calculations are for reference purposes only.

We have taken reasonable efforts to ensure display of accurate data; however, the information shown may contain errors and omissions, may not reflect all vehicle items and accessories, and errors with regard to pricing may occur. All displayed inventory is subject to prior sale and all prices expire at midnight on the date displayed. Price shown is for the state in which Dealer is physically located and if transferred to another state, the price may change. Dealer is not responsible for any errors but should be consulted in person to confirm the information on this page.

Vehicles may be subject to unrepaired manufacturer recalls. Please contact the manufacturer or a dealer for that line make for recall assistance/questions or check the national highway traffic safety administration website for current recall information before purchasing.