Supplementing the bodywork, the 2018 Sonata now lights the way with LED daytime running lights. When night falls, available LED headlamps with dynamic bending light illuminate the path and add to Sonata’s already radiant posture. The same standout style continues in the rear with sharp taillight design and enlarged Hyundai badge, which now cleverly houses the trunk release button. Chrome accents surround the daylight opening (DLO) and fresh wheel designs cap off its new look.
Inside, the renewed center stack and instrument panel echo the exterior’s catching new looks. The trend carries down to gauge dial design and a strong three-spoke steering wheel. Piano key buttons for audio and HVAC controls give apremium look and touch
The new Sonata has a refined chassis with improved ride and handling. To achieve this feat, talented engineers increased the torsion bar stiffness within the steering system by 12 percent, which improves steering response and feel in all conditions. They then enhanced that improvement further with new steering calibration, focusing on responsiveness and on¬center steering feel.
Previous ratings for ride, handling and NVH showed customers were quite satisfied, so engineers just reset an already high bar. In addition to these steering changes, the Sonata received an updated rear suspension. The trailing arms are 21 percent thicker, making them stiffer and better able to manage heavy suspension loads.
New bushings work with the new suspension arms to allow for more ride compliance and yet quicken response time to control all other wheel motions. The result is a communicative, nimble and comfortable sedan.
For the top¬of¬the-line powertrain, there’s even more. The 245 horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged engine now includes an eightspeed automatic transmission, which adds ratio range at both the top and bottom of output speeds. The eight¬speed allows for extra thrust off¬the¬line and a quieter, more fuel-efficient dash down the interstate. The 2.0¬liter turbo models roll on 18¬inch wheels, now with Michelin tires.