2026 Hyundai Sonata

The Hyundai Sonata 

Hyundai is one of America's favorite car brands, and for countless reasons. With the 2026 Hyundai Sonata, you will see a design refresh and new trims to choose from, plus countless features added between the available models. Whether this is your first Hyundai or you have been in the family for years, the all-new Sonata is definitely worth a look. Our team here at Granite Hyundai in Somersworth is ready to show you this reimagined sedan, so stay tuned!

Is the Hyundai Sonata Changing in 2026?

Yes, the Hyundai Sonata will be changing this model year, 2026. Even though it remains the same reliable sedan you have come to love, there are new trims and features we want to get into.

First, the 2026 Hyundai Sonata adds a new trim level, the SEL Sport, which replaces the previous SEL trims. With this newest model, you can expect things like an 18-inch wheel upgrade, a wireless charging pad for your smartphone, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.

Styling for the 2026 Hyundai Sonata will continue with its "four-door coupe" aesthetic, retaining its sleek LED lighting, slim headlights, low body, and deep color palette.

Note: It is important to remind you that the 2026 Sonata is a continuation of the heavily refreshed 8th-generation model, not an entirely new generation.

Is the Hyundai Sonata a Good Choice?

If you love a high-quality car with advanced features, high-tech amenities, and an aerodynamic design, the Hyundai Sonata is a great option. Because this is one of Hyundai's staple vehicles, you can bet big on elevated interiors, sleek exteriors, impressive infotainment, and a hybrid and gas powertrain. What's also great is that this five-seater starts at an MSRP under $30,000, giving you some space to upgrade trim and engine if you see fit. There's something for everyone!

An interior view of the Hyundai Sonata 

2026 Hyundai Sonata Interior

The 2026 Hyundai Sonata's interior is spacious and designed with you in mind. With seating up to five adults, you can expect this sedan to be comfortable enough for long and short-term trips, and some of the standard features will include:

  • Premium cloth seating
  • 6-way adjustable driver's seat
  • 60/40 split fold-down rear seats
  • 12.3-inch touchscreen display
  • Rear View Monitor with parking guidance
  • 4.2-inch instrument cluster

As you move up in trim, your interior may offer leather seating, a leather steering wheel, wireless charging, ventilated front seats, Bose premium audio with 12 speakers, and more.

2026 Hyundai Sonata Exterior

Looking at the exterior of the 2026 Hyundai Sonata, you can bet on a continuation of the sleek and low-profile design this sedan has seen since its last generation overhaul in 2024/2025. Highlights of the recent design overhaul include a full-width "Seamless Horizon Lamp" LED lighting, fastback-like silhouette, 16 to 19-inch alloy wheels, and an available panoramic sunroof. It's nice to look at, and even more fun to drive.

Performance and Powertrain

The Hyundai Sonata will offer you various engines to choose from, including a 191-horsepower 2.5-liter 4-cylinder (SE, SEL Sport), a 290-horsepower 2.5-liter turbocharged engine for the N Line, and a 192-horsepower 2.0-liter hybrid system.

For the lineup, you can also expect an 8-speed automatic or an 8-speed wet dual-clutch (DCT) transmission, with standard Front Wheel Drive (FWD) and optional HTRAC All Wheel Drive (AWD) in higher trims.

What Safety Features Does the 2026 Hyundai Sonata Have?

The 2026 Hyundai Sonata will feature plenty of safety and driver-assistance technology, all thanks to SmartSense. Hyundai SmartSense is the brand's award-winning safety suite that continues to get better each year, with some things standard, including:

  • Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (RCCA)
  • Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with Pedestrian/Cyclist/Junction Turning Detection (FCA-JT)
  • Lane Keeping Assist (LKA)
  • Lane Following Assist (LFA)
  • Driver Attention Warning (DAW)
  • Smart Cruise Control (SCC) with Stop & Go
  • Blind-Spot Collision Warning (BCW)
  • Rear Occupant Alert (ROA)
  • Safe Exit Warning (SEW)

Overall, the 2026 Sonata is a very safe vehicle, earning the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ designation, its highest honor. The NHTSA also gives this year's Sonata a five-star safety rating across the board. This should give you peace of mind anytime you or your loved ones get behind the wheel.

Infotainment and Connectivity

If you value infotainment and connectivity inside your Hyundai vehicle, the 2026 Sonata packs a punch. This sedan offers everything from a 12.3-inch touchscreen to HD Radio, SiriusXM, Android Auto & Apple CarPlay, Dynamic Voice Recognition, wireless device charging, and a 4.2-inch digital instrument cluster. You can charge your phone on the road, listen to your favorite music, and even enjoy a class-leading touchscreen, all from the comfort of your new car.

A Hyundai Sonata driving on a scenic highway 

What Is the 2026 Hyundai Sonata MPG?

According to the EPA, you can expect the 2026 Hyundai Sonata to impress across the board.
Here are those fuel estimates by trim:

SE

  • City/Highway/Combined (FWD): 28/38/32
  • City/Highway/Combined (AWD): Not Available

SEL Sport

  • City/Highway/Combined (FWD): 25/36/29
  • City/Highway/Combined (AWD): 24/33/27

N Line

  • City/Highway/Combined (FWD): 23/32/27
  • City/Highway/Combined (AWD): Not Available

2026 Hyundai Sonata Trim Levels and Pricing

Now that you have a general idea of what the Hyundai Sonata offers, we want to spend some time breaking down the costs and features for each trim this model year. Remember, this is a mid-tier sedan that often outperforms the competition in design, power, and price point, and it continues to be an impressive sedan in its class.

SE

This is the first trim of the 2026 Sonata, retailing for $27,450 and being your entry point to the series. You can expect standard features across the board here, as well as fewer included amenities than other trims above it.

  • 28 City/38 Hwy/32 Combined MPG
  • 191-hp 2.5L MPI/GDI 4-cylinder engine
  • 12.3-inch touchscreen display
  • Bluelink+
  • LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL)
  • Hands-free smart trunk release

SEL Sport

This is the newest addition to the Hyundai Sonata lineup, offering you more features and engine configurations than the previously mentioned SEL. It retails for $29,150 and will include the following highlights:

  • FWD: 25 City/36 Hwy/29 Combined MPG
  • AWD: 24 City/33 Hwy/27 Combined MPG
  • 191-hp 2.5L MPI/GDI 4-cylinder engine
  • 18-inch alloy wheels
  • Wireless device charging
  • Dual automatic temperature control
  • Heated front seats

N Line

The top end of the gas-engine Sonatas is the N Line, known for its enhanced performance, trim-only detailing, and design elements. With this particular vehicle, you can expect a starting price of $36,050. Here are some of its highlights:

  • 23 City/32 Hwy/27 Combined MPG
  • 290-hp 2.5L Turbo MPI/GDI 4-cylinder engine
  • N 8-speed Wet Dual Clutch Transmission with paddle shifters
  • N Design 19-inch alloy wheels
  • N unique sport front seats with microfiber inserts
  • Highway Driving Assist (HDA)

Is the 2026 Hyundai Sonata Right For You?

The 2026 Hyundai Sonata is ideal for anyone who loves great value in the car they drive. Not only does it feel fun to be in, but it is designed with the everyday driver and passenger as a priority. Thanks to its powerful engine, you get enhanced performance at a standard level, plus award-winning safety with SmartSense included in all trim levels. With a 12.3-inch touchscreen across all Sonatas, you also get one of the largest screen sizes in this price range and vehicle class.

There is not much the Hyundai Sonata can't do, and with a starting price point under $30,000, this is the perfect vehicle for anyone who wants to feel luxurious without a luxury price tag. Our team here in Somersworth is more than happy to get you in for a test drive as soon as today, so please do not wait to come see us.

Is the Hyundai Sonata a Reliable Car?

Yes! The Hyundai Sonata is known to be a reliable car across all trim levels. As we shared above, its fuel economy and safety are higher than average, and the same goes for its reliability and build quality. According to J.D. Power, the 2026 Sonata scores a "Great" 86/100. These numbers figure the overall reliability of the Sonata series, as well as the level of defects, malfunctions, and design flaws experienced by vehicle owners.

The overall rating for this five-seater also falls in the "Great" category at 83/100, ranking it as the #1 midsize car of 2026. Even on RepairPal, you can see that the Hyundai Sonata receives an "Above Average" ranking of 4.0/5.0 for its premium build quality and overall driver and user experience over time.

Get Your Hyundai Sonata at Granite Hyundai

If you want to come explore the 2026 Hyundai Sonata in person here in Somersworth, NH, our team at Granite Hyundai is waiting to meet you. We are ready to answer your questions and can get your dream car ordered if you don't see exactly what you're looking for, plus we are five-star rated for our customer service. Don't wait, visit Granite Hyundai today or contact us online!


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