As more and more family sedans break the mold of conventional styling, the family sedan that started the styling revolution continues to lead the way. The 2014 Hyundai Sonata remains one of the most attractive, efficient, and affordable four-doors in the midsize market, and none has matched its impressive 10-year/100,000-mile warranty, let alone its price-for-feature ratio. With a choice of three fuel-efficient 4-cylinder engines, including a hybrid variant, the Sonata can compete with a base Nissan Altima just as easily as a fully equipped Honda Accord or Ford Fusion. Next-generation engine technology, such as direct injection and high-pressure turbocharging, give the Sonata V6-like performance and class-leading fuel economy.
Used Hyundai Sonata 2014 Prices
A 2014 Hyundai Sonata GLS sedan has a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of just over $22,000. Opting for the sportier, paddle-shift-equipped SE model will bring the cost to around $25,000, while the top-of-the-line Limited 2.0T starts closer to $29,500. Compared to most of its competitors in the midsize sedan segment, the Sonata falls on the lower end of the price spectrum, right in line with its "value price" philosophy. To get the best deal on your 2014 Sonata, be sure to check out KBB.com's Fair Asking Price, which will give you an idea of what others in your area have paid. In terms of projected resale value, the Sonata has moved up to the top half of the class, just a few percentage points behind the mighty Honda Accord.
Drive the used 2014 Hyundai Sonata
Considering it's powered by a 4-cylinder engine, we're surprised at how quickly and smoothly the 2014 Hyundai Sonata can move from a standstill. The 2.4-liter direct-injected engine is a marvel of modern design, producing 190 hp and offering an impressive 24 mpg city/35 mpg highway. Of course, those interested in more power can opt for the 2.0-liter turbocharged engine on the 2.0T trims, which boosts power to 274 hp and still offers excellent fuel economy numbers. From braking to handling to smoothness, the Sonata excels in every category. Vague steering complaints from last year were addressed with a new driver-selectable steering mode that allows manual adjustment of the power steering. From a comfort standpoint, the seats in our Limited trim level were very comfortable, and all but the tallest test drivers found the rear-seat headroom and legroom exceptional.
inner comfort
Like its dynamic exterior, the interior of the 2014 Hyundai Sonata is a work of art. Following the theme of exterior design, the Sonata's interior is a combination of bold shapes, sleek surfaces, and lots of attractive blue backlighting. Features like the heated rear seat on the Limited are virtually unheard of on other competitors. While we like the look of the sleek rear pillars, the design reduces rear-seat headroom a bit. We also regret the loss of the great "sitzmann" panel for ventilation control when upgrading to the navigation system.
exterior styling
The 2014 Hyundai Sonata is truly an original that will be hard to beat. From the low, sculpted hood to the thoughtful use of waistline-highlighting chrome accents, this car has something of an old Detroit classic, a throwback to a time when designers took chances and weren't afraid to do something different and dramatic to produce. With its beautifully detailed grille and wide headlamps, high waistline and steeply raked rear window, the 2014 Sonata sedan projects a commanding presence that few cars, let alone midsize family sedans, can match. The Sonata's wheel and tire sizes vary by trim level, from 16-inch alloy wheels on the GLS to 18-inch spoked alloy wheels on the 2.0T. One of the Sonata's most attractive exterior features is the available Limited-trim panoramic moonroof.
favorite features
HEATED REAR SEATS
While some luxury-oriented sedans and SUVs offer heated rear seats, a conventional midsize sedan typically doesn't. And the fact that they're standard on both SE and Limited makes them even more appealing.
RADIO HD
HD Radio doesn't have the ad-free appeal of satellite radio, but we have no qualms about offering a subscription-free radio service that streams your favorite radio stations in CD quality. We wish more automakers would offer HD Radio, and we're pleased that the 2014 Hyundai Sonata offers it on all trim levels.
standard functions
Hyundai is known for giving its vehicles a large dose of standard equipment, and the 2014 Sonata is no exception. Topping the list are Hyundai's Blue Link infotainment and concierge services, Bluetooth, and a USB port with iPod connectivity. Heated outside mirrors, a tilt/telescoping steering wheel with audio controls, and 16-inch alloy wheels are also standard. Safety features include six airbags, standard electronic safety aids and active front head restraints to reduce the severity of whiplash injuries.
job options
In addition to standard trim upgrades like leather seats and a moonroof, the 2014 Hyundai Sonata offers an attractive list of optional features, including a backup camera, ventilated front seats, and a pair of premium audio systems, including a stereo. 400-watt infinity and an 8-inch channel touchscreen navigation system with real-time updates on traffic, weather, sports and stocks. The panoramic moonroof, once standard, is now available as part of the Limited Technology Package.
motor/gear
With the purpose-built turbocharged 4-cylinder engine and hybrid powertrain, the vast majority of Sonata owners will opt for the balanced performance of the standard direct-injected 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine. A 6-speed automatic transmission with manual shift mode is the only transmission available. Despite being Hyundai's first production hybrid vehicle, the Sonata Hybrid is packed with innovative technical details. At the top (pun intended) is a lithium-polymer battery that weighs 25 percent less than a traditional nickel-metal hydride system. Additionally, the 2014 Sonata Hybrid is capable of all-electric speeds of up to 74 mph, better than most plug-in hybrids. 2.4 liter inline 4 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 2.4-liter 4-cylinder hybrid
190 CV a 6.300 rpm
179 pound-feet of torque at 4,250 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 24/35 mpg
274 CV a 6.000 rpm
269 lb-ft of torque at 1,750-4,500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 21/32 mpg
206 net hp
154 pound-feet of torque at 4,500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 35/40 mpg
KBB Vehicle Rating and Rating Methodology
Our expert ratings come from hours of driving and number calculations to ensure you choose the best car for you. We thoroughly test and analyze every new SUV, car, truck or minivan for sale in the United States and benchmark it against the competition. When all that dust settles, we'll have our reviews.
We need new ratings every time an entirely new vehicle or a new generation of an existing vehicle comes on the market. Additionally, we reevaluate these ratings when a new generation vehicle receives a mid-cycle upgrade; Basically, a middle-aged car (usually around 2-3 years old) gets a little facelift, often with upgraded feature and technology upgrades. .
Rather than pulling random numbers out of thin air or scratching them off a meaningless checklist, KBB editors put a vehicle where it belongs in its class. Before a car gets its KBB rating, it has to prove that it's better (or worse) than the other cars it's racing, as it tries to trick you into spending your money to buy or lease it.
Our editors drive and live with a specific vehicle. We ask the right questions about the interior, the exterior, the engine and powertrain, the ride and handling, the equipment, the comfort and, of course, the price. Does it fulfill the purpose for which it was built? (Whether that purpose is to travel efficiently to and from work across town, to keep your family safe, to make you feel like you've made it to the top, or that you're on your way, or if you do feel like you you've finally found the right match for your lifestyle).
We take each vehicle we test through the mundane—parking, lane changing, reversing, cargo space, and cargo—as well as through the essentials: acceleration, braking, handling, interior quietness and comfort, build quality, material quality, reliability.
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