| Chassis |
|---|
| Suspension, front | Independent MacPherson struts, coil springs, twin-tube dampers, stabilizer bar |
| Suspension, rear | Independent multilink, coil springs, twin-tube dampers, stabilizer bar |
| Steering type | Electric-assist speed-proportional rack-and-pinion power steering |
| Steering ratio (x:1) | 14.5 |
| Tire brand | Kumho |
| Tire model | Solus KH25 |
| Tire type | All-season (33 psi cold front; 33 psi cold rear) |
| Tire size, front | P205/65R16 94H |
| Tire size, rear | P205/65R16 94H |
| Wheel size | 16-by-6.5 inches front and rear |
| Wheel material | Stamped steel with hubcaps |
| Brakes, front | 11.8-inch one-piece ventilated steel discs with single-piston sliding calipers |
| Brakes, rear | 11.2-inch one-piece solid steel discs with single-piston sliding calipers |
| Test Driver Ratings & Comments |
|---|
| Acceleration comments | Traction control is fairly aggressive and the Sonata is obviously quicker with it off. Remarkable torque at low rpm, good midrange, but power wanes in upper revs. Infuriating throttle damping between upshifts kills pace, momentum and rhythm. Shifter is light and precise, but my guess is that the six-speed automatic would be quicker. |
| Braking comments | Rating: Average -- Consistently average stops with minimal fade; good anti-dive damping and a trustworthy pedal; ABS is unobtrusive and fast-cycling. |
| Handling comments | Rating: Average -- Slalom: Because the steering is so isolated from what's actually happening, the slalom becomes a "visual" exercise rather than one of feel. That said, yaw response is adequately quick, transitions are reasonably good and the rear follows the front. Skid pad: Aside from the isolated steering feel (more like winding a rubber spring than pushing hydraulic fluid) the Sonata is poised and mostly neutral, with minimal-to-moderate understeer. |
| Dimensions & Capacities |
|---|
| Curb weight, mfr. claim (lbs.) | 3,161 |
| Curb weight, as tested (lbs.) | 3,199 |
| Weight distribution, as tested, f/r (%) | 60/40 |
| Length (in.) | 189.8 |
| Width (in.) | 72.2 |
| Height (in.) | 57.9 |
| Wheelbase (in.) | 110.0 |
| Track, front (in.) | 62.9 |
| Track, rear (in.) | 62.9 |
| Turning circle (ft.) | 35.8 |
| Legroom, front (in.) | 45.5 |
| Legroom, rear (in.) | 34.6 |
| Headroom, front (in.) | 40.0 |
| Headroom, rear (in.) | 37.8 |
| Shoulder room, front (in.) | 57.9 |
| Shoulder room, rear (in.) | 56.7 |
| Seating capacity | 5 |
| Cargo volume (cu-ft) | 16.4 |
| Max. cargo volume, seats folded (cu-ft) | 60/40-split fold standard, no volume provided |
