Overview
It might appear futuristic coming at you, but what hides behind the 2025 Sonata's muscular sheetmetal is very much of the moment: a soft-riding family car. Not that that's a negative thing. A trio of powertrains is available, and although performance is acceptable in the base model four-cylinder and with the optional hybrid arrangement, it’s the 290-hp turbo four in the N Line grade that most has our interest. If you're looking for a more easygoing ride, the non-N models are more than up to the challenge. All Sonatas come with a broad list of standard amenities, including driver-assistance tech that's fast becoming a need for new-car buyers, and their price makes them extremely good bargains.
What's New for 2025?
Essentially a carryover year, the 2025 Sonata sees the re-introduction of the base SE trim, which was not offered in 2024. The Convenience package, originally available as an option on the SEL is now a stand-alone trim called—you guessed it—the SEL Convenience. The console in the N-Line now has HVAC vents for the rear-seat occupants.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
The pricing of the 2025 Hyundai Sonata starts at $27,800 and goes up to $38,600 depending on the model and extras.
The entry-level SE makes sense for purchasers when pricing is the single most important criterion, but the N Line makes a compelling justification for its considerable upcharge with its distinctive 290-hp turbo-four engine, bigger brakes, and unique 19-inch wheels. But it also gets comfy sport seats—they are not as uncompromising as they sound—plus more aggressive front and rear bumpers and discreet black trim pieces.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The Sonata comes in multiple powertrain options from its basic 192-hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder to its front-wheel drive 290-hp turbo-four model. The basic 2.5-liter four-cylinder model offers all-wheel drive alongside standard front-wheel drive delivery. While not offering the best handling in its class the Sonata maintains a soothing driving experience that matches its handling capabilities. We'd also want to praise Hyundai for continuing to provide a traditional automatic transmission in its family vehicle. Much of the class has gone over to droning (but efficient) continuously variable automatic transmissions (CVTs). During our time with the Sonata hybrid, which unites a 2.0-liter four-cylinder with a motor-generator that combines for 192 hp, we enjoyed its fuel-saving efforts but hated how it didn't transition seamlessly between gas and electric power sources. While our most recent test of the 290-hp Sonata N Line yielded poorer performance statistics to the 2021 model we examined, we ascribe the gap to a variation in tires. Revisions to the current N Line’s eight-speed dual-clutch gearbox and launch control system make it far more comfortable to daily drive and more consistent off the line.
0-60-MPH Times
In our most recent test of the 290-hp N Line, our 2024 test car achieved 60 mph in 5.4 seconds, 0.4 second slower than our 2021 car did. We put the disparity on the now-discontinued summer-tire option, leaving us with all-season test tires this time around. While the newer vehicle might look slower on paper, its upgraded launch control technology performs a better job of controlling tire spin off the line, making 60 mph sprints simpler to repeat. Even without summer tires, the 2024 N Line dusts both the hybrid Honda Accord and the all-wheel-drive Toyota Camry to 60 mph and through the quarter-mile by a second or more.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
Hybrid Sonatas represent the most fuel-efficient model since they achieve 44 mpg city and 51 mpg highway according to EPA rates. Without the hybrid system standard front-wheel drive Sonatas achieve ratings of 25 mpg city and 36 mpg highway but all-wheel drive versions fall to 34 mpg highway. According to the Environmental Protection Agency the 2.5-liter turbocharged Sonata N-Line achieves 23 city and 32 highway mpg ratings. The hybrid model achieved a highway rating of 51 miles per gallon which it matched on our 75 mph fuel economy route during thorough testing. Explore the Sonata's fuel efficiency details at the EPA's website.
Read Also: Safety Innovations in the 2025 Honda CR-V
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
The Sonata's interior is lovely and seems like it's worth more than the sedan's sticker costs imply. The back seat is comfy and roomy, the materials look and feel upmarket, and the dashboard arrangement is straightforward and ergonomic. The Sonata's 16 cubic feet of cargo capacity is about what we anticipate from mid-size sedans—neither the greatest nor the worst in its category. Still, we put seven of our carry-on baggage within its trunk, which is plenty of capacity for a lengthy road trip with the family.
Infotainment and Connectivity
Hyundai takes a page from the BMW book for infotainment with a big single-glass panel that runs nearly two-thirds of the way across the dashboard and comprises two 12.3-inch displays. One is for the driver; the other is a touchscreen for infotainment controls. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are both standard, same for wireless smartphone charging. A Bose stereo system is offered and contains 12 speakers
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