2025 HYUNDAI SONATA SEL

2.5L GDI/MPI 4-cylinder 8-speed Automatic FWD - USA Market

PistonDB Editorial Rating

Editorial Score:

3.5 / 5.0

The 2025 Hyundai Sonata SEL offers a compelling package for the midsize sedan market, featuring a standard Smartstream 2.5L GDI/MPI engine delivering 191 hp and 38 MPG highway, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. Its exterior boasts LED lighting with automatic high beams and heated side mirrors, while the interior provides a comfortable and tech-forward experience for five passengers. Notable features include a spacious cabin with ample headroom and legroom, acoustic-laminated front glass for a quieter ride, and a large 12.3-inch infotainment display with a digital gauge cluster. Connectivity is robust with wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, wireless charging, and Bluelink+ connected car services with OTA updates. The Sonata SEL also comes equipped with a comprehensive suite of Level 2 autonomous driving aids and a strong warranty, including a 5-year basic and 10-year powertrain limited warranty.

LED DRL Automatic High Beam Heated Side Mirrors Acoustic Glass Wireless Apple CarPlay Wireless Android Auto Wireless Charging Bluelink+ OTA Updates Digital Key 2 Premium Level 2 Autonomous Driving Smartstream 2.5L GDI/MPI 8-Speed Automatic FWD Drive Mode Select ESC TCS MacPherson Strut Multi-Link Rear Suspension MDPS Ventilated Front Brakes Solid Rear Brakes Alloy Wheels Compact Spare Tire AEB FCW ACC Lane Keep Assist Lane Centering Assist Blind Spot Monitoring Rear Cross Traffic Alert Driver Drowsiness Detection 5-Year Basic Warranty 10-Year Powertrain Warranty Roadside Assistance

Reddit Community Sentiment Analysis: hyundai sonata 2025

Community Sentiment Score:

3.5 / 5.0

The 2025 Hyundai Sonata garners mixed but generally positive sentiment, with many users praising its value, features, and the long warranty. However, concerns about long-term reliability, particularly regarding engine and transmission issues, are frequently raised, contrasting with older models that some users report as very dependable. Dealership experiences are also varied, with some positive and others negative. The design is sometimes seen as overstyled, and there are some specific complaints about hybrid system jerkiness and uncomfortable seats in certain trims.

Pros

  • Good value for money and packed with features
  • Excellent 10-year/100,000-mile warranty
  • Comfortable ride and spacious interior
  • Some users report excellent long-term reliability with older models
  • Positive dealership experiences reported by some owners

Cons

  • Concerns about long-term reliability and potential engine/transmission issues
  • Some users report negative dealership experiences
  • Hybrid system can be jerky according to some
  • Design is considered overstyled by some
  • Specific models/years have had recalls and engine problems

NHTSA Safety & Reliability: Hyundai Sonata 2025

Safety Score:

3.0 / 5.0

The 2025 Hyundai Sonata has a moderate safety profile based on the provided NHTSA data. While there are no reported crashes or fires, there are several complaints related to electrical system issues, including infotainment screen failures and camera malfunctions. Powertrain and engine performance issues, such as stalling and jerking, have also been reported. Brake system concerns, including inconsistent performance, rough sounds, and automatic braking activation, are present. Additionally, there are reports of spontaneous panoramic sunroof shattering and a loose gas tank. The vehicle has a history of transmission issues and potential defects in brake components. While some issues were resolved by dealerships, others required extensive repairs or remained unresolved, leading to lemon law cases. The safety score reflects these recurring and potentially serious issues.

Severe Risks & Complaints

  • Infotainment screen and backup camera failure leading to reduced visibility.
  • Stalling and poor acceleration performance, increasing the risk of accidents.
  • Inconsistent and potentially faulty brake system performance.
  • Spontaneous shattering of the panoramic sunroof glass.
  • Engine power loss and transmission failures.
  • Potential for fuel leaks due to a loose gas tank.

Major Recalls

  • No major recalls reported.
Data source: NHTSA API
Vehicle Identity:
Brand NameHYUNDAI
Model NameSONATA
Model Year2025
Trim LevelSEL
Car Segmentmidsize
Body TypeSedan
Target MarketUSA
Exterior and Lighting:
Headlights Technology TypeProjection type
Daytime Running Lights (DRL)LED
Automatic High BeamYes
Tail Lights Technology TypeLED
Heated Side MirrorsHeated
Door Handles TypeBody-color
Dimensions and Aerodynamics:
Overall Length193.3 in
Overall Length (mm)4910.82 mm
Overall Width73.2 in
Overall Width (mm)1859.28 mm
Overall Height56.9 in
Overall Height (mm)1445.26 mm
Wheelbase111.8 in
Wheelbase (mm)2839.72 mm
Interior and Infotainment:
Seating Capacity5 persons
Seating Layout5-passenger
Interior Passenger Volume2.981766 m^3
Front Headroom1016.00 mm
Rear Headroom975.36 mm
Front Legroom1171.04 mm
Rear Legroom965.20 mm
Front Shoulder Room1470.66 mm
Rear Shoulder Room1424.94 mm
Interior Color OptionsDark Gray Cloth, Black Cloth
Seat Upholstery MaterialCloth
Seat Adjustment Ways10-way power driver seat with 2-way power lumbar, 6-way power front passenger seat
Steering Column AdjustmentManual tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel
Climate Control Zones2 zones
Glass TypeAcoustic-laminated front glass
Standard Cargo Volume0.453069 m^3
Infotainment Display Size12.3 inch
Digital Gauge Cluster Size12.3 inch
Voice Assistant BrandHyundai
Smartphone IntegrationWireless Apple CarPlay®, Android Auto™
Wireless Apple CarPlayYes
Wireless Android AutoYes
Speakers Count6 speakers
Wireless ChargingYes
Front USB Ports Count2 ports
Digital Key SupportDigital Key 2 Premium
In-Car Connectivity TypeBluelink+ Connected Car Services (4G LTE)
OTA Updates SupportYes
OTA Domain CapabilityNavigation and Infotainment
Autonomous Driving LevelLevel 2
Engine Specifications:
Engine TypeSmartstream 2.5L GDI/MPI
Number of Cylinders4
Fuel System TypeGDI/MPI
Fuel Delivery SystemDirect and Multi-Port Injection
Engine Fuel TypeGasoline
Aspiration DetailNaturally Aspirated
Power191 hp
Power (kW)142.4287 kW
Torque181 lb-ft
Max Torque (Nm)245.3932 N-m
Transmission and Drivetrain:
Transmission TypeAutomatic
Transmission Marketing NameSmartstream 8-speed automatic transmission
Number of Forward Gears8
Drivetrain ArchitectureFWD
Drive Modes SelectorDrive Mode Select
Performance and Fuel Economy:
Fuel Tank Capacity60.1891 L
Fuel Economy (City)28 MPG
City Fuel Economy (L/100km)8.4005 L/100km
Fuel Economy (Highway)38 MPG
Highway Fuel Economy (L/100km)6.1899 L/100km
Fuel Economy (Combined)32 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy (L/100km)7.3505 L/100km
Chassis Suspension and Brakes:
Front SuspensionMacPherson Strut with Coil Springs
Rear SuspensionMulti-Link
Steering TypeRack-and-pinion
Steering Assist TypeMotor-Driven Electric Power Steering (MDPS)
Steering Ratio13.6 :1
Steering Turns Lock-to-Lock2.44
Turning Circle Radius5.4864 m
Front BrakesVentilated Disc
Rear BrakesSolid Disc
Front Brake Rotor Diameter304.80 mm
Rear Brake Rotor Diameter284.48 mm
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)Electronic Stability Control (ESC) with Traction Control System (TCS)
Traction Control System (TCS)Electronic Stability Control (ESC) with Traction Control System (TCS)
Wheels and Tires:
Front Rim Diameter (inches)17 inches
Rear Rim Diameter (inches)17 inches
Rim MaterialAlloy
Spare Wheel TypeCompact spare tire
Weights and Towing:
Curb Weight (kg)1489 kg
Safety and Driver Assistance:
NCAP Rating Year2024
Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB)Standard
Forward Collision Warning (FCW)Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)Standard
Stop & Go FunctionStandard
Lane Departure Warning (LDW)Standard
Lane Keep Assist (LKA)Standard
Lane Centering AssistStandard
Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM)Standard
Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA)Standard
Driver Drowsiness DetectionStandard
Fluids and Maintenance:
Regular Maintenance Interval3 YEARS OR 57,936.24 km
Warranty and Services:
Basic Warranty (Years)5 YEARS
Basic Warranty (km)96560.4 km
Powertrain Warranty (Years)10 YEARS
Powertrain Warranty (km)160934.0 km
Roadside Assistance Duration (Years)5 YEARS
Anti-Perforation Warranty (Years)7 YEARS

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