New 2010 Hyundai Sonata

The 2010 Hyundai Sonata is a fuel efficient full-size sedan with a medium-size price tag. The Korean manufacturer’s best-selling vehicle blends the beauty of Beethoven’s Moonlight Sonata with the power of his Symphony Number 9.

There are two ways to play Beethoven’s Moonlight Sonata: slow and soft, or hard and fast. Similarly, you can play the 2010 Hyundai Sonata in two modes: fuel efficient 168-horsepower, 2.4-liter inline-four cylinder with PZEV rating, or with the robust 249-horsepower, 3.3-liter V-6. Both come with a five-speed automatic transmission. With these two engine options, the Sonata achieves 19-22 city mpg and 29-32 highway mpg. Power and fuel economy numbers are competitive with the best in class, such as the Ford Fusion and Nissan Altima.

To complement the great powertrains, Hyundai offers a great host of standard and optional features. On the base GLS model, you get a leather steering wheel, XM Satellite Radio with three months of service included and interior trim with the appearance of alloy metal. Options on the GLS include a sunroof and Infinity premium brand speakers. The top-of-the-line Limited model makes those options standard, and includes dual zone automatic climate control, a 360-watt stereo, and leather on everything from seats to the shift knob. A navigation system is also optional on the Limited model.

Where the Japanese brands have been leaders in safety and quality, Hyundai is bursting into the lead like a bull, aided by quality products like the 2010 Hyundai Sonata. The Sonata received Five-Star crash-test ratings all around for front and side impact – not even the mighty Honda Accord achieved this. The Hyundai offers a full set of airbags, but their crash test results are a testament to improving their structural design prowess. Antilock brakes with brake assist and electronic brake-force distribution, traction and stability control systems are all standard equipment.

An attractive upscale interior and exterior, best-in-class V-6 fuel economy and crash test ratings, and a symphony of options make the 2010 Hyundai Sonata a real force to be reckoned with.