New 2009 Hyundai Sonata

Suppleness With Verve

The 2009 Hyundai Sonata 4-door sedan gets more power, revised suspension tuning, a redesigned interior, and sportier exterior styling. Although the 2009 model looks taller, the Sonata remains the smaller of Hyundai's two midsize cars with 58” of front-seat headroom. Sonata seats five and comes in GLS, SE, and Limited trims. Competitors include the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry.

Outside, the Sonata’s front end is new and features a new grille design, new headlights and a new bumper. Rear changes are subtle, like a new bumper and taillights.

Standard steel wheels measure 16 inches in diameter; 17-inch alloys are available.

Inside, the Sonata's overhaul vaults this sedan into the company of its rivals. Whereas its past model featured a blocky dash with some awkwardly placed controls, the new Sonata features a contemporary design that wouldn't be out of place in a more expensive car.

Front and rear seats are roomy. Cloth seats are standard and leather seats are optional. Additional standard features include air conditioning, a CD audio system with an auxiliary input jack and a USB port to plug in MP3 players, plus cruise control and keyless entry. A 60/40-split folding backseat comes standard.

All six trim choices are available with a 175-horsepower, 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine -- an increase of 13 hp from 2008. A 3.3-liter V-6 is available on the SE and Limited. This engine produces 249 hp, again offering slightly more power than last year. Fuel efficiency for all styles is increased, too.

Manual transmission is standard. A 5-speed automatic is offered on both 4-cylinder and V-6 Sonatas. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, curtain side airbags, and front side airbags. GLS and Limited models get firmer suspension tuning. SE versions have a unique sport suspension.

Sonata automatics use Shiftronic for driver-controlled gear changes.

With a completely revised interior that's much more visually interesting than before and a power train that carves up the revs, Hyundai clearly recognizes competition in the mid-size sedan category is heating up.

The 2009 Sonata surges nicely into the hot seat.