There aren't many mainstream sedans that come to mind when you think luxury, but one affordable midsize four-door delivers comfort, refinement, and premium features once reserved for upscale brands, without the luxury-brand price tag.While many shoppers settle for basic transportation in this segment, this model’s higher trims bring near-luxury appointments and thoughtful touches that feel a level above the mainstream.Inside, the cabin blends quality materials with advanced technology and intuitive features that elevate everyday driving.
From available premium comfort options to a quiet, composed ride and smooth power delivery, it captures the kind of refinement buyers often associate with luxury sedans, yet remains firmly rooted in a sensible price range.That combination makes it especially appealing for families who want upscale comfort without stepping into luxury pricing.For drivers who want an everyday sedan that feels special, this affordable option proves you don’t have to overspend to enjoy premium-like luxury.
It’s one of the smartest ways to get elevated comfort and sophistication at a mainstream price point.In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from various manufacturer websites and other authoritative sources, including the EPA.Related Kia K4 vs K5: Which sedan is the better choice? Kia’s 2025 sedans both deliver great value, but which one truly offers more for your money? Posts 3 By Adam Gray Top trim Hyundai Sonatas are affordable and packed with features More plush than you might expect Hyundai is a brand that has been absolutely killing it lately.
In every segment they compete, they undercut their rivals while simultaneously offering one of the best products.The Sonata is a great example of this, with a much lower starting price than other midsize sedans.Opt for one of the higher trim models, and you also get a pretty plush experience, with the sedan being loaded with high-end materials and top-notch technology.
2026 Hyundai Sonata models and pricing Model Starting MSRP SE $27,450 SEL Sport $29,150 Blue Hybrid $29,200 SEL Hybrid $32,450 N Line $36,050 Limited Hybrid $38,250 The midsize sedan segment is pretty small in 2026.Over time, many traditional sedan buyers have been making the move over to crossovers and SUVs.However, those still wanting a sleek four-door sedan still have some great options.
Of these options, the Hyundai Sonata has the lowest starting price by a decent margin.It undercuts more popular options like the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord by a a decent amount of money.For the 2026 model year, Hyundai has shuffled around some of the available trims.
The non-hybrid SEL and SEL Convenience trims are gone, and in their place is a new SEL Sport trim.The Korean automaker has also introduced a new hybrid model, the Blue.Based on how Hyundai usually does things, this model should be the most efficienct version of the sedan that you can buy.
Hyundai Sonata Sedan 2026 Base: $27,300 Base Trim Engine 2.5L Smartstream I4 ICE Powered by Expand Collapse Best trim levels In our minds, there are two clear ways to approach getting a new Sonata.If you're on a tighter budget, we think that the SE will serve you pretty well.Hyundai packs their sedan with a ton of standard features, with plenty of modern tech to make it feel like a higher level trim.
However, if you're after luxury you should look a little higher on the trim ladder.If the best features are what you're after, the Limited Hybrid delivers an experience pretty close to what you'd get from a luxury brand.You get leather upholstery, heated and ventilated seats, ambient interior lighting, and a cabin covered in high-end materials.
However, if you want something a little sportier, the N Line is impressively powerful, and it retains a lot of the most desirable features you get in the Limited, just without the hybrid powertrain.Related The Japanese sedan with the best balance of luxury and practicality in 2025 It's loaded with features and offers tons of space at a surprisingly affordable price.Posts 1 By Tyler Dupont The Sonata has the potential to deliver a luxury-grade cabin Top trims are fully decked out Hyundai has come a long way from their humble beginnings.
Where once they were looked at as being purely cheap, they now offer some of the best cabins in the industry.They have clearly taken notes from some of the best luxury sedans on the market and implemented a fresh and contemporary design in the Sonata.Top trims also feel much more upscale than you'd expect from a mainstream brand.
2026 Hyundai Sonata interior comfort Front row headroom 40 inches Front row legroom 46.1 inches Second row headroom 37.8 inches Second row legroom 34.8 inches Cargo capacity 15.6 cubic feet The Sonata is pretty spacious on the inside.There is a ton of flexibility in how much you can move the front seat.There is plenty of room in the back seats for even the tallest of passengers, and you're not likely to hear any complaints.
The Sonata is actually more spacious than the Camry or the Accord.Cargo space is also reasonable for this class, and the wide trunk opening makes loading things pretty easy.For a sedan that starts well under $30,000, interior quality is pretty fantastic here.
Even the most affordable Sonatas feel well put together, and the materials feel great.Top trims are where things start to feel plush, though, with things like an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat, heated and ventilated front seats, ambient interior lighting, plush leather upholstery, and multi-zone automatic climate control all on offer.Infotainment and technology Hyundai takes queues from premium brands when it comes to its screen setup.
A massive curved panel that sits on top of the dashboard houses two screens.All trims come with a 12.3-inch infotainment screen as standard.The size of the gauge display varies by model, but top trims come equipped with a 12.3-inch unit which offers a decent amount of customization.
Wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is standard as well.There are a lot of other features on offer in top trim Sonatas.This includes a power-operated panoramic sunroof, a wireless smartphone charging pad, and SiriusXM satellite radio.
Most trims come equipped with a reasonable eight-speaker sound system, but the N Line and Limited trims get a 12-speaker Bose system instead.Related The Affordable Electric Sedan That Challenges Luxury Automakers in 2025 This budget EV punches above its weight, offering premium features and impressive performance.Posts By Tyler Dupont Choose between incredible efficiency or raucous gasoline power The turbocharged four-pot versus the hybrid powertrain The Sonata is a pretty versatile car, and it delivers a different attitude depending on the trim that you opt for.
The base powertrain is pretty dull, but Hyundai also offers a more raucous variant in the N Line model or a much more efficient system in Hybrid models.These are the two we would choose between.Both offer a premium feel, you just have to decide whether fun or long-term savings is more important.
2026 Hyundai Sonata performance Engine 2.5-liter inline-four 2.0-liter hybrid inline-four 2.5-liter turbo inline-four Transmission 8-speed automatic 6-speed automatic 8-speed dual-clutch Horsepower 191 HP 192 HP 290 HP Torque 181 LB-FT 139 LB-FT 311 LB-FT Driveline FWD or AWD FWD FWD 0-60 MPH 7.9 seconds 7.8 seconds 5.4 seconds The base powertrain in the Sonata is pretty dull, but it'll get you where you need to go without any complaints.The hybrid offers similar levels of performance, but delivers fuel efficiency that is much better, which we'll dive into below, and it feels a little bit smoother overall.If you're after performance, though, you'll want to go with the turbocharged N Line model, which also comes equipped with a DCT and other sporty upgrades.
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In any form, the Sonata clearly prioritizes comfort above all else.Its ride quality is a class above, easily competing with much more expensive cars.Hyundai also does a good job at insulating the cabin from road noise, keeping things quiet even at highway speeds.
The N Line model definitely ups the ante, keeping up with premium cars in a straight line, but don't expect it to be exceptionally precise through twisty sections of road.Fuel economy Model City Highway Combined Hybrid (Blue) 47 MPG 56 MPG 51 MPG Hybrid 44 MPG 51 MPG 47 MPG Non-turbo FWD 25 MPG 36 MPG 29 MPG Non-turbo AWD 24 MPG 33 MPG 27 MPG N Line FWD 23 MPG 32 MPG 27 MPG The non-hybrid, base Sonata is pretty efficient for this segment, matching some of the segment's top players.The hybrid feels like the much better long-term pick in our eyes, delivering similar levels of performance but much higher efficiency ratings.
The Blue model takes the cake by achieving over 50 miles per gallon combined, but the regular hybrid models are also pretty efficient.While going with the N Line model obviously means more performance, it also means reduced efficiency.That being said, it matches the combined rating that the non-turbocharged all-wheel drive Sonata does.
Getting 27 miles per gallon is definitely palatable when you're also getting 290 horsepower.
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