There’s an all-new Sonata coming our way, but before that happens, Hyundai has applied a light makeover to the current model for the North American market. The Korean carmaker states that “in total, more than 50 Sonata major sub-systems are new or redesigned” for the 2014MY, and these include both visible and hidden parts.
The noticeable changes on the outside begin with a revised front grille, newly styled 17- and 18-inch wheels, a different rear fascia insert, optionally available HID Xenon headlights and LED taillights, along with a re-worked rear bumper.
For the interior, the new model year brings a new full-leather steering wheel on the SE and Limited trim grades, a third-gen navigation system with an 8-inch screen, new color audio screens with HD Radio and rearview camera integration (optional on GLS and standard on SE and Limited), carbon fiber trim on the SE model, ventilated driver seat on Limited, and changes to the instrument cluster.
Hyundai says that a series of improvements, including additional foam in the A and B pillars, different carpets and new dampers, all help decrease noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH).
New standard features across the range are the Driver Selectable Steering Mode (DSSM), Vehicle Stability Management (VSM) and the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), while the 2.0T SE gains a sports-tuned exhaust.
Engine options remain unchanged and include a 190hp 2.4-liter inline four delivering 24 mpg city/35 mpg EPA estimated highway fuel economy rating with the standard six-speed automatic transmission, and the 274hp 2.0-liter turbocharged four that returns EPA estimated 21 mpg city and 32 mpg highway with regular fuel, also with a six-speed auto.
Hyundai says the 2014 Sonata comes with an MSRP increase of $155 on the GLS that starts from $21,350. Full pricing (excluding delivery fees) can be found below.
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