The 2015 Hyundai Sonata offers a little something for everyone. Commute much? Consider the base LE or the fuel-efficient Eco. Prefer a little more response when pressing the gas pedal? The 245-hp Sport 2.0T or Limited 2.0T trims deliver the thrills you’re after.
Key Points
- All Sonata trims offer more options than their competitors did for 2015. Even the base SE has three driving modes, Bluetooth hands-free, and a TPMS–items typically reserved for mid-level trims in 2015.
- Three engine options are found across six trim levels: SE, Sport, and Limited get a 2.4-liter non-turbo, a fuel-economy-focused 1.6L engine is in the Eco, and a potent 245-hp 2.0-liter turbo in Sport 2.0T and Limited 2.0T.
- Opt for the Sport 2.0T if you’re after something more exhilarating. While the Sport offers mostly aesthetic upgrades, the Sport 2.0T quad-tipped exhaust, upgraded brakes, and a sport-tuned suspension.
- After comparing each trim side-by-side, Sonata Limited offers the best bang-for-buck of all 2015 Sonata trims when paired with the Tech and Ultimate packages. For something a little quicker, the Limited 2.0T is a great alternative.
2015 Sonata SE is an Impressive Base Model Sedan, Offering LED Lighting, 185 hp, and Sirius XM
SE is the base trim for the 2015 Hyundai Sonata. Under the hood, you’ll find a 2.4-liter GDI engine making 185 hp. It’s paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and features three driving modes (Normal, Eco, Sport).
Sonata SE offers the basics such as AC, power windows, remote keyless entry, a six-speaker audio system, 16-inch alloy wheels, and a 3.5-inch LCD trip computer. But in 2015, it was ahead of the curve for a base model with features like:
- Steering wheel with audio, phone, and cruise controls
- Bluetooth hands-free connectivity
- Tire-pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
- Heated and power side mirrors
- LED daytime running lights and projector headlights
If you’re in the market for a starter vehicle or basic commuter, don’t overlook the 2015 Sonata SE. It may be a base model, but you’re certainly getting your money’s worth.
2015 Sonata Eco Puts a Premium on Fuel Efficiency Offering 31 mpg Combined from a 1.6-liter Turbocharged Engine
Stepping up to the Sonata Eco, you get Sonata SE’s equipment plus a different engine. Sonata Eco features an all-new 1.6-liter turbocharged GDI engine with 177 hp and 195 lb.-ft. of torque. It’s exclusively paired to a seven-speed EcoShift dual-clutch transmission for an impressive 31 mpg combined.
Additional improvements include a power-adjustable driver seat, leatherette door paneling, a rearview camera, and a five-inch touchscreen audio display. Furthermore, you’ll get chrome interior door handles, a chrome-accented front grille, side mirrors with integrated turn signals, and automatic headlights.
If fuel saving is your thing, grab the Sonata Eco.
2015 Sonata Sport Trim Ups the Ante with 17-inch Alloy Wheels, Dual Exhaust, and a Unique Front Grille and Fascia
Like the Eco, Sonata Sport builds on the SE’s standard equipment. It differs by retaining the 2.4-liter engine and adding a few other sporty styling upgrades. These include:
- Sport front bumper fascia and grille
- Sport rocker panels with chrome molding
- Dual exhaust
- 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels
The interior upgrades continue with heated front seats and faux carbon-fiber interior accents. Lastly, Sonata Sport adds a spare tire.
2015 Sonata Limited Takes the Nameplate to a Place of Luxury with Features Like Heated Rear Seats and Dual-zone AC
Sonata Limited brings a touch of luxury and class to the Sonata trim lineup. It, too, builds on the SE platform but keeps many of the features shared by the Eco and Sport trims. Notable comfort upgrades include dual-zone climate controls, leather seating, heated front and rear seats, and a six-way power-adjustable passenger seat. Furthermore, you’ll gain a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, a subwoofer, woodgrain accents, rear side window sunshades, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror with compass and HomeLink.
Safety also gets a notable bump with blind-spot detection, rear cross-traffic alert, and LED taillights. Also in the Limited, a hands-free smart trunk, proximity key entry, push-button start, chrome accents, and door handle welcome lights.
2015 Sonata Sport 2.0T Adds 245-hp Engine, Quad Exhaust Tips, Upgraded Brakes, and Paddle Shifters
Sonata Sport 2.0T delivers a 245 hp 2.0-liter turbocharged engine for those looking for true performance. It builds on Sonata Sport but also provides sport-tuned suspension, upgraded brakes, 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, a rear diffuser, and quad exhaust tips. Inside, the Sport 2.0T adds a unique instrument cluster, shift knob, and leather seats along with paddle shifters and aluminum pedals.
Sport also retains Sonata Limited’s modern tech features, such as dual-zone AC, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, smart trunk, and push-button start.
2015 Sonata Limited 2.0T is the Top Trim and Comes with All Safety Features and a Panoramic Sunroof
Sonata Limited 2.0T adds even more luxury to the Limited trim along with a 2.0-liter turbo powerplant. The most noticeable upgrades are the panoramic sunroof, eight-inch touchscreen navigation system, and heated/ventilated front seats.
The Sonata Limited 2.0T even sees to it that rear occupants are taken care of with heated rear seats and window sunshades. Further amenities include Infinity premium speakers with a subwoofer and amplifier, LED interior lighting, Sirius XM with Travel Link, seat memory, and unique body trim.
Lastly, Limited 2.0T adds valuable safety benefits, like intelligent cruise control, lane-departure and forward-collision warning, rear parking assist, and auto high beams. Limited 2.0T is by far the safest Sonata trim for 2015.
Buyers Looking to Get the Most for Their Money Should Opt for the Sonata Limited with the Tech and Ultimate Packages
When choosing between the 2015 Sonata trims, you’ll find that even the base model SE features ahead-of-its-time standard equipment. With items like heated side-view mirrors, Bluetooth hands-free, Sirius XM, and more in the base trim, it’s no wonder Hyundai has been climbing the ranks. And each of the following trims adds useful features that justify the price increase to their respective trims.
There’s really not a poor option when comparing the Sonata trims. The SE is great for budget buyers/young drivers, and the Limited 2.0T adds serious convenience, power, and luxury for just $4,000 more. Ultimately, the Limited comes out ahead offering the most bang for your buck. When paired with the Ultimate and Tech Packages, Sonata Limited is simply an outstanding value. You get nearly every feature found in the top-of-the-line Limited 2.0T aside from the engine for only $15,750. 185 hp is plenty powerful, and the engine upgrade would be over $2,000. We think the Limited with the appropriate packages will do the trick.
Photos: Hyundai
