The 2016 Hyundai Sonata delivers massive value no matter the trim level. From the fuel-efficient and practical Eco to the 245-hp Limited 2.0T, there’s a Sonata for any buyer.
Key Points
- Six trim levels make the 2016 Sonata an extremely versatile sedan, whether you’re after something more practical, or prefer the added performance and creature comforts of upper models.
- The SE trim makes for a well-equipped base model, with a large standard touchscreen, alloy wheels, and full power options. For the ultimate value, opt for the ECO model for better mileage, more features, and a lower price.
- Step into the Sport trim for a more aggressive look both inside and out, as well as a functional dual exhaust system. Upgrade to the Sport 2.0T for a 245-hp engine, a sport-tuned suspension, quad-exhaust tips, and more.
- For all the creature comforts, the Limited trim does the model the most justice with standard leather seats and a plethora of optional safety features. Spring for the Limited 2.0T for the perfect mix of performance and luxury.
2016 Sonata SE is a Competitive Entry-level Trim with Adequate Performance, Safety, and Convenience Features
First up is the SE trim, and while it is the 2016 Hyundai Sonata’s base model, its offerings are anything but. Under the hood, a 185-hp, 2.4L inline four-cylinder engine comes standard, paired to a six-speed automatic transmission.
Inside, enjoy a standard seven-inch touchscreen, a tilt/telescopic steering wheel, full power options, and manually adjustable cloth seats. Outside, 16-inch alloys, heated and power side mirrors, and a rear lip spoiler.
As for safety, find standard traction and stability control, seven airbags, automatic headlights, a driver’s side blind-spot mirror, and a rearview camera.
As of December 2021, Kelley Blue Book (KBB) estimates the Fair Market Range (FMR) of a pre-owned 2016 Hyundai Sonata SE with 60,000 miles (12,000 annually) to be between $15,400 and $18,300 at a dealer.
2016 Sonata Eco is a Fantastic Value, Costs Less than SE, has More Options, Similar Performance
The Hyundai Sonata Eco trim focuses on maximizing fuel efficiency. The 2.4L engine is swapped out for a turbocharged 1.6L inline-four paired to a seven-speed automatic dual-clutch transmission, a combination that increases fuel economy by three city mpg over the SE. Horsepower drops to 178, but with the added torque of the turbo, accelerating from 0-60 remains the same at 8.8 seconds.
Interior and exterior additions are limited but include LED daytime running lights, side mirrors with mounted turn indicators, a power driver’s seat, and interior leatherette door panel inserts.
Pricewise, the 2016 Sonata Eco trim is actually more affordable than the SE, with a KBB FMR between $14,500 and $17,400.
2016 Sonata Sport Enhances the Model’s Aesthetics, Adds Functional Dual Exhaust, Optional Premium and Tech Packages
The Sonata Sport ditches the Eco’s 1.6L engine in favor of the SE’s 2.4L/six-speed transmission combo. Mostly, the Sport enhances the aesthetics, by means of 17-inch alloys, a unique front fascia and grille, rocker panels with chrome molding, and LED daytime running lights. However, you do get a functional dual exhaust system for a throatier note when pressing the pedal.
Standard interior upgrades are slim but include carbon-fiber trim accents, instrument cluster hood stitching, a power driver’s seat, and leatherette door panel inserts.
The real upgrades come from optional add-on bundles, like the Premium Package, which includes:
- Blind-spot detection
- Chrome door handles
- Heated, leather-bolstered front seats
- Dual-zone climate control
Add the Tech Package for a larger eight-inch touchscreen, a premium sound system, and a power sunroof.
A standard Sonata Sport has an FMR of between $17,800 and $19,700, or for about $1,000 more you can find a model with both the Tech and Premium add-on packages.
2016 Sonata Limited Comes with Standard Leather Seating, Optional Advanced Convenience and Safety Features
The last trim to feature the 2.4L powertrain is the Limited, a luxurious model standard with leather seating and a sunroof. Other interior amenities include push-button start, heated front/rear seats, a power-adjustable front row, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and more.
Outside, the Limited adds a touch of class with 17-inch alloy wheels, LED taillights, and chrome door handles. Safety is also enhanced thanks to blind-spot detection with added cross-traffic alert, which assists when backing out of a tight parking space.
Two optional packages are available on Sonata Limited, the Tech Package, and the Ultimate Package. The Tech Package is similar to the same-named bundle from the Sport trim and adds:
- Larger eight-inch screen
- Panoramic sunroof
- Heated steering wheel
- Memory seats
The Ultimate Package, though, takes safety to a whole new level, with automatic braking, smart cruise control, lane-departure warning, automatic high beams, and rear parking sensors.
KBB estimates an FMR between $18,100 and $21,100 for a standard Limited, or $19,500 to $22,500 with all the add-on packages.
2016 Sonata Sport 2.0T Introduces a Turbocharged 245-hp Engine as Standard, Sport-tuned Suspension, Quad Exhaust Tips
For those after a more thrilling experience, the Sport 2.0T takes the original Sport trim and adds upon it. The primary difference is the addition of a 245-hp 2.0L turbocharged engine, which rockets the Sonata from 0-60 in just 7.2 seconds, 1.6 seconds faster than both other engines.
Of course, these figures come at a cost, as the fuel economy of the 2.0L drops to 22 around town and 31 at highway speeds.
Beyond that, enjoy a sport-tuned suspension, larger front brakes, unique 18-inch wheels, and quad-exhaust tips. Other standard features include:
- High-intensity Xenon headlights
- Chrome door handles with welcome light
- Hands-free trunk
- Premium door sill plates
- Leather steering wheel with paddle shifters
No optional extras exist for the Sport 2.0T trim, slotting the FMR just above the standard Sport from $17,200 to $20,200.
2016 Sonata Limited 2.0T Comes Standard with All Available Features, No Add-ons Offered, Similarly-priced as Regular Limited
At the top of the list is the Limited 2.0T, which has the same 245-hp engine under the hood as the Sport 2.0T. Inside, all safety and convenience features come standard, including the eight-inch touchscreen, automatic high-beam assist, a panoramic sunroof, automatic emergency braking, and smart cruise control with start/stop capability.
Other built-in features include:
- Infinity premium sound system
- Electroluminescent gauge cluster with 4.2-inch LCD screen
- Heated front/rear seats and steering wheel
- Ventilated front driver and passenger seats
- Glossy black door surrounds and outside mirror accents
Kelley Blue Book estimates a Fair Market Range of between $19,200 and $22,300 for a Limited 2.0T, putting it roughly in the same range as the normal Limited with the 2.4L.
Budget-conscious Car Shoppers Will Love the Overall Value of the Sonata Eco Trim
After reviewing the six unique trim levels of the 2016 Hyundai Sonata and comparing them against each other, the Eco stands out as the model with the most to offer. Not only do you get an extra three miles per gallon around town over a model with the 2.4L, but the interior is nicely equipped with most modern necessities.
All this for an entry price of around $14,500, which is roughly $5,000-$8,000 less than the top-of-the-line Limited or Limited 2.0T.
Photos: Hyundai
