2012 Hyundai Sonata Reviews, Ratings & Specs
Performance |
|
3.6 |
Interior |
|
4.1 |
Comfort |
|
3.7 |
Value |
|
4.1 |
Editor's Overview
The 2012 Hyundai Sonata is one of the fastest rising models in the mid-size sedan segment, as its manufacturer has combined a wealth of features with compelling styling. With a lengthy warranty, the Sonata offers both normally aspirated and turbocharged 4-cylinder engines, plus a hybrid but no V6 option.
Hyundai Sonata Models & Trims
Hybrid - $7,444 - $9,085
- Bluetooth
- Navigation System (Optional)
- Heated Seats (Optional)
- Sunroof
- Back-Up Camera (Optional)
- Premium Audio (Optional)
- Smart Device Integration
- Wi-Fi Hotspot
- Keyless Start
- Keyless Entry
- Automated Emergency Braking
- Blind Spot Monitor
- Cross-Traffic Alert
- Lane Departure Warning
GLS - $7,758 - $9,419
- Bluetooth
- Navigation System
- Heated Seats
- Sunroof
- Back-Up Camera
- Premium Audio
- Smart Device Integration
- Wi-Fi Hotspot
- Keyless Start (Optional)
- Keyless Entry
- Automated Emergency Braking
- Blind Spot Monitor
- Cross-Traffic Alert
- Lane Departure Warning
2.4L SE - $8,174 - $9,857
- Bluetooth
- Navigation System (Optional)
- Heated Seats
- Sunroof
- Back-Up Camera (Optional)
- Premium Audio (Optional)
- Smart Device Integration
- Wi-Fi Hotspot
- Keyless Start (Optional)
- Keyless Entry
- Automated Emergency Braking
- Blind Spot Monitor
- Cross-Traffic Alert
- Lane Departure Warning
2.0T SE - $8,174 - $9,857
- Bluetooth
- Navigation System (Optional)
- Heated Seats
- Sunroof
- Back-Up Camera (Optional)
- Premium Audio (Optional)
- Smart Device Integration
- Wi-Fi Hotspot
- Keyless Start (Optional)
- Keyless Entry
- Automated Emergency Braking
- Blind Spot Monitor
- Cross-Traffic Alert
- Lane Departure Warning
2.4L Limited - $8,795 - $10,498
- Bluetooth
- Navigation System (Optional)
- Heated Seats
- Sunroof
- Back-Up Camera (Optional)
- Premium Audio (Optional)
- Smart Device Integration
- Wi-Fi Hotspot
- Keyless Start (Optional)
- Keyless Entry
- Automated Emergency Braking
- Blind Spot Monitor
- Cross-Traffic Alert
- Lane Departure Warning
2.0T Limited - $8,795 - $10,498
- Bluetooth
- Navigation System (Optional)
- Heated Seats
- Sunroof
- Back-Up Camera (Optional)
- Premium Audio (Optional)
- Smart Device Integration
- Wi-Fi Hotspot
- Keyless Start (Optional)
- Keyless Entry
- Automated Emergency Braking
- Blind Spot Monitor
- Cross-Traffic Alert
- Lane Departure Warning
2.4L Limited w/Wine Int - $8,795 - $10,498
- Bluetooth
- Navigation System (Optional)
- Heated Seats
- Sunroof
- Back-Up Camera (Optional)
- Premium Audio (Optional)
- Smart Device Integration
- Wi-Fi Hotspot
- Keyless Start (Optional)
- Keyless Entry
- Automated Emergency Braking
- Blind Spot Monitor
- Cross-Traffic Alert
- Lane Departure Warning
2.0T Limited w/Wine Int - $8,795 - $10,498
- Bluetooth
- Navigation System (Optional)
- Heated Seats
- Sunroof
- Back-Up Camera (Optional)
- Premium Audio (Optional)
- Smart Device Integration
- Wi-Fi Hotspot
- Keyless Start (Optional)
- Keyless Entry
- Automated Emergency Braking
- Blind Spot Monitor
- Cross-Traffic Alert
- Lane Departure Warning
Owner Reviews
2012 Hyundai Sonata. It is just an okay car, gets you from here to there.
Great on gas very dependable.
Reliability is probably the most important. I haven't had any issues with the vehicle, has mileage is amazing, and its spacious.
Video Reviews

2012 Hyundai Sonata GLS




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Crash Test Results: Front, Side & Rollover

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration provides consumers with information about crash protection and rollover safety
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Overall
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Front
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Side
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Rollover
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety is a non-profit group which conducts safety testing beyond federal regulations. "Good" is the highest rating.
- Moderate Overlap Front G
- Side G
- Roof Strength G
- Driver-side Overlap Front M
Safety Features
- 4-wheel anti-lock brakes (ABS) -inc: electronic brake-force distribution (EBD), brake assist
- Traction control system (TCS) w/electronic stability control (ESC)
- Shift interlock system
- Body-side reinforcements
- Hood buckling creases & safety stops
- Daytime running lamps
- Front/rear crumple zones
- Driver/front passenger advanced airbags *
- Driver/front passenger seat-mounted side-impact airbags
- Front/rear side-curtain airbags
- Blue Link telematics system
- Occupant classification system (OCS) *
- 3-point seatbelts for all seating positions
- Front seat belt pretensioners & force limiters
- Childproof rear door locks
- Emergency internal trunk release
- Lower anchors & upper tether anchors (LATCH)
- Tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) *
- Energy-absorbing steering column
Long-Term Reliability
J.D. Power Ratings 2
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Overall ?
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Mechanical ?
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Powertrain Quality ?
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Body & Interior Design ?
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Features ?
Safety Recalls (7)
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Seat Belts Mar 8, 2017Report Receipt Date:Mar 8, 2017NHTSA Campaign:17V152000Summary:Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2014 Sonata and 2011-2015 Sonata Hybrid vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the seat belt linkages for both front seat belts may detach from the seat belt anchor pretensioners.Consequence:In the event of a crash, if the seat belts detach from the anchor pretensioners, it can increase the risk of injury.Remedy:Hyundai will notify owners and dealers will inspect the connection between the seat belt linkages and the seat belt anchor pretensioners, repairing them as necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin April 7, 2017. Owner's may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for the recall is 160.
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Recall Jul 18, 2014Report Receipt Date:Jul 18, 2014NHTSA Campaign:14V434000Summary:Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Sonata vehicles manufactured December 11, 2009, through May 29, 2014. In the affected vehicles, the transmission shift cable may detach from from the shift lever pin.Consequence:If the transmission shift cable detaches, the transmission gear selection may not match the indicated gear and the vehicle may move in an unintended or unexpected direction, increasing the risk of a crash. Furthermore, when the driver parks the vehicle, despite selecting the 'PARK' position, the transmission may not be in 'PARK.' If the vehicle is not in the 'PARK' position and the parking brake is not applied, there is a risk the vehicle will roll away as the driver and other occupants exit the vehicle or anytime thereafter. A vehicle rollaway increases the risk of injury to exiting occupants and bystanders.Remedy:Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, as necessary, repair the connection between the shift cable and shift lever, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's number for this recall is 123.
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Engine Sep 10, 2015Report Receipt Date:Sep 10, 2015NHTSA Campaign:15V568000Summary:Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Sonata vehicles manufactured December 11, 2009, to April 12, 2012 at Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama and equipped with either a 2.0 liter or 2.4 liter Gasoline Direct injection engine. In the affected vehicles, metallic debris may not have been fully removed during manufacturing of the engine crankshaft. If the debris was not completely removed, oil flow may be restricted through the connecting rod bearings, causing connecting rod damage. A worn connecting rod bearing will produce a metallic, cyclic knocking noise from the engine and possible engine failure.Consequence:Engine failure would result in a vehicle stall, increasing the risk of a crash.Remedy:Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicles and replace the engine assembly, as necessary, free of charge. Additionally, Hyundai Motor America will increase the warranty for the engine sub-assembly (short block) to 10 years/120,000 miles for both original and subsequent owners of 2011 and 2012 Sonatas manufactured at Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama equipped with 2.0 liter and 2.4 liter Gasoline Direct injection engines. An interim notification will be mailed by November 2, 2015. A second notification will be mailed when parts are available. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-671-3059 or by visiting www.HyundaiUSA.com/Campaign132. Hyundai's number for this recall is 132.
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Seat Belts Oct 4, 2017Report Receipt Date:Oct 4, 2017NHTSA Campaign:17V617000Summary:Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2014 Sonata and 2011-2015 Sonata Hybrid vehicles previously repaired under recall campaign 17V-152. The seat belt linkages for both front seat belts may detach from the seat belt anchor pretensioners.Consequence:If the seat belt linkage detaches from the seat belt anchorage, it can not properly restrain the occupant in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.Remedy:Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will again verify the connection between the seat belt linkage and the pretensioner and additionally install a warning label to prevent future seat belt linkage detachment, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in October 2017. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 169.
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Seat Belts > Rear Mar 8, 2012Report Receipt Date:Mar 8, 2012NHTSA Campaign:12V098000Summary:CERTAIN MODEL YEAR HYUNDAI SONATA HYBRID VEHICLES PRODUCED BEGINNING ON DECEMBER 2, 2010, AND SHIPPED TO DEALERS THROUGH MARCH 7, 2012, THAT ARE EQUIPPED WITH A CENTER REAR SEAT BELT INCORPORATING A RELEASE MECHANISM THAT DETACHES BOTH THE LAP AND SHOULDER PORTION AT THE LOWER ANCHORAGE POINT, FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 208, "OCCUPANT CRASH PROTECTION."Consequence:SEE NOTES.Remedy:DEALERS WERE NOTIFIED OF THE NONCOMPLAINCE AND A STOP SALE WAS ISSUED ON MARCH 8, 2012.
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Air Bags > Side/window Jul 24, 2012Report Receipt Date:Jul 24, 2012NHTSA Campaign:12V352000Summary:Hyundai is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 Hyundai Sonata passenger cars, manufactured from January 24, 2012, through June 21, 2012. The curtain side airbags on these vehicles may inflate without deployment command due to an error during manufacturing.Consequence:The curtain airbag may inflate without deployment command and increase the risk of injury to occupants of the vehicle. Additionally, an unexpected deployment would be a significant driver distraction and would limit the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.Remedy:Hyundai dealers will notify owners, and dealers will replace the curtain side airbags free of charge. This recall is expected to begin during August 2012. Owners may contact Hyundai at 1-800-633-5151.
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Service Brakes, Hydraulic Nov 16, 2015Report Receipt Date:Nov 16, 2015NHTSA Campaign:15V759000Summary:Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain model 2011-2012 Sonata vehicles. The brake pedal stopper pad can deteriorate allowing the brake light switch plunger to remain extended when the brake pedal is released.Consequence:If the brake light switch plunger does not retract as it should when the brake pedal is not being pressed, the brake lights may stay illuminated preventing accurate communication to rearward following vehicles that the vehicle is slowing or stopping. Additionally, if the brake switch plunger is not retracted, then the transmission can be shifted out of PARK without depressing the brake pedal. Either condition increases the risk of a crash.Remedy:charge. The recall is expected to begin on January 11, 2016. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-671-3059. Hyundai's number for this recall is 136.