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2012 Hyundai Sonata Reviews, Ratings & Specs

Change Year or Change Vehicle
Front passenger 3/4 w/ wheels turned.
Kelley Blue Book Value®
$7,444 - $10,498
Used Fair Purchase Price Range
Crash Test
Source: NHTSA.gov
MPG (up to)
34 City / 39 HWY
Horsepower
198-274
Seats
5
4.3 Owner Reviews (313) 3.9 Expert Reviews Photos (111) Video Reviews (4) Compare Models & Features For Sale Near Me (15)

Expert Review

By Kelley Blue Book Editorial Staff
3.9 Overall Score
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.

Show Full Review
What's New Interior Features Exterior Features Driving Impressions Pricing Notes Notable Equipment

Hyundai Sonata Models & Trims

Hybrid - $7,444 - $9,085

Horsepower: 206 hp
Engine Type: Gas/Electric I4
Standard Seating: Cloth
Standard Wheels: 16 x 6.5 (in.) Aluminum
  • 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

Horsepower: 198 hp
Engine Type: Gas I4
Standard Seating: Cloth
Standard Wheels: 16 x 6.5 (in.) Aluminum, Steel
  • 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

Horsepower: 200 hp
Engine Type: Gas I4
Standard Seating: Leather, Cloth
Standard Wheels: 18 x 7.5 (in.) Aluminum
  • 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

Horsepower: 274 hp
Engine Type: Turbocharged Gas I4
Standard Seating: Leather, Cloth
Standard Wheels: 18 x 7.5 (in.) Aluminum
  • 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

Horsepower: 198 hp
Engine Type: Gas I4
Standard Seating: Leather
Standard Wheels: 17 x 6.5 (in.) Aluminum
  • 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

Horsepower: 274 hp
Engine Type: Turbocharged Gas I4
Standard Seating: Leather
Standard Wheels: 18 x 7.5 (in.) Aluminum
  • 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

Horsepower: 198 hp
Engine Type: Gas I4
Standard Seating: Leather
Standard Wheels: 17 x 6.5 (in.) Aluminum
  • 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

Horsepower: 274 hp
Engine Type: Turbocharged Gas I4
Standard Seating: Leather
Standard Wheels: 18 x 7.5 (in.) Aluminum
  • 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

4.30
5 star
44%
4 star
42%
3 star
13%
2 star
0%
1 star
0%

2012 Hyundai Sonata. It is just an okay car, gets you from here to there.

It is an okay car, nothing special to me. It sits low to the ground and the rear window is smallish. I have a hard time adjusting the rear view mirror to see behind effectively. The driver's seat is adjustable, however the passenger seat does not adjust any more than forward or back and recline. This seat also sits low so when I am in the passenger seat, I feel like I have to roll out of the car. This Sonata has a 4 cylinder engine, enough power on acceleration. There have been a few minor recalls, however I do not recall anything serious. When we went to a Hyundai dealer to look at cars, I felt invisible, they salesman just dealt with my husband. On the test drive I was stuck in the back seat, while my husband drove and salesman was next to him. If I had a chance to drive the car, even around the parking lot, I would have seen that I cannot see the front end of the car, so it is hard to tell how close you are to an object.
Kay H
Helpful

Great on gas very dependable.

I have had my car for 6 years. I love it all the way around. I have rode across country several times. It has been drove back and forth to work 5 to 6 days a week which 40 miles round trip. It is great on gas. I have not had any major problems with it at all. About a year or so ago there was a recall on my car. Wasn't having problems at all. But the recall was on the motor. So I got a brand new motor on my car didn't cost me a dime. So pretty much I had a brand new car again and it didn't cost me anything. I have also had to friends that have bought the same kind of car I have because they liked it so well. And I have bragged so much about it.
Heather M
Helpful

Reliability is probably the most important. I haven't had any issues with the vehicle, has mileage is amazing, and its spacious.

I have drove my car all over the country, it's been driven to Florida, Las Vegas, Florida and many other trips. The reason I love my vehicle is because it rides smooth, its comfortable and gets amazing gas mileage. The best gas mileage I've ever gotten is 38 mpg. As fast as problems with the car, I haven't had any, besides general maintenance of course. It's been the most reliable vehicle I have ever owned. Currently it is 6 years old with about 120K miles on it. I plan to drive it until the wheels fall off. The vehicle is spacious for the driver and passengers. Most importantly the trunk is huge! Anyone is a fool not to buy this vehicle.
Alexia T
Helpful
See All Reviews (313)

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Compare Models & Key Features

For Sale Near Me

Crash Test Results: Front, Side & Rollover

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration provides consumers with information about crash protection and rollover safety

  • Overall
  • Front
  • Side
  • 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
GGood
AAcceptable
MMarginal
PPoor

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
* Optional Safety Feature

Long-Term Reliability

J.D. Power Ratings 2

JD Power's Initial Quality Study measures issues with a vehicle the first 90 days after purchase.

  • ‌Overall ?
  • Mechanical ?
  • Powertrain Quality ?
  • Body & Interior Design ?
  • ‌Features ?
Among the best
Better than most
About average
The rest

Safety Recalls (7)

  • .
    Seat Belts Mar 8, 2017
    Report Receipt Date:
    Mar 8, 2017
    NHTSA Campaign:
    17V152000
    Summary:
    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.
  • .
    Recall Jul 18, 2014
    Report Receipt Date:
    Jul 18, 2014
    NHTSA Campaign:
    14V434000
    Summary:
    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.
  • .
    Engine Sep 10, 2015
    Report Receipt Date:
    Sep 10, 2015
    NHTSA Campaign:
    15V568000
    Summary:
    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.
  • .
    Seat Belts Oct 4, 2017
    Report Receipt Date:
    Oct 4, 2017
    NHTSA Campaign:
    17V617000
    Summary:
    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.
  • .
    Seat Belts > Rear Mar 8, 2012
    Report Receipt Date:
    Mar 8, 2012
    NHTSA Campaign:
    12V098000
    Summary:
    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.
  • .
    Air Bags > Side/window Jul 24, 2012
    Report Receipt Date:
    Jul 24, 2012
    NHTSA Campaign:
    12V352000
    Summary:
    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.
  • .
    Service Brakes, Hydraulic Nov 16, 2015
    Report Receipt Date:
    Nov 16, 2015
    NHTSA Campaign:
    15V759000
    Summary:
    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.

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Expert Rating 3.9 /5 What's New Interior Features Exterior Features Driving Impressions Pricing Notes Notable Equipment
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Updated weekly, the Kelley Blue Book® Fair Purchase Price for used cars is generally the midpoint of the Fair Market Range. It is Kelley Blue Book's estimate of what a consumer can reasonably expect to pay this week in their area for this year, make and model used vehicle with typical miles and configured with their selected options, excluding taxes, title and fees, when buying from a dealer. It's based on actual used-car transactions, plus data from other reliable third-party sources as well as market conditions.

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Initial Quality Study: After 90 days.

J.D. Power Ratings Disclaimer

Taken from the Initial Quality Study (IQS), which looks at owner-reported problems in the first 90 days of new-vehicle ownership, this score is based on problems with the engine or transmission as well as problems that affect the driving experience (i.e., vehicle/brakes pull, abnormal noises or vibrations).
Taken from the Initial Quality Study (IQS), which looks at owner-reported problems in the first 90 days of new-vehicle ownership, this score is based on problems that have caused a complete breakdown or malfunction of any component, feature, or item (i.e., components that stop working or trim pieces that break or come loose).
Taken from the Initial Quality Study (IQS), which looks at owner-reported problems in the first 90 days of new-vehicle ownership, this score is based on problems with the engine or transmission as well as problems that affect the driving experience (i.e., excessive brake dust, brake noise, excessive oil consumption and battery failed).
Taken from the Initial Quality Study (IQS), which looks at owner-reported problems in the first 90 days of new-vehicle ownership, this score is based on problems with exterior, seats and interior (i.e., memory seat controls difficult to use, center console difficult to use and materials scuffs/soils easily).
Taken from the Initial Quality Study (IQS), which looks at owner-reported problems in the first 90 days of new-vehicle ownership, this score is based on problems with the windshield wipers, navigation system, rear-seat entertainment system, heater, air conditioner, stereo system, sunroof and trip computer.

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2012 Hyundai Sonata

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