The 2014 Hyundai Sonata is a midsize sedan with a price range of $12,224 to $16,579. The Sonata is more expensive than rivals, but is a fine choice if you’re looking for a daily driver with an upscale interior for the price.
2014 Hyundai Sonata: Quick Overview
- New features for the 2014 model year include a brand new eight-inch navigation screen, cooled seating, blind-spot detection, and driver-selectable steering modes.
- Reliability ratings are great, according to J.D. Power. The 2014 model has fewer owner complaints than other years.
- Two engines are available. Both are four-cylinder engines, but the turbo has much more power.
- Fuel economy is average for a midsize car and ties for 5th, getting a combined rating of up to 27 miles per gallon.
- Safety ratings are excellent, getting a five-star rating in government crash tests.
- The 2014 Sonata ranks 8th out of 14 midsize cars based on owner reviews. The Sonata is a good midsize car, but is not class-leading in any category.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Problems Does the 2014 Hyundai Sonata Have?
The 2014 Hyundai Sonata’s problems include risk of engine fire, seatbelt failure, and a sticky steering wheel. The 2014 Sonata has fewer problems than the 2013 and 2015 model years, and is a great choice. The Sonata also has a lower number of complaints compared to other midsize cars.
Engine problems, including the engine seizing up, are the most serious problems owners report with the Sonata. If an engine seizes up while driving, the only solution is to replace the entire motor, which costs over $3,500. Depending on the source of the failure the costs may be covered under the 10-year 100,000-mile warranty. A recall also addresses the bearings which lead to failures in some cases.
Brake lights burning out are another issue owners have with the Sonata. The lights tend to burn out faster than other cars. If you notice bulbs burning out fast, you may need to replace the tail light housing.
Air conditioning problems are also mentioned by owners. Most frequently caused by either a freon leak or a condenser failure which will cause the system to not cool properly.
There are six recalls affecting the Sonata, average for a 2014 car. The recalls include a transmission shift cable, seat belt linkages, engine bearings, high-pressure fuel pipes, and the low-pressure fuel hose. All are important to address, but the engine bearings are the most serious since failures can cause the engine to seize up.
What are the Prices, Models & Specs?
The 2014 Hyundai Sonata is more expensive than other midsize cars, with a price range of $12,244 to $16,579 depending on the model and mileage. When new, the retail price was $21,450 to $28,650. Depreciation is average, losing about 40% of the value in the first five years.
- GLS is the entry-level model and comes standard with 16-inch alloy wheels, cloth seating, air conditioning, power mirrors & windows, and a six-speaker stereo system with a CD player as well as USB and Bluetooth connectivity.
- SE is above the GLS in the lineup and has 18-inch alloy wheels, upgraded cloth seating, paddle shifters, leather-wrapped steering wheel, carbon-fiber interior trim, push-button start, as well as a 4.3-inch infotainment screen.
- Limited is the flagship choice with 17-inch aluminum wheels, leather seating, heated & ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, dual-zone climate control, blind-spot detection, panoramic sunroof, and an eight-inch infotainment screen.
How Long Will the 2014 Hyundai Sonata Last?
A properly maintained 2014 Hyundai Sonata will last about 200,000 miles, which is average for a midsize sedan. Maintenance costs are more affordable than other midsize cars. Repair Pal estimates them to be about $450 per year.
It is reliable. We have not had any issues or problems to address. Some of the issues we had with our 2009 have been corrected.
My car is very reliable. I have never been in a situation where it was unreliable, or made me doubt that it would get me where I needed to go.
Not that I am aware of! I have never had any issues with mine. I get mine serviced every 15,000 miles at the Hyundai place.
Yes it is a reliable vehicle. I have no problems with the vehicle at all. I have had it for 3 years now.
Yes it a very reliable car after a few years of having the car only thing that had happened over time is the occasional tire replacement and I replaced a starter.
I have not had any problems at all. General maintenance is economical and it is easy on the gas.I had one problem 3 years into usage and they resolved it at no cost
It is reliable. No it does not have any problems. I trust this car every day that it will not have any problems and it has not let me down.
It is very reliable. I have not had any major problems with it. I had a short in my back tale like but it was fix and was not anything too serious
2014 Sonata Walkaround & Test Drive
What Technology & Safety Features are Included?
Technology in the 2014 Sonata base models is below-average, and improves in the higher-end trims. 2014 is the final model year of the 6th generation, and all-new features are added to the 2015 model.
- Base technology includes an AM/FM/CD stereo system with six speakers, USB, and Bluetooth connectivity.
- Upgrades include a 4.3-inch or eight-inch infotainment screen, navigation, and a seven-speaker stereo system with a subwoofer.
- For safety, the Sonata comes standard with traction & stability control, anti-lock brakes, and airbags. Upgrades include a rear-view camera, and blind-spot monitoring.
What Engine Options are Available?
The 2014 Hyundai Sonata’s engine options include fuel-efficient 2.4-liter and powerful 2.0-liter Turbo with 274 horsepower. Performance in the 2014 Sonata is average for a midsize sedan. With the upgraded engine going from 0 to 60 in 6.5 seconds.
- The base engine is a 2.4L four-cylinder with 190 horsepower.
- An upgraded 2.0L four-cylinder turbo engine is available and has 274 horsepower.
What Color Options are Available?
How Big is the Sonata?
The 2014 Sonata is a midsize sedan and is similar in size to the competitors. There’s ample passenger room in the front and back seats, with plenty of legroom for adults. Cargo space is better than other midsize sedans, with 16.4 cu. ft. of room in the trunk. Enough room to fit four suitcases.
How Does the 2014 Hyundai Sonata Compare to Other Cars?
The 2014 Hyundai Sonata ranks 8th out of 14 midsize cars, based on owner reviews, near the middle of the class.
At the top of the lineup is the more affordable Subaru Legacy. The Subaru comes standard with all-wheel-drive, but the technology is better in the Sonata. Reliability ratings are similar between the two cars. Overall, the sedans are very similar to each other, but if you need all-wheel-drive, the Subaru is the better choice.
Another competitor is the Honda Accord, which is slightly more expensive than the Hyundai. The Accord has better reliability ratings with fewer owner complaints. Interior materials are better in the Sonata, but technology is similar between the two. Overall, the Accord is a better choice since the Honda powertrain will last longer.
Final Verdict: Is the 2014 Hyundai Sonata a Good Car?
Based on information including 578 owner reviews, and 17 automotive and government websites, yes, the 2014 Sonata is a good car. Positives include an upscale interior, and good power. Where the Sonata loses some points is with engine problems, and missing the latest safety technology found on other cars. Overall, the Sonata is a fine car, but upgrading to the 2015 model for a complete redesign is worth the money.