Two different engines are available on the front-wheel-drive Hyundai Sonata for 2007--a 162-horsepower, 2.4L four-cylinder or a 234-horsepower, 3.3L V6. Both of these engines have all-aluminum construction, continuously variable valve timing (CVVT) for good response at all speeds, and hydraulic engine mounts to help reduce vibration.
Four-cylinder models are available with a standard five-speed manual transmission or four-speed automatic, while V6 models are only fitted with a five-speed automatic transmission with a Shiftronic feature good for manually selecting gears when desired. With either engine, the Sonata has very respectable fuel economy for a four-door sedan, with up to 34 mpg on the highway with the four-cylinder and up to 30 with the V6.
The Sonata has a roomy interior large enough for five adults, and the rear seat is 60/40-split and folds forward nearly flat. A smooth ride is assured by a four-wheel independent suspension with double wishbones and coil springs in front and a multi-link arrangement in back.
Six air bags are standard, including front seat-mounted side-impact air bags and side-curtain bags that cover front and rear outboard occupants. All Sonatas now also have electronic stability control (ESC) and anti-lock four-wheel disc brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD). And in federal crash tests, the Sonata got the highest five-star results for front and side impacts.
The base GLS comes with the four-cylinder, while the better-equipped SE and Limited models come with the V6. The GLS includes keyless entry, air conditioning, cruise control, a tilt steering wheel, outside heated mirrors, and power windows, locks, and mirrors. A Premium Sport package adds alloy wheels and fog lamps.
Next up is the SE, which brings more powerful brakes, fog lamps, chrome trim, steering-wheel-mounted audio controls, and solar glass. The top Limited model includes alloy wheels with lower-profile tires, automatic climate control with air quality system, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, telescopic steering wheel adjustment, and a sliding center armrest. Top options on the SE and Limited include a power sunroof and an upgraded sound system with a six-disc CD changer, MP3 compatibility, and a subwoofer.
After a complete redesign for 2006, the Hyundai Sonata returns for 2007 with a price reduction across the line, a revised feature list, and new trim levels. The base Sonata GLS entered the market for 2007 costing $700 less than a comparable 2006 Sonata GL.
Electronic stability control (ESC) is now standard on all Sonatas, and all engines now meet ultra low emission vehicle (ULEV) standards.
An Infinity premium sound system is now available on the Limited model. The exterior color palette includes Dark Cherry Red and Natural Khaki for 2007, and black leather interior trim is now optional on the Limited model.
With the 2007 Hyundai Sonata's drop in price, it's even more competitive versus its primary competition, which includes the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry. The Sonata's V6 has more torque than the Honda Accord V6, and Accord and Camry don't offer a manual-selection mode such as Shiftronic. Hyundai also says that the Sonata has more torsional stiffness than the Honda Accord, which affords a quieter ride while still maintaining precise handling, and claims that the cabin quietness is class-leading.
