Hyundai is one of the leading automobile brands across the globe. Since its inception in the 1960s, the brand has been rolling off durable and technologically advanced vehicles. Due to these features, the Hyundai model lineup marks its distinct position in the market. In fact, its first model series Cortina impacts the consumers that is present to date.
Hyundai Sonata is also counted among the iconic model series of Hyundai. Its popularity and significance can be gauged from the fact that Sonata was launched as the flagship model of Hyundai.
Let’s take a closer look at the Hyundai Sonata history, its different models and the features they offer.
Hyundai Sonata History
According to the annual used car market report 2021, Sonata is one of the UAE’s most popular used car models. To justify its popularity, here are the complete details regarding different models launched in the Hyundai Sonata timeline.
Hyundai Sonata First Generation (1989 to 1993)
The first generation of Sonata was launched under the Stelar nameplate. It was the highest trim level of Stelar, a pre-existing model series. Later in 1989, the name of Stelar was dropped, and Sonata was adopted as the official name of the model series.
The front fascia was inclined with a narrow radiator grille and air intake on the bumper. Whereas, at the back, Sonata has big rectangular brake lights. Also, body colour door mirrors were also present on the exterior.
Inside the cabin, cloth upholstery was offered in the basic trim level, later upgraded to leather upholstery. The centre console features an instrument cluster within the driver’s reach. The trims that were offered with automatic transmission, the centre console also features a handbrake and gear lever.
Under the hood, a 1.8-litre petrol engine was present that generated a total of 95 Horsepower. In later versions, a V6 engine was also offered. The engine was accompanied by a 4-speed automatic transmission system.
Hyundai Sonata Second Generation (1993 to 1996)
The second-generation Sonata was launched only after four years of the first generation. The front fascia was redesigned with narrower headlights and an additional fog light on the bumper. The taillights were wide and extended from one end to another.
The cabin was also facelifted with a newly designed instrument cluster and standard AC in all the trims. Moreover, the wider wheelbase of the car makes the cabin spacious which provides extra legroom for the rear passengers.
This generation offered two different engines, including a V6 and an inline 4-cylinder engine. The engine was accompanied by a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic transmission system.
Hyundai Sonata Third Generation (1996 to 1998)
The third generation was completely redesigned and was nothing similar to that of old Hyundai Sonata models. The standard narrow radiator grille was replaced with a kidney-bean-shaped grille and the headlights were also redesigned.
The cabin was uplifted with the addition of a wood trim dashboard, centre console and centre stack. Along with this, a detailed instrument cluster was also installed.
In the early versions, a 1.8-litre petrol engine was offered. However, in later versions of this generation, an optional 2.0-litre inline engine or a 3.0-litre V6 engine was available. This FWD car was supported by a 5-speed manual transmission system.
Hyundai Sonata Fourth Generation (1998 to 2001)
In this Hyundai Sonata generation, the car was again completely redesigned. This time, a narrow bean-shaped radiator grille was installed with multiple sections that divided the grille. Along with this, rectangular headlights with soft edges were mounted at the corner of the grille. At the rear end, a wide chromed plate was added on which the model name was embossed.
The cabin was decorated with a wood trim finish and leather seats. Furthermore, a high-quality sound system and a sunroof were also installed.
The car was powered by a 2.0-litre and a 2.5-litre V6 engine. The engine was paired with a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission system.
Hyundai Sonata Fourth Generation Facelift (2001 to 2004)
Hyundai Sonata receives a major facelift in its fourth generation. The signature headlights were replaced with a quad-headlights design: whereas, the taillights were rectangular with soft edges. The body contours run from the front end to the rear end.
The cabin was equipped with wood trims and a leather-wrapped interior along with standard features. To ensure a comfortable ride, an automatic climate control system, power seats, sunroof (Optional) and stereo system were also present.
This time, Hyundai installed a 2.7-litre Delta engine in Sonata that produces enough power to accelerate the car from 0 to 100 km/h in just 13.2 seconds. The engine was accompanied by a 5-speed manual or automatic transmission system.
Hyundai Sonata Fifth Generation (2004 to 2008)
By the fifth generation, Hyundai Sonata gained popularity in the mid-size sedan category. In this generation, the trunk and cabin space of Sonata was increased that was enough to accommodate 5 adults.
The front fascia of the car was facelifted with redesigned headlights and a radiator grille. The quad headlights were replaced with narrow rectangular-shaped lights and the fog lights were positioned at the bumper.
The fifth generation Sonata was offered within three different trim levels equipped with advanced features. In fact, the basic trim features power windows, keyless remote entry, side-impact airbags, AC and cruise control.
Under the hood, a wide range of engines were offered, including a 2.0 and 2.4-litre petrol engine and a 3.3-litre V6 engine. a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission system and FWD drivetrain system were standard.
Hyundai Sonata Sixth Generation (2009 to 2014)
Hyundai refined the interior and exterior of the Sonata even more. The sixth generation received eye-shaped headlights with a larger radiator grille in between. The brake lights were also enlarged and pointed. Additionally, more body contours were added to provide the car with a sleek and sharp exterior.
Inside the cabin, the centre console and instrument cluster were also redesigned with the addition of new controls. A large infotainment system with navigation was also installed on the dashboard.
The car was powered by a 2.4-litre petrol and 3.3-litre V6 engine paired with a 5-speed automatic SHIFTRONIC transmission system.
Hyundai Sonata Seventh Generation (2014 to 2017)
The seventh generation adopted design cues from the previous generation. However, the radiator grille was enlarged, and the headlights were more pointed. Moreover, ascending side lines were added on the exterior, ranging from headlights to brake lights. This time, Hyundai installed a mix-and-match of round dials and TFT displays.
The 6-speed automatic transmission system was standard in all the trims. Whereas a 7-speed automatic transmission system was optional. For the engine, a 1.6-litre Turbo, 2.0-litre GDI Turbo and 2.4-litre GDI engines were available.
Hyundai Sonata Seventh Generation Facelift (2017 to 2019)
After the facelift, the front fascia of the seventh generation was completely redesigned. A large 3D cascade-type radiator grille submerged with the bumper was installed. Alongside the radiator grille, large air intakes were also present. The old headlights were refreshed with new LED headlights, DRLs and LED fog lights.
The interior was also facelifted with a newly designed dashboard, instrument cluster and a three-spoke steering wheel. For the audio and HVAC control, piano key buttons were installed.
In this generation, a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine was offered that was supported by an 8-speed automatic transmission system. For better ride quality, front and rear suspension systems were also upgraded.
Current Generation of Hyundai Sonata (2019 to Present)
Currently, the eighth generation of the Hyundai Sonata is available in the market. The exterior of the current Sonata resembles that of a Sports-Coupe. The roof is included towards the rear end. Whereas, additional body contours are added on the hood to cater to the overall appearance of the car.
The length of the wheelbase is increased which results in a wide and more spacious cabin. Advanced infotainment that supports Android Auto and Apple CarPlay is also installed in the cabin. Furthermore, the 3-spoke steering wheel design is replaced with 4-spoke steering.
The engine range includes a 2.5-litre naturally aspirated and a 1.6-litre turbo engine. For the transmission, an 8-speed automatic transmission system is present.
This was the complete Hyundai Sonata history and the details regarding its different models. The mid-size sedan series Sonata is popular among car enthusiasts. The evolution of Hyundai Sonata over the years, its price and feature equilibrium offered in this model series are the core reasons for the sedan’s popularity. If you are also interested in availing of these features, browse through the used Hyundai Sonata for sale in the UAE and leverage all of the above-mentioned features.
Stay tuned to UAE’s top auto blog for more information on the old Hyundai Sonata models.
Related Posts
