The Hyundai Sonata fits in the midsize sedan market, which just happens to be one of the most competitive sedan segments. The Sonata first arrived in 1985, so if you’re shopping for a used one, there are plenty to choose from. But, which model years should you consider, and which ones should you avoid? Take a look.

The 2006 Hyundai Sonata

If you can find a used Hyundai Sonata, you’ll be in for a treat. It is one of the best older-model years for the sedan. The 2006 arrived with an updated exterior look, and you can find it with dual exhaust, and 17-inch wheels. The GL and GLS models have a 162 horsepower four-cylinder engine under the hood, and a fun five-speed manual transmission comes with the GL.

The 2010 Hyundai Sonata

2010 was a strong year for the Sonata. It received high safety ratings and excellent crash test results. If you shop for the 2010, make sure to look for one with the V-6 engine and the automatic transmission. You’ll appreciate the performance and the impressive fuel economy. Inside, the cabin has an upscale feel with lots of features, including soft touch materials on the dash, and the optional Infinity stereo system.

The 2011 Hyundai Sonata

After a strong year in 2010, the Sonata took a turn for the worse in 2011. This was the year of the seizing engine issue. It would stall and seize without any warning, and it usually happened when the car was going at highway speeds. The NHTSA recalled the 2011 and 2012 models with the 2.0-liter engine. This model also had some air bag problems, along with an issue with the brake pedal. While the Sonata has a lot of good years, the 2011 just was not one of them.

The 2012 Hyundai Sonata

Things did not get any better for the 2012 Sonata. Its biggest problem, the engine seizing, was inherited from the 2011 model, and it also made a loud clunking noise during acceleration. On a more positive note, the 2012 Sonata has a comfortable cabin, lots of legroom for the rear seat passengers, and a large trunk.

The 2022 Hyundai Sonata

The latest generation Sonata is a big winner. It has a sleek and modern exterior look, comes in everything from a traditional gas-powered model to a fuel-sipping hybrids, and even a performance model with a fun 290 horsepower engine. You’ll get all the driver assist safety systems you can imagine in a new Sonata, and it also has the latest tech features including a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster in front of the driver. The 2022 Hyundai Sonata is one of the best midsize sedans on the market, giving others in its class a good run for their money.
Choose your Hyundai Sonata carefully. This sedan has many strong years, whether you are looking for an older model or a shiny new one.