What It Is: A pair of bound, gagged, and bagged 2015 Hyundai Sonatas undergoing testing in the snowy Arctic wasteland of southeastern Michigan. Although systematically covered up, we can see a similar horizon-like roofline as the outgoing model’s and a leveled beltline and grille treatment reminiscent of the recently debuted 2015 Genesis’s—although we expect the Sonata’s mouth to be slightly less upright and proud. The new Sonata will be the second Hyundai model to receive the brand’s new Fluidic Sculpture 2.0 design language.
Why It Matters: The mid-size sedan segment has changed an awful lot since the Sonata placed fourth in a six-car comparison test two years ago. Models from Ford, Honda, Mazda, and Nissan have jumped to the top of the pile, leaving Hyundai’s second-bestselling model in their wake. Yet Sonata sales remained strong, trailing only the Accord, Altima, Camry, and Fusion last year. As such, Hyundai finds itself in a position to establish the Sonata as a genuine threat to the established order of family sedans.
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Platform: The 2015 Sonata, code-named LF, should make use of a highly modified version of its current platform. Hyundai executives and engineers have told us that the focus of the brand’s development has shifted from offering buyers content to providing them with improved ride comfort and dynamic capabilities.
Powertrain: It's a good bet that the current 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder will carry over, and rumors of a smaller turbocharged four replacing the base car's naturally aspirated, 190-hp 2.4-liter have been circulating for months. Hyundai already has a 1.6-liter turbo making 201 horsepower in the Veloster Turbo, and offering it in the Sonata would make sense.
Competition: Chevrolet Malibu, Chrysler 200, Ford Fusion, Honda Accord, Kia Optima, Mazda 6, Nissan Altima, Toyota Camry, Volkswagen Passat.
Estimated Arrival and Price: The 2015 Hyundai Sonata will make its debut at this year’s New York auto show in April before going on sale later in the year. Considering the competitive nature of the mid-size sedan segment, prices shouldn’t increase much, if at all, from the current car’s $22,260 sticker.
Andrew Wendler brings decades of wrenching, writing, and editorial experience with numerous outlets to Car and Driver. His work has appeared in numerous publications, including Car and Driver, Esquire, Forbes, Hot Rod, Motor Trend, MPH, MSN, and Popular Mechanics, among others. A Rust Belt native and tireless supporter of the region, he grew up immersed in automotive, marine, and aviation culture. A lifetime of hands-on experience and a healthy dose of skepticism provide him the tools to deliver honest and informative news, reviews, and editorial perspective. Of note, he once won a $5 bet by walking the entire length of the elevated People Mover up track that encircles downtown Detroit.
