Most Sonatas feature crisply marked conventional gauges but the Ultimate trim replaces them with transistor film technology (TFT) instrumentation. Other controls are logical and  straightforward, a Hyundai hallmark. Cabin materials on the top-spec model examined are well up to the standards of the current class leader, the Honda Accord. Comfortable seats are installed front and rear and legroom is good for all riders. The low-slung roofline adds to the elegance of the new Sonata but makes getting in and out more difficult than it is in taller cars like the Toyota Camry and Subaru Legacy.

Initially a 1.6L turbo four was supposed to be the sole engine for Canada but a normally-aspirated 2.5L four has emerged as the base engine for the car here. The 1.6 turbo produces 180 horsepower, 11 less than the normally-aspirated 2.5L four, making it look like something other than the upgrade Hyundai thinks it is. Power to the front wheels via a conventional eight-speed automatic transmission. The “N” model, with a 290 horsepower 2.5L turbo four,  hooked up a new dual clutch eight-speed automatic transmission, was phased in during the 2021 model year. The hybrid combines the efforts of a 2L four and an electric motor to create 192 total system horsepower. Power reaches the front wheels via a conventional six-speed automatic transmission.

Safety equipment includes Forward Collision Avoidance Assist with pedestrian and cyclist detection. The system alerts the driver visually and sonically of an impending obstruction and will apply the brakes if no action is taken. Active cruise control with stop and go is standard equipment as well. Lane following assist will maintain the car in the centre of its lane in town or on the highway. Safe Exit Assist alerts occupants when a vehicle is approaching from behind, preventing accidents caused by open doors. Blind spot, driver awareness and and rear cross traffic monitors are all standard. A 360 degree monitor is fitted on models starting with the Luxury trim. The Sonata went on sale in early 2020. With 4138 sold last year, the K5 outsold the Kia K5 nearly three-to-one last year.

The base Essential trim, the only one available with the normally-aspirated 2.5L four, is, with a complete active safety suite, L.E.D. headlamps, heated front seats and steering wheel and alloy wheels, nicely equipped.

The Sport trim adds a dual-panel sunroof, a power driver’s seat and a dual-zone climate control system, looks expensive. The Sport is powered by a 1.6L turbo that adds nothing compared with the 2.5L four, except for unwanted complexity. The Luxury model includes leather seating, heated rear seats, ventilated front seat, a power passenger seat and a Bose audio system, at a reasonble price. The N-line trim adds a blind view monitor for left and right lane changes, a head up display, a TFT gauge pod and a wealth of minor features which is worth well in excess of the money asked, but also includes the 2.5 turbo engine, making it a bargain. Only offered in hybrid form, the Ultimate is, with out-of-car remote parking, is good value if you want the hybrid powertrain. The base 2.5 L model doesn’t seem to interest a measurable number of buyers. The 1.6 T version of the Sonata accounts for account around 85 percent of sales, the N-Line high-performance model takes about 10 percent of sales with the hybrid tempting five percent of Sonata buyers. Wait times for the Sonata are about three months.