2026 Hyundai Sonata Review

The base Sonata SE proves you don't need to spend a fortune to get a genuinely good car. The 12.3-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, comprehensive safety suite, and comfortable ride make this an excellent value. The 2.5-liter engine provides adequate power for daily driving, and the 23/32 MPG ratings keep fuel costs reasonable. If you're looking for reliable, comfortable transportation with modern technology and strong safety features without unnecessary luxuries, the 2026 Sonata SE delivers exactly what you need at the lowest price point.

Acoustic windshield 

Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist 

Pedestrian and cyclist detection 

Lane Keeping Assist

Lane Follow Assist 

Driver Attention Warning

Blind-Spot Collision Warning 

Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist 

Drivers will appreciate the sedan’s Smart Cruise Control. It has stop-and-start capability when traffic is slow. Parents appreciate the rear occupant alert that assists busy caregivers. The safe exit warning helps prevent kids from opening the door when vehicles or cyclists are too close.

If your primary goal is minimizing fuel costs, the base Hybrid Blue delivers impressive efficiency while maintaining all the features that made the SE attractive. The hybrid powertrain's combined 192 horsepower matches the base gas engine while delivering substantially better MPG. For high-mileage drivers—whether commuting long distances around the Valley or driving frequently for work—the fuel savings add up meaningfully over a year. You're not sacrificing technology, safety, or comfort to get that efficiency, which makes the Hybrid Blue an intelligent choice for budget-conscious buyers with significant driving needs. Like the Sonata SE, the Sonata Hybrid Blue is packed with goodies, including: 

12.3-in Touchscreen

Apple CarPlay, Android Auto

Proximity Key

Push Button Start

60/40 split rear seats

15.6-cu-ft Trunk

Of course, the entire lineup benefits from America’s best warranty. Limited coverage runs for up to five years or 60,000 miles (a two-year increase over most warranties). Powertrain coverage runs for up to ten years or 100,000 miles (a five-year increase over most warranties).  

This is the sweet spot for many buyers. You're getting meaningful comfort upgrades like heated seats, an eight-way power driver's seat, dual climate control, and a leather-wrapped heated steering wheel—features that make daily driving noticeably more pleasant. The 18-inch wheels look sharper without sacrificing ride quality, and the option for all-wheel drive adds versatility. You're spending more than the base SE, but every dollar goes toward features you'll actually use and appreciate every single day. For families, commuters, or anyone who spends significant time in their car, the SEL Sport provides the best balance of price and features.

Heated outside mirrors 

H-Tex Bolsters, Microfiber Suede inserts

8-way power-adjustable, power-lumbar driver’s seat

3-level Heated Front Seats

Dual-zone Climate Controls

Adjustable rear headrests

Like the SEL Sport, the Sonata Hybrid SEL is packed with valuable extras, including exclusive upholstery, power driver’s chair, and more. In addition, it has acoustic film on the front windows. 

The technology crown also goes to the 2026 Sonata Hybrid Limited. That 12.3-inch navigation with natural language voice recognition, Bose premium audio, color head-up display, Highway Driving Assist, Blind-Spot View Monitor, Surround View Monitor, Remote Smart Parking Assist, and Hyundai Digital Key 2.0 Premium represent the absolute cutting edge of what mainstream automotive technology offers.

Ambient Lighting

Rear Side-Window Sunshades

Wireless Charger

Remote Parking Assist

Highway Driving Assist

360-degree Camera System

Blind Spot Camera System

If you love gadgets, value convenience features, and want your car to handle as many tasks as possible autonomously, the 2026 Sonata Hybrid Limited delivers comprehensively for discerning Scottsdale drivers.

For driving enthusiasts who still need practical transportation, the N Line is the obvious choice. That turbocharged 2.5-liter engine transforms every drive into something genuinely fun. The N Wet Dual Clutch transmission shifts faster than you can blink, the upgraded brakes provide confident stopping power, the quicker steering ratio makes the car feel nimble, and those sport seats hold you securely through corners. 

290 horsepower

311 lb-ft of torque 

12.3-in Driver Display

N Line Wet Dual Clutch Transmission

Bose Audio

Highway Driving Assist

The Sonata N Line in Scottsdale proves you can have a practical midsize sedan that also puts a smile on your face every time you drive it. It's performance without compromise—quick enough to satisfy enthusiasts while remaining comfortable and practical for daily life.

The beauty of the 2026 Sonata lineup is that there's no wrong choice—just different priorities. Whether you value efficiency, excitement, luxury, technology, or value, Hyundai has configured a Sonata specifically for you.

You’ll find competitive financing offers and leasing deals at Earnhardt Hyundai in North Scottsdale. Ready to find your perfect 2026 Sonata? Schedule a test drive.

The team at Earnhardt Hyundai in North Scottsdale can help you explore the full lineup, answer your questions, and arrange test drives so you can experience firsthand which powertrain and trim level matches your driving style. Stop by and discover which Sonata belongs in your driveway.