2017 Hyundai Sonata
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2017 models.

- Class
- Midsize Cars
- Body styles
- 4dr Sedan 2.4, 4dr Sedan Hybrid, 4dr Sedan PHEV, 4dr Sedan Sport 2.0t
- Engines
- 2.0L 4-cyl, 1.6L 4-cyl turbo, 2.4L 4-cyl, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Hybrid, Plug-in Hybrid, Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 42 combined · 39 city / 45 hwy
- Length
- 191.3 in
- Curb weight
- 3,252–3,649 lb
- NHTSA rating
- ★★★★★
- Recalls
- 5 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 42 MPG combined — 56% better than the average 2017 midsize car (26.9 MPG).
- Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid and plug-in hybrid as well as gas.
- 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.
Watch out for
- Many owner complaints880 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 43 for similar models — most often about the engine.
- 5 recallsMore than similar models (about 2). Confirm repairs with the VIN.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 27 similar 2017 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2017 Hyundai Sonata is a midsize car offered with 4 engines (2.0L 4-cyl, 1.6L 4-cyl turbo, 2.4L 4-cyl and 2.0L 4-cyl turbo), including a hybrid version and front-wheel drive.
It measures about 191 inches long and 74 inches wide on a 111-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,252 lb (4dr Sedan 2.4).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 42 MPG combined (39 city / 45 highway), 56% better than the 2017 midsize car average of 26.9 MPG, for an estimated $1,600 a year in fuel.
In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.
It has 5 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 880 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.
What changed for 2017
- Now crash-tested by NHTSA: 5 stars overall
Compared with 2016; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2016 Sonata →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr Sedan 2.4 | 191.3 in | 73.6 in | 58.3 in | 110.6 in | 63.4 / 63.8 in | 3,252 lb | 61/39 |
| 4dr Sedan Hybrid | 191.3 in | 73.6 in | 58.3 in | 110.6 in | 63.4 / 63.8 in | 3,497 lb | 59/41 |
| 4dr Sedan PHEV | 191.3 in | 73.6 in | 58.3 in | 110.6 in | 63.4 / 63.8 in | 3,649 lb | 59/41 |
| 4dr Sedan Sport 2.0t | 191.3 in | 73.6 in | 58.3 in | 110.6 in | 63 / 63 in | 3,505 lb | 61/39 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sonata Hybrid SE Hybrid | 2.0L 4-cyl | Automatic (AM6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 39 / 45 / 42 | +56% | $1,600 | 221 |
| Sonata Hybrid Hybrid | 2.0L 4-cyl | Automatic (AM6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 38 / 43 / 40 | +49% | $1,700 | 222 |
| Sonata Plug-in Hybrid Plug-in Hybrid | 2.0L 4-cyl | Automatic (AM6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 38 / 40 / 39 | +45% | $1,700 | 104 |
| Sonata | 1.6L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM7) | Front-Wheel Drive | 28 / 36 / 31 | +38% | $2,150 | 286 |
| Sonata | 2.4L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 25 / 36 / 29 | +29% | $2,300 | 307 |
| Sonata Sport Limited | 2.4L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 25 / 35 / 28 | +25% | $2,400 | 316 |
| Sonata | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 22 / 31 / 26 | +16% | $2,600 | 347 |
| Sonata Limited | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 21 / 30 / 24 | +7% | $2,800 | 365 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2017 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 Hyundai Sonata 4 DR FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 5★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 10.5% |


Similar 2017 midsize cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 Hyundai Sonata (this car) | 42 MPG | ★★★★★ | 5 |
| 2017 Toyota Corolla | 34 MPG | ★★★★★ | 3 |
| 2017 Honda Accord | 48 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2017 Chevrolet Impala | 25 MPG | ★★★★★ | 0 |
| 2017 Toyota Camry | 40 MPG | ★★★★★ | 3 |
| 2017 Nissan GT-R | 18 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2017 Subaru Impreza/Outback Sport | 32 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
Recalls (5)
Electrical System › Software · Sep 24, 2021
NHTSA campaign 21V749000 · 469,377 vehicles
- Problem
- Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Sonata, 2016-2017 Sonata Hybrid, and Sonata Plug-In Hybrid vehicles. The Smart Junction Box (SJB) software logic may not properly interpret the signals received from the multifunction switch, which could cause the turn signal to activate in the opposite direction of what the driver intended.
- Risk
- A turn signal that activates in the opposite direction of what was intended by the driver increases the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will update the SJB software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 19, 2021. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 210.
Engine · Sep 17, 2021
NHTSA campaign 21V727000 · 95,515 vehicles
- Problem
- Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2017 Tucson and Sonata Hybrid vehicles. The connecting rod bearings inside the engine may wear prematurely, which can result in engine damage.
- Risk
- A damaged engine can increase the risk of a fire or it can cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will inspect the engine. If bearing damage is found, the engine will be replaced. Dealers will also install a software update containing a new Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS). Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owners were notified of the defect on November 16, 2021. Owner notification letters were mailed January 15, 2022. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 209.
Latches/Locks/Linkages › Trunk Lid › Latch · Aug 6, 2021
NHTSA campaign 21V619000 · 348,158 vehicles
- Problem
- Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Sonata, 2016-2018 Sonata Hybrid, 2018-2020 Accent, and 2016-2017 Azera vehicles. The trunk latch may become damaged, preventing the opening of the trunk from the inside. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 401, "Internal Trunk Release."
- Risk
- A person inside the trunk compartment may become trapped, increasing their risk of injury.
- Fix
- Dealers will replace the trunk latch base, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 4, 2021. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 208.
Hybrid Propulsion System · Mar 12, 2018
NHTSA campaign 18V166000 · 2,840 vehicles
- Problem
- Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Hyundai Sonata Plug-In Hybrid vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with a Voltage Protection Device (VPD), designed to protect the high voltage battery module, that may activate inadvertently.
- Risk
- If the VPD activates while the vehicle is being operated in Electric Vehicle (EV) mode, there may be a loss of power, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will remove the VPD switch and install a new Battery Management System (BMS) that contains an Overvoltage Protection Device (OPD). The recall is expected to begin May 2018. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 175.
Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module · Dec 30, 2016
NHTSA campaign 16V956000 · 110 vehicles
- Problem
- Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2017 Hyundai Elantra vehicles manufactured April 15, 2016, to September 13, 2016, and Sonata vehicles manufactured May 27, 2016 to September 16, 2016. In these vehicles, the end seal for the driver's frontal air bag inflator may not have been properly installed, possibly resulting in reduced inflation of the frontal air bag in the event of a crash.
- Risk
- In the event of a crash, an air bag that does not inflate fully increases the risk of injury.
- Fix
- Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag module, free of charge. The recall began February 13, 2017. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 156.
Not every 2017 Hyundai Sonata is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2017 Hyundai Sonata buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 5 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Engine — 448 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Steering — 180 owner reports. Turn lock-to-lock while parked and on the road; listen for noises and feel for heavy or loose steering.
- Electrical System — 91 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 53,900 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Hybrid system. Check for hybrid-system warning lights and ask whether the high-voltage battery has been replaced or is still under warranty.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2017 Hyundai Sonata. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Sonata years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 Sonata | 51 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2026 Sonata | 51 | 193.3 in | Not rated | 1 | 6 |
| 2025 Sonata | 47 | 193.3 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 28 |
| 2024 Sonata | 47 | 193.3 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 56 |
| 2023 Sonata | 52 | 192.9 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 103 |
| 2022 Sonata | 52 | 192.9 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 114 |
| 2021 Sonata | 52 | 192.9 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 190 |
| 2020 Sonata | 52 | 192.9 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 198 |
| 2019 Sonata | 42 | 191.3 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 172 |
| 2018 Sonata | 42 | 191.3 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 384 |
| 2016 Sonata | 41 | 191.3 in | Not rated | 9 | 887 |
| 2015 Sonata | 37 | 191.3 in | Not rated | 12 | 1,207 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Hyundai. How we calculate this →