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2017 Hyundai Sonata

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

Hyundai Sonata
Pictured: 2024 Hyundai Sonata SEL, front right. Photo: MercurySable99, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
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

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
4dr Sedan 2.4191.3 in73.6 in58.3 in110.6 in63.4 / 63.8 in3,252 lb61/39
4dr Sedan Hybrid191.3 in73.6 in58.3 in110.6 in63.4 / 63.8 in3,497 lb59/41
4dr Sedan PHEV191.3 in73.6 in58.3 in110.6 in63.4 / 63.8 in3,649 lb59/41
4dr Sedan Sport 2.0t191.3 in73.6 in58.3 in110.6 in63 / 63 in3,505 lb61/39

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Sonata Hybrid SE Hybrid2.0L 4-cylAutomatic (AM6)Front-Wheel Drive39 / 45 / 42+56%$1,600221
Sonata Hybrid Hybrid2.0L 4-cylAutomatic (AM6)Front-Wheel Drive38 / 43 / 40+49%$1,700222
Sonata Plug-in Hybrid Plug-in Hybrid2.0L 4-cylAutomatic (AM6)Front-Wheel Drive38 / 40 / 39+45%$1,700104
Sonata1.6L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (AM7)Front-Wheel Drive28 / 36 / 31+38%$2,150286
Sonata2.4L 4-cylAutomatic (S6)Front-Wheel Drive25 / 36 / 29+29%$2,300307
Sonata Sport Limited2.4L 4-cylAutomatic (S6)Front-Wheel Drive25 / 35 / 28+25%$2,400316
Sonata2.0L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (S6)Front-Wheel Drive22 / 31 / 26+16%$2,600347
Sonata Limited2.0L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (S6)Front-Wheel Drive21 / 30 / 24+7%$2,800365
10/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
10/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Save $6,000Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
26.9 MPG2017 Midsize Cars average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2017 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

VersionOverallFrontalDriver / passengerSideSide poleRolloverRollover risk
2017 Hyundai Sonata 4 DR FWD★★★★★★★★★★5★ / 5★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★10.5%
StandardElectronic stability control
OptionalForward collision warning
OptionalLane departure warning
Frontal crash test — 2017 Hyundai Sonata 4 DR FWD
Frontal crash test — 2017 Hyundai Sonata 4 DR FWD. Photo: NHTSA.
Side crash test — 2017 Hyundai Sonata 4 DR FWD
Side crash test — 2017 Hyundai Sonata 4 DR FWD. Photo: NHTSA.

Similar 2017 midsize cars

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2017 Hyundai Sonata (this car)42 MPG★★★★★5
2017 Toyota Corolla34 MPG★★★★★3
2017 Honda Accord48 MPGNot rated3
2017 Chevrolet Impala25 MPG★★★★★0
2017 Toyota Camry40 MPG★★★★★3
2017 Nissan GT-R18 MPGNot rated0
2017 Subaru Impreza/Outback Sport32 MPGNot rated0

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.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2017 Hyundai Sonata is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

880Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
29Involved a crash
15Involved a fire
12Injuries reported
53,900 miTypical mileage at failure
Engine448
Steering180
Unknown Or Other120
Electrical System91
Power Train69
Fuel/Propulsion System46
Structure › Body37
Service Brakes25
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
24/10: 1224/11: 1024/12: 925/01: 525/02: 825/03: 725/04: 1025/05: 625/06: 425/07: 1025/08: 1225/09: 1525/10: 725/11: 1425/12: 626/01: 1026/02: 926/03: 526/04: 626/05: 926/06: 626/07: 426/09: 426/10: 424/1025/0125/0425/0725/1026/0126/0426/07max 15

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2017 Hyundai Sonata buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 5 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Engine — 448 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
  3. Steering — 180 owner reports. Turn lock-to-lock while parked and on the road; listen for noises and feel for heavy or loose steering.
  4. Electrical System — 91 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 53,900 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  6. Hybrid system. Check for hybrid-system warning lights and ask whether the high-voltage battery has been replaced or is still under warranty.
  7. 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 →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2027 Sonata51–Not rated00
2026 Sonata51193.3 inNot rated16
2025 Sonata47193.3 in★★★★★028
2024 Sonata47193.3 in★★★★★156
2023 Sonata52192.9 in★★★★★2103
2022 Sonata52192.9 in★★★★★3114
2021 Sonata52192.9 in★★★★★4190
2020 Sonata52192.9 in★★★★★4198
2019 Sonata42191.3 in★★★★★0172
2018 Sonata42191.3 in★★★★★2384
2016 Sonata41191.3 inNot rated9887
2015 Sonata37191.3 inNot rated121,207

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Hyundai. How we calculate this →