DecodedCars2018 Hyundai Sonata
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2018 models.
- Class
- Midsize Cars
- Body styles
- 4dr Sedan Gl, 4dr Sedan Hybrid, 4dr Sedan Hybrid Limited/Ultimate, 4dr Sedan PHEV
- 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 · 40 city / 46 hwy
- Length
- 191.3 in
- Curb weight
- 3,252–3,807 lb
- NHTSA rating
- ★★★★★
- Recalls
- 2 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 42 MPG combined — 54% better than the average 2018 midsize car (27.2 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 complaints384 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 86 for similar models — most often about the engine.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 25 similar 2018 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2018 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 Gl).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 42 MPG combined (40 city / 46 highway), 54% better than the 2018 midsize car average of 27.2 MPG, for an estimated $1,600 a year in fuel.
In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.
It has 2 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 384 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.
What changed for 2018
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2017 Sonata — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2017; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2017 Sonata →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr Sedan Gl | 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 Hybrid Limited/Ultimate | 191.3 in | 73.6 in | 58.3 in | 110.6 in | 63.4 / 63.8 in | 3,649 lb | 59/41 |
| 4dr Sedan PHEV | 191.3 in | 73.6 in | 58.3 in | 110.6 in | 63.4 / 63.8 in | 3,807 lb | 59/41 |
| 4dr Sedan Sport/Gls/Limited | 191.3 in | 73.6 in | 58.3 in | 110.6 in | 63 / 63 in | 3,466 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 | 40 / 46 / 42 | +54% | $1,600 | 212 |
| Sonata Hybrid Hybrid | 2.0L 4-cyl | Automatic (AM6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 39 / 44 / 41 | +51% | $1,650 | 217 |
| Sonata Plug-in Hybrid Plug-in Hybrid | 2.0L 4-cyl | Automatic (AM6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 37 / 42 / 39 | +43% | $1,700 | 100 |
| Sonata | 1.6L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM7) | Front-Wheel Drive | 28 / 37 / 31 | +34% | $2,150 | 284 |
| Sonata SE | 2.4L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 25 / 36 / 29 | +26% | $2,300 | 308 |
| Sonata | 2.4L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 25 / 35 / 28 | +21% | $2,400 | 316 |
| Sonata | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | Front-Wheel Drive | 23 / 32 / 26 | +13% | $2,600 | 342 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2018 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 Hyundai Sonata 4 DR FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 5★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 10.5% |
Similar 2018 midsize cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 Hyundai Sonata (this car) | 42 MPG | ★★★★★ | 2 |
| 2018 Toyota Corolla | 34 MPG | ★★★★★ | 3 |
| 2018 Honda Accord | 47 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
| 2018 Chevrolet Impala | 25 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2018 Toyota Camry | 52 MPG | ★★★★★ | 8 |
| 2018 Nissan GT-R | 18 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2018 Mazda 3 | 32 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
Recalls (2)
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.
Not every 2018 Hyundai Sonata is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2018 Hyundai Sonata buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 2 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Engine — 217 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Electrical System — 58 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Power Train — 41 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 20,000 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 2018 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 |
| 2017 Sonata | 42 | 191.3 in | ★★★★★ | 5 | 880 |
| 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 →