DecodedCars2021 Hyundai Sonata
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2021 models.
- Class
- Large Cars
- Body styles
- 4dr Sedan, Hybrid 4dr Sedan, N-Line 4dr Sedan
- Engines
- 2.0L 4-cyl, 2.5L 4-cyl, 1.6L 4-cyl turbo, 2.5L 4-cyl turbo
- Transmission
- 8-speed automatic
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Seats
- 5
- Fuel
- Hybrid, Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 52 combined · 50 city / 54 hwy
- Length
- 192.9 in
- Curb weight
- 3,367–3,585 lb
- NHTSA rating
- ★★★★★
- Recalls
- 4 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 52 MPG combined — 116% better than the average 2021 large car (24.1 MPG).
- Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
- 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.
- Lots of standard safety tech4 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.
Watch out for
- Many owner complaints190 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 27 for similar models — most often about the engine.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 17 similar 2021 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2021 Hyundai Sonata is a large car offered with 4 engines (2.0L 4-cyl, 2.5L 4-cyl, 1.6L 4-cyl turbo and 2.5L 4-cyl turbo), including a hybrid version and front-wheel drive.
It measures about 193 inches long and 73 inches wide on a 112-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,367 lb (4dr Sedan).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 52 MPG combined (50 city / 54 highway), 116% better than the 2021 large car average of 24.1 MPG, for an estimated $1,300 a year in fuel.
In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.
It has 4 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 190 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.
What changed for 2021
- Engine added: 2.5L 4-cyl turbo
Compared with 2020; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2020 Sonata →
Trims, performance & features
Engine–2.0L hybrid
Engine–1.6L turbo
Engine–2.5L turbo
Engine–2.5L
Transmission8-speed automatic
DriveFWD
Seating5 seats · 2 rows
Trims
LimitedSEL PlusN LineSE
Safety & driver-assist features
Pedestrian emergency brakingStandard
Forward collision warningStandard
Blind-spot monitoringStandard
Rear cross-traffic alertStandard
Lane departure warningStandard
Lane keeping assistStandard
Lane centeringStandard
Adaptive cruise controlStandard
Parking assistStandard
Backup cameraStandard
Automatic high beamsStandard
Keyless startStandard
LED headlightsYes
Built in: Asan, South Korea
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2021 Sonata configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr Sedan | 192.9 in | 73.2 in | 57.1 in | 111.8 in | 63.8 / 64.2 in | 3,367 lb | 60/40 |
| Hybrid 4dr Sedan | 192.9 in | 73.2 in | 57.1 in | 111.8 in | 63.8 / 64.2 in | 3,527 lb | 60/40 |
| N-Line 4dr Sedan | 192.9 in | 73.2 in | 57.1 in | 111.8 in | 63.8 / 64.2 in | 3,585 lb | 60/40 |
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 Blue Hybrid | 2.0L 4-cyl | Automatic (AM-S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 50 / 54 / 52 | +116% | $1,300 | 172 |
| Sonata Hybrid Hybrid | 2.0L 4-cyl | Automatic (AM-S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 45 / 51 / 47 | +95% | $1,450 | 189 |
| Sonata | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (S8) | Front-Wheel Drive | 28 / 38 / 32 | +33% | $2,100 | 282 |
| Sonata | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (S8) | Front-Wheel Drive | 27 / 37 / 31 | +29% | $2,150 | 293 |
| Sonata | 1.6L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | Front-Wheel Drive | 27 / 37 / 30 | +24% | $2,250 | 293 |
| Sonata | 2.5L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM-S8) | Front-Wheel Drive | 23 / 33 / 27 | +12% | $2,500 | 335 |
9/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
9/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Save $5,500Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
24.1 MPG2021 Large Cars average
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2021 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Hyundai Sonata 4 DR FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 4★ / 5★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 9.7% |
StandardElectronic stability control
StandardForward collision warning
StandardLane departure warning
Similar 2021 large cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Hyundai Sonata (this car) | 52 MPG | ★★★★★ | 4 |
| 2021 Honda Accord | 48 MPG | ★★★★★ | 4 |
| 2021 Toyota Camry | 52 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2021 Nissan GT-R | 18 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2021 Hyundai Elantra | 54 MPG | ★★★★★ | 7 |
| 2021 Chevrolet Malibu | 32 MPG | ★★★★★ | 2 |
| 2021 Volkswagen Passat | 28 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
Recalls (4)
Fuel System, Gasoline · Nov 17, 2025
NHTSA campaign 25V796000 · 85,043 vehicles
- Problem
- Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Sonata vehicles. A damaged check valve can allow air to enter the fuel tank, causing it to expand and contact hot exhaust components, melting the tank.
- Risk
- A melted fuel tank can leak, increasing the risk of a fire.
- Fix
- Dealers will inspect and replace the check valve. The fuel tank assembly will be inspected for damage and replaced if necessary. Additionally, dealers will inspect and update the engine control unit software. All repairs will be performed as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning March 13, 2026. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 286. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on November 19, 2025.
Power Train › Automatic Transmission · Oct 6, 2022
NHTSA campaign 22V746000 · 56,148 vehicles
- Problem
- Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Santa Fe, Sonata, Veloster N, 2022 Santa Cruz, Elantra N, and Kona N vehicles. The vehicle's "fail-safe" limited-mobility drive mode may be impaired, when prompted by a transmission oil pump malfunction, which can result in a complete loss of drive power.
- Risk
- Loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will inspect and replace the transmission, as necessary. Dealers will also update the transmission control unit software. All repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 10, 2023. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 236.
Visibility › Windshield · Dec 28, 2021
NHTSA campaign 21V00M000 · 26,413 vehicles
- Problem
- Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Santa Fe, 2021 Sonata, and Elantra vehicles. During manufacturing, the windshield may not have been properly bonded to the vehicle, allowing it to detach in a crash.
- Risk
- A windshield that detaches from a vehicle during a crash can increase the risk of injury.
- Fix
- Dealers will remove and reinstall the front windshield panel, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 20, 2022. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 216.
Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings · Jul 9, 2021
NHTSA campaign 21V524000 · 15,752 vehicles
- Problem
- Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Santa Fe and Sonata vehicles equipped with 2.5L turbocharged engines. Fuel may leak at the pipe connection between the high-pressure fuel pump and fuel rail.
- Risk
- A fuel leak increases the risk of a fire.
- Fix
- Dealers will inspect and tighten, or replace the fuel pipe as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on September 3, 2021. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 207.
Not every 2021 Hyundai Sonata is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
190Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
8Involved a crash
0Involved a fire
15Injuries reported
35,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2021 Hyundai Sonata buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 4 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Engine — 55 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Electrical System — 42 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Power Train — 28 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 35,000 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 2021 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 |
| 2020 Sonata | 52 | 192.9 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 198 |
| 2019 Sonata | 42 | 191.3 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 172 |
| 2018 Sonata | 42 | 191.3 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 384 |
| 2017 Sonata | 42 | 191.3 in | ★★★★★ | 5 | 880 |
| 2016 Sonata | 41 | 191.3 in | ★★★★★ | 9 | 887 |
| 2015 Sonata | 37 | 191.3 in | ★★★★★ | 12 | 1,207 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Hyundai. How we calculate this →