2015 Hyundai Sonata: A Photo Review
Scotty Reiss
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A Drive in the country in the 2015 Hyundai Sonata.
Recently I got the chance to spend a day touring around the New York City suburbs in the Hyundai Sonata with photographer Kirsten Alana. You can read Judy Antell’s review of the car here. (Photo by Kirsten Alana)
The bright, warm day was nicely accented by the Sonata’s luxury features, including the touch screen navigation and media console, its comfortable leather seats and its panoramic sunroof, which was my favorite feature.
The sunroof takes up nearly the whole ceiling, and it floods the car with light. That, paired with the beige leather interior of the model we drove, made the car feel open, airy and even more luxurious.
One feature I really loved was the compartment under the console that holds your phone; it even has a USB port so you can connect and charge, and a door that closes so your phone can can truly be out of sight, out of mind (until it rings–which you’ll know if you’ve connected it via Bluetooth). (Photo by Kirsten Alana)
Another favorite feature is the touch screen. The map is large, easy to read and has the one thing I always look for on every nav screen: A speed limit sign! Notice the upper left corner: the speed limit is 55MPH on the Hutchinson River Parkway. (Photo by Kirsten Alana)
The Sonata’s –and Hyundai’s–point o f pride is the attention to detail. It’s truly a luxury to have wood accents and leather detailing on such an affordable car ($32,000 fully loaded).
Like most sedans, where to put your purse is a puzzle. In the Sonata I put it on the floor of the back seat; the floor is flat and it fit neatly behind the center console. If I’d had back seat passengers, my handbag wouldn’t have crowded their feet. Also, my bag was easily accessible there; if I’d hit a toll and had to scramble to find my wallet, I could reach it easily.
View from the driver’s seat: The Sonata’s wheel, controls and view of the road.
Another great feature: The rear view camera. The Sonata’s camera has guide lines to help you see where you’re headed, and also, cross traffic detection, which alerts you if someone or something is about to enter your path.
Our day in the country took us to the Audubon Center in Greenwich, CT, which is dedicated to education and preservation of local wildlife, and like so many things in Greenwich, is charming and picturesque all on its own. The center makes a nice backdrop for the Sonata. (Photo by Kirsten Alana)
The Sonatas lined up in the Audubon Center parking lot, waiting for us to return after stretching our legs. We started our trip in the Quartz White Pearl Sonata Limited but returned to Manhattan in the Silver Limited (you know, for a change of pace).
The Sonata line up, rear view.
The Sonata at the Audubon Center’s front gate. (Photo by Kirsten Alana)
A drive in the country demands we roll down the window and get some air. (Photo by Kirsten Alana)
No day in the suburbs is complete without some shopping. We took a moment to admire the facade of the Lord & Taylor at Ridge Hill in Yonkers, New York. (Photo by Kirsten Alana)
A sculpture in front of a residential building at Ridge Hill, and the sky beyond it (you get the idea why it’s called Ridge Hill). (Photo by Kirsten Alana)
Another view through the sun roof–the residential building at Ridge Hill. (Photo by Kirsten Alana)
And finally, back in the city again. The Sonata’s comfortable ride and luxury interior make city driving all the easier.
If you’re interested in the details of the Limited edition we drove, here is the Monroney, or the sticker, on the car. The price of the model we drove was $32,000 and includes all these features:
Disclosure: We were Hyundai’s guest for this test drive but were not compensated in any way.