However, the transmission of the Sonata Hybrid is what reviewers laud the most. A continuously variable gearbox is what most hybrids employ (CVT). Although CVTs typically outperform conventional gearboxes in terms of efficiency, they might feel sluggish and make noise when accelerating quickly.
In This Article...
Performance – Engine, Transmission, and Other
Although we prefer the Honda Accord and Nissan Altima in its class for handling, the Sonata is nonetheless composed and quick to react on the road. Although the ride is a little rougher and less smooth than other vehicles in its class, the Sonata’s turbocharged 1.6-liter engine at least makes it relatively swift. In our tests, a Sonata with that engine reached 60 mph in 7.3 seconds, which is respectable for the class. The eight-speed automatic shifts smoothly and precisely. Also worthy of praise is Hyundai’s decision to keep the traditional automatic transmission available in its family sedan. Most students now use droning (but effective) constantly variable automatic gearboxes (CVTs). We loved the Sonata hybrid’s fuel-saving efforts but didn’t like how it didn’t seamlessly switch between gas and electricity during our time with it. Its turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder and motor-generator combine for 192 horsepower. One of the quickest front-drive vehicles we’ve driven with 290 horsepower is the N Line, which offers a satisfying degree of driving vigor. It took the N Line just 5.0 seconds to reach 60 mph, which is only a tenth longer than the Honda Civic Type R.
The Well-Known 2018 Hyundai Sonata Gets a Better Transmission
Hyundai has been putting up a lot of effort to establish a reputation for dependability and quality. The Hyundai Sonata, one of their top models, has continuously been one of their best-selling vehicles in recent years. Many of the characteristics that made the 2017 edition of the same car so popular are still present in the 2018 Hyundai Sonata, but there are a few modifications that previous Sonata drivers will notice. The transmission is one of the key changes. What alterations have been made to the most recent Hyundai Sonata model?
There are different levels that consumers can purchase, just as the majority of popular models across all makes. There are a few differences in the transmission for those who choose the 2018 Hyundai Sonata Turbo. An eight-speed automatic transmission will be standard on the Hyundai Sonata turbo edition for the 2018 model year, which is a considerable improvement over the six-speed automatic transmission that was available on other trim levels of the Hyundai Sonata in earlier generations. The 2018 Sonata’s upgraded transmission will work in tandem with a powerful engine that produces 245 horsepower and 260 foot-pounds of torque from its 2.0 L turbocharged four-cylinder engine. The 185 horsepower, 2.4 L four-cylinder engine, and six-speed transmission are all included in the standard package. The eight-speed transmission should significantly affect the car’s handling and performance, even if the transmission was previously a well-liked feature with earlier generations of the Sonata.
Additionally, the Sonata’s fuel efficiency will increase with an eight-speed transmission. Given the strength of the car’s engine, the Sonata already ranks among the top mid-size sedans in terms of fuel efficiency; however, the addition of additional gears to the transmission will provide the car more alternatives in terms of fuel efficiency. This should result in significant gas station cost savings for drivers.
What other enhancements can we anticipate for the 2018 Hyundai Sonata in addition to the transmission?
Drivers will notice a number of additional enhancements for the 2018 Hyundai Sonata Turbo in addition to the upgraded transmission. The well-liked mid-size sedan will have adaptive automatic high beam headlights for better visibility at night and in the fog. Along with adaptive steering to help drivers stay in their lane, the Sonata will also have a lane departure warning system that will warn them while they are drifting. Additionally, the Sonata will incorporate a wide range of passive and active safety systems with these features. The vehicle’s interior has been updated with a new steering wheel, a reworked center stack, and two distinct touchscreens measuring seven and eight inches to go with a top-notch infotainment system.
The 2018 Hyundai Sonata Turbo’s new transmission should ultimately result in better fuel economy, supple handling, and a fresh, improved driving experience for its users. It is simple to understand why the 2018 Hyundai Sonata is being hailed as one of the top mid-size sedan releases for the upcoming year when this new transmission is combined with the advancements in safety and interior styling.
Honda Accord
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Hyundai has been producing the Sonata, a mid-size vehicle, since 1985. The first model Sonata, which debuted in 1985 as a facelifted Hyundai Stellar with an upgraded engine, was quickly pulled off the market due to negative consumer feedback. The second version of the nameplate, which debuted in 1988, was widely exported despite being initially offered only in South Korea.
The Sonata is currently produced in Russia for export, China and South Korea for the Asian market, and the United States for the North American market. It was given the musical term sonata as its name.
Does the 2011 Hyundai Sonata feature a CVT?
Three brand-new 2011 Hyundai Sonata car versions are available, each with a different 4-cylinder engine.
The 2.4-liter, 4-cylinder, all-aluminum Hyundai direct-injected GDI engine with continuously variable valve timing is found under the hood of the basic Sonata. The engine is capable of producing 198 horsepower at 6300 rpm and 184 lb.-ft. of torque at 4250 rpm when it is operated properly.
With this model, two alternative transmissions are available. First up is a conventional 6-speed manual transmission that is also used in the Hyundai Tucson. The automaker’s brand-new 6-speed automatic is the second (also shared with the Tucson). This is the first internal 6-speed automatic from Hyundai. According to the automaker, it is 26.4 pounds lighter and has 62 less parts than its 5-speed predecessor; lighter vehicles typically have better fuel economy and are more reliable.
A direct-injected, turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine with 274 horsepower and 269 lb.-ft. of torque powers the Sonata 2.0T. According to the automaker, this forced-induction engine is equipped with a special twin-scroll turbocharger that is intended to reduce lag and increase efficiency. (Interestingly, BMW utilizes a similar system with its most modern turbocharged engines.) The turbocharged engine is most impressively built to run on regular unleaded gasoline—premium fuel is not necessary. While the “Shiftronic” manual mode is an option with the regular engine, it comes as standard with the 2.0T model. The turbocharged 2.0-liter is only available with the 6-speed automatic transmission.
The Sonata Hybrid also has a modified version of the 2.4-liter direct-injected GDI 4-cylinder engine. It is capable of 169 horsepower when using the Atkinson Cycle, a more fuel-efficient style of combustion. A 30-kilowatt (40.2 horsepower) electric motor is coupled to the gasoline engine, giving the entire system a combined output of 209 horsepower. Hyundai is using its new 6-speed automatic transmission in place of the continuously variable transmissions (CVTs) that are present in the majority of gasoline-hybrid models now available on the market. According to the automaker, the Hyundai “Hybrid Blue Drive” has an all-electric mode and a parallel drive mode, in which the gasoline engine, the electric motor, or both together are used to turn the wheels.
Aside from the mechanics of the engine, the independent MacPherson strut front suspension and the independent multi-link rear suspension were designed into the brand-new 2011 Sonata. Stabilizer bars are located at the front and back of the vehicle to reduce body roll (the SE trim level receives sport suspension tuning). All four corners of the standard 16-inch wheels have disc brakes (the Limited models wear 17-inch alloys, while the sporty SE models have the 18-inch wheels). Depending on engine speed, an electrically assisted steering rack will adjust its assist. Hyundai claims that the Sonata has a turning diameter of only 35.8 feet.
Does Hyundai make use of CVTs?
The CVT has some drawbacks, such as a continuous hum from the belt while it transfers power and the possibility of slippage as the belt travels through the pulleys. Nissan’s CVTs have a bad reputation for being prone to overheating, which is also worrying.
Nissan’s issues cast a shadow over other manufacturers’ CVT units, even though those units aren’t on the same level (for better or worse) as Nissan’s. Nissan is the leader in the adoption of CVTs.
In comparison to conventional CVTs, Hyundai claims its chain-belt-driven SmartStream IVT is stronger and more durable. A few Hyundai vehicles, including the Accent and Elantra, as well as the 2022 Kona and Santa Cruz, include the CVT. So, information about the new CVT is still being gathered.
According to information that has been made public, the Hyundai CVT is still having some growing pains. A 2020 Elantra owner reported being trapped on the highway due to “an internal transmission malfunction” on the Reddit community r/Hyundai. They also reported experiencing extreme rpm swings.
In contrast, out of the 18 complaints about the 2020 Hyundai Elantra sent to Car Complaints, 17 of them are about a problem with the CVT, ranging from “sudden uncommanded acceleration” to sporadic power loss on the road.
Hyundai began utilizing the CVT transmission when?
The Hyundai Elantra is a small vehicle. In addition to the Hyundai Elantra regular model, it is also offered as the Hyundai Elantra GT and the Hyundai Elantra N.
In contrast to the arrival of the Hyundai Elantra N in 2022, the Hyundai Elantra GT was discontinued in 2020. These two models never had CVT options.
In various trims, the Hyundai Elantra began using CVT transmissions in 2020. Only the Hyundai Elantra ECO and Hyundai Elantra Sport were available without a CVT transmission out of its six trim levels.
A 2.0-liter inline-4 gasoline engine with the CVT transmission can provide 132 lb-ft of torque at 4,500 rpm and 147 horsepower at 6,200 rpm.
How many gears does a Hyundai Sonata have in its transmission?
There are four trim levels and two engine choices available for the updated and improved 2021 Hyundai Sonata to meet your demands. The 2.5L 4-cylinder engine in the SE and SEL is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission.
What type of transmission comes standard on the 2016 Hyundai Sonata?
The Eco variant comes with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission instead of the usual six-speed automatic transmission. The Sonata’s standard engine achieves an EPA-estimated 25/38 mpg city/highway, which is respectable for the class.
Do sonatas have issues with transmission?
The transmission of the Hyundai Sonata is one of the most frequently mentioned problems. Drivers have mentioned concerns with the transmission not shifting properly when it comes to Hyundai Sonata transmission troubles. Typically, malfunctioning speed sensors are to blame for this, which turns on the Check Engine light. Fortunately, resolving this problem is relatively simple and affordable.
Low transmission fluid levels may be the blame for transmission problems, according to other Sonata owners who have experienced them. They were able to fix the shifting problem by ensuring sure the transmission fluid level was appropriate. Other drivers discovered that fixing the transmission problem also required updating the vehicle’s software.
Has the 2011 Hyundai Sonata experienced transmission issues?
More than 880,000 Hyundai Sonata automobiles produced between December 11, 2009, and May 29, 2014, model years 2011 through 14.
The Issue: If the transmission gear selection does not match the specified gear, the vehicle may drive in an unexpected or undesired direction, increasing the risk of a collision. The transmission shift cable may come loose from the shift lever pin. Additionally, even when the driver selects the Park position, the transmission might not be in Park when the vehicle is parked; if the parking brake is not set, the vehicle could roll away, endangering passengers getting out and bystanders.
The Fix: Following notification to owners, dealers will free of charge check the connection between the shift cable and shift lever and make any necessary repairs. A notification timeline has not yet been disclosed by the automaker.
What Owners Should Do: For further information, owners can contact Hyundai at 800-633-5151, the vehicle safety hotline run by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration at 888-327-4236, or visit www.safercar.gov.