I was provided with a 2015 Hyundai Sonata Eco to test drive to facilitate this review. The opinions in this post are 100% mine. You can read my full disclosure policy here.
A couple of weeks ago we test drove the Mazda Miata MX5 for a week and while the thrill-seeker in me fell in love with it, we do have two kids so our everyday car has to be something a little more roomy and practical. (One day though, Miata!) So we traded in the convertible and tested out this great family car, the 2015 Hyundai Sonata Eco which is stylish and roomy, comfortably seating five. My own car is a Hyundai (a Santa Fe) that is 11 years old and still going strong! So I’m a big fan of this brand because it’s been so reliable for our family. We really enjoyed this Hyundai too, both for it’s style and practicality.
Economical Family Car
The Hyundai Sonata comes in a range of models starting at $21,150 and with mileage as high as 38 MPG, the Sonata is a very economical option. Gas has come down a bit recently but it’s still pricey so less fill-ups, less money spent at the pump. Who doesn’t want to save on gas? The great gas mileage is one of the major selling points of this vehicle.
(Yes, I know they’re not buckled. This was a ‘let-me-get-in-the-picture shot!) As soon as we took the kids out for our first spin in the Sonata we agreed about how ideal of a family car it would be based on its roominess, smooth ride and comfort. The kids had plenty of room in the back and we didn’t feel as tight up front as we have in other cars. Plenty of room for my overly full purse at my feet!
There’s plenty of passenger space and trunk space, making it the perfect car for a long trip or a family vacation. It’s also perfect when you’re hauling bags of soccer balls, water bottles, cleats, and all that good soccer mom stuff. 😉
The Sonata doesn’t drive like your basic ‘ole sedan though. When we looked at the specs and saw a 4 cylinder engine that gets high mileage we were a little skeptical about the performance, but we were completely (and pleasantly) surprised the by the acceleration of the 4 cylinder turbo and 7 speed transmission. It’s got great power! On curvy roads, the car handles the road very well with firmness and confidence. And on a long commute to work, the Sonata is super comfortable and smooth.
The controls for the radio and heating/cooling are laid out very clearly and handy to operate. There are so many great features here with the Blue Link feature that allows you to pair your phone to the car via Bluetooth and use voice text messaging, and some enhanced GPS features. Something I love when you’ve got a teen driver at home is Geo Fence. Set your driving boundaries and receive an alert if your car crosses those boundaries. Smart. 😉
With the economy of the Sonata Eco, it’s an ideal candidate for those with both a commute and a family and you won’t be forced to choose between stuffing your kids into a sub-compact or breaking the bank on gas.
Reliable
As I mentioned, we’re already Hyundai fans. We bought a new Santa Fe in 2004 and it has been an excellent family vehicle for the last 11 years and nearly 160,000 miles Other than regular maintenance, it has required very little and we’ve been very happy with it. We know that Hyundai builds a very reliable and practical family car. When the time comes to buy another car, we’ll be hitting the Hyundai lot to shop around.
Stylish
The Sonata is definitely one of the best looking affordable sedans on the road today. It’s a beautiful flowing design from all angles that looks like a mid-size sedan from the outside and feels like a large sedan from the inside.
The 2015 Hyundai Sonata Eco starts at $23,275. There are a bunch of different options and packages on the Sonata and you can get one for an even lower price! These cars are sleek and attractive, handle well and are smooth to drive. If you’re looking for a comfortable family sedan, be sure to test drive the Hyundai Sonata Eco!
chris says
I have to say.. as a former teen child that used my parents cars a lot.. THANK GOD! that boundaries technology didn’t exist.. your first car and driving is all about the freedom.. not a lecture and 101 questions from your parents! that aside, I have to say, I’m very impresed with the kit levels and spec of the car, looking at your interior pictures aswell, it looks like high quality plastics have been used for the panels and dash. That can really make or break a car in my opinion. It’s be interesting to see that engine in something lighter and sportier though = P