Hyundai has always been known for its safe, practical, and economical vehicles. The 2018 Hyundai Sonata does not stray from this formula. With seven different trim models to choose from, there is a Sonata that is right for you. From the base model Sonata SE to the top trim Sonata Limited, Hyundai’s wide variety for their flagship sedan leaves nothing on the table. However, some have begun to sprout worrying reliability issues. Reviews place the 2018 Sonata under the familiar competitors, but not for what you think.

What kind of engine does the 2018 Hyundai Sonata have?

There are three different engine packages for the 2018 Hyundai Sonata lineup, as noted by MotorTrend. Starting with the most common, coming in four of the seven variants, is the 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine. Available in the SE, SEL, Sport, and Limited trims, this naturally aspirated package offers 185 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque.

Secondly, the Sport 2.0T and Limited 2.0T trims share a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine. The turbocharged models crank out 245 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. Impressive numbers considering these models still get 23 MPG City / 32 MPG Highway. Last but not least, the 2018 Sonata Eco trim houses a 1.6-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine. The lack of displacement over the other turbo trims gives the package a five-mile-per-gallon jump in city and highway driving. This does come at a cost, however, as the engine only produces 178 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque.

What’s the interior of the 2018 Hyundai Sonata like?

With the 2018 model year, Hyundai updated the Sonata all around to provide a refreshed look. This included a more upscale interior that is complete with the latest technology. Stepping into any trim level, you’ll find a mixture of materials and technology. Including metal edging, sleek center console buttons, and a 7.0-inch touchscreen capable of Android Auto or Apple CarPlay.

On the more premium trims, you will find leather, sport, and heated/cooled seating options. Upgrading from the standard six-speaker audio system, the Limited trim houses an eight-speaker Infinity audio system. Optional features include dual-zone climate control, a power sunroof, a wireless phone charger, and a slew of safety features. The safety features, as explained by AutoBlog, include lane departure warning, lane-keep assist, emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control.

Consider these 2018 Hyundai Sonata reviews and ratings

This comprehensive video was done by Kelley Blue Books Micah Muzio. He goes over some of the intricacies of the 2018 Sonata, along with some of the comparisons to others in its class.

What problems does the 2018 Hyundai Sonata have?

Even with the update for the 2018 model year, the Hyundai Sonata rears its head with some reliability issues. The 2018 Sonata scored an average of 4.4 out of 5, according to Kelley Blue Book’s consumer surveys. Mainly noted by owners were two issues, one being a variety of transmission problems. According to complaints gathered by KBB, the transmission could slip, clutches could be misaligned, shift linkages could bind up, and the most prominent complaint was rough or hard shifting. The second overlying issue is with the electrical system. Failing to improve on previous model years, the 2018 Sonata had a few different electrical issues. Troublesome alternators, coil packs, starters, regular batteries, hybrid battery and charging system, ignition switch, and spark plugs are all affected by the Sonata’s poor electrical system.

Is the Hyundai Sonata a good used car to buy?

Now you may be asking yourself, is the 2018 Sonatastill a smart used car to buy? While there are some underlying reliability issues, the value of the Sonata lineup makes up for it. Being able to provide a sleek, affordable, and technologically up-to-date sedan is something that you can always rely on Hyundai to do. While other options stack up to the 2018 Hyundai Sonata, you can’t go wrong with sacrificing minimal performance differences to save some of your hard-earned money.