2009 Hyundai Sonata Limited V-6 First Drive and Review

With the 2009 Sonata V-6 Limited, Hyundai has delivered an inarguably competent midsize sedan -- now all Hyundai must do is make the car so overwhelmingly good that loyal Camry and Accord owners will have no choice but to take a look. Yes, it's a lot to ask, but we're starting to expect the unexpected from Hyundai, the automaker that brought you the Lexus-fighting Genesis sedan, Mustang-challenging Genesis coupe, and upcoming Equus flagship sedan.

The Sonata has little "wow" factor but is nevertheless a solid midsizer that's more cushy Camry than sporty Mazda6. When the Sonata was recently refreshed, Hyundai addressed one of the car's prime weak spots: the interior. Our navigation system-equipped tester featured a vastly improved high-quality interior with soft-touch materials in most of the important places. The wood trim that accompanied the gray leather was far too dark (avoid the gray leather and go for the lighter wood trim in these photos), but one's overall impression driving a loaded Sonata is positive and not one of disbelief that the car lists for around $28,000.

No one will ever again pay MSRP for the current-generation Sonata, judging by the $3000 incentives waiting for every potential owner. A $28,000 Sonata comes with XM satellite radio (as does every Sonata), a touch-screen navigation system, leather, a power sunroof, dual exhaust, and a tasteful amount of chrome visible from every angle.

You simply can't get that much standard equipment plus Hyundai's valuable 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty on a Camry or Accord for the same price. Even so, an Accord sedan probably has steering feel, something that’s not consistently available on the Hyundai. At low speeds especially, the Sonata V-6 Limited has too-light steering, making a challenge out of quick left turns during gaps of traffic. Our greatest hope for the next-generation Sonata -- coming a couple years from now -- is for greater steering feel.