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Independent review & score by Carivo
| Engine | 2.5L 4-Cylinder |
|---|---|
| Transmission | Automatic (AM-S8) |
| Drivetrain | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel Type | Regular |
| City / Hwy MPG | 23 / 33 MPG |
| Combined MPG | 27 MPG |
| Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $2,500 |
| CO₂ Emissions | 335 g/mi |
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
| Body Style | Sedan |
| Base Price | $26,162–$30,634 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
Our scoring places the 2021 Hyundai Sonata at 7.8/10 overall, which translates to a Recommended rating for this sedan. Its strongest dimension is Safety at 8.3/10, while Performance at 7.0/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a solid all-rounder that delivers across most dimensions without obvious deal-breakers.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. We score reliability at 8.0/10 — better than most direct rivals, if short of the segment's best. The safety score of 8.3/10 is solid mid-pack territory. If advanced driver aids matter to you, compare standard equipment carefully and verify ratings at nhtsa.gov.
Performance scores 7.0/10 — competent for everyday use. Acceleration and handling are adequate for commuting and highway driving, though enthusiasts will want to look at higher-rated alternatives. Tech rates a reasonable 7.4/10: the essentials are covered and well executed, but rivals at the same price often include more as standard.
Priced from $26,162–$30,634, 29 MPG, seating 5, the Hyundai Sonata sits in the mid-market bracket of the sedan segment. Value is where it presses its advantage — 8.2/10, meaning the feature set and quality outrun the asking price. At 5 years old, it's worth checking whether a newer generation or refresh has addressed any weaker dimensions — compare it to the current model year before buying.
Our take: The 2021 Hyundai Sonata is a solid, well-rounded sedan that covers the essentials without obvious deal-breakers. For most buyers in this segment, it's a safe, dependable choice.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
The 2021 Hyundai Sonata ranks #347 of 1310 sedans in the Carivo database — better than 74% of the segment. Its 7.8/10 overall score is 0.3 points above the segment average of 7.5/10. Its $26,162 starting price sits close to the segment's median of $27,664.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full Sedan ranking → · Best Sedans under $35k →
Smart-money pick: the 2018 Hyundai Sonata scores 7.5/10 — within striking distance of the 2021's 7.8 — and starts roughly $2,500 lower. If you don't need the newest model year, that's money better spent on a higher trim or kept in your pocket.
| Year | Score | Starting price (MSRP when new) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 8.0/10 | $29,612 | Read review → |
| 2025 | 8.0/10 | $29,612 | Read review → |
| 2024 | 7.8/10 | $28,750 | Read review → |
| 2023 | 7.8/10 | $27,887 | Read review → |
| 2022 | 7.7/10 | $27,025 | Read review → |
| 2021 (this review) | 7.8/10 | $26,162 | |
| 2020 | 7.8/10 | $25,300 | Read review → |
| 2019 | 7.6/10 | $24,437 | Read review → |
| 2018 | 7.5/10 | $23,575 | Read review → |
| 2017 | 7.5/10 | $22,712 | Read review → |
| 2016 | 7.6/10 | $21,850 | Read review → |
| 2015 | 7.3/10 | $20,987 | Read review → |
The following recall campaigns have been filed with NHTSA for this model and year. Recall repairs are performed free of charge by franchised dealers; check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
| Fuel system, gasoline / Delivery / Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings 09/07/2021 · 21V524000 | Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Santa Fe and Sonata vehicles equipped with 2.5L turbocharged engines. Fuel may leak at the pipe connection between the high-pressure fuel pump and fuel rail. |
|---|---|
| Visibility / Windshield 28/12/2021 · 21V00M000 | Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Santa Fe, 2021 Sonata, and Elantra vehicles. During manufacturing, the windshield may not have been properly bonded to the vehicle, allowing it to detach in a crash. |
| Power train / Automatic transmission 06/10/2022 · 22V746000 | Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Santa Fe, Sonata, Veloster N, 2022 Santa Cruz, Elantra N, and Kona N vehicles. The vehicle's "fail-safe" limited-mobility drive mode may be impaired, when prompted by a transmission oil pump… |
| Fuel system, gasoline 18/11/2025 · 25V796000 | Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Sonata vehicles. A damaged check valve can allow air to enter the fuel tank, causing it to expand and contact hot exhaust components, melting the tank. |
Source: NHTSA recall database, fetched at page build time.
We rate the 2021 Hyundai Sonata's reliability 8.0/10 — one of the stronger records in its class. It has 4 NHTSA recall campaigns on record for this model year (details in the recalls section above — repairs are free at dealers).
4 NHTSA recall campaigns matched this model and year as of our latest check. Verify your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
It scores 7.8/10 overall, ranking #347 of 1310 sedans in our database (better than 74% of the segment). A solid choice for most buyers — compare it against the segment leaders before deciding.
The 2021 Hyundai Sonata starts at $26,162 and ranges up to $30,634 across trims (MSRP when new). At 29 MPG, expect roughly $1,810/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.
Explore the full lineup of Hyundai models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.