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Independent review & score by Carivo
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
|---|---|
| Body Style | Sedan |
| Base Price | $27,111–$33,040 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
With an overall Carivo score of 7.5/10, the 2018 Hyundai Sonata S earns a Recommended rating among the sedans we've scored. Its strongest dimension is Safety at 8.1/10, while Performance at 6.8/10 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. Reliability comes in at 7.8/10 in our assessment — above the middle of the pack for this class, though not flawless. On safety it earns 8.1/10: respectable, if not class-leading — several competitors bundle more driver-assist tech as standard. Check your trim's official ratings at nhtsa.gov.
Performance at 6.8/10 is a genuine liability and a score that should factor heavily into any buying decision. The powertrain and chassis dynamics trail class rivals by a meaningful margin — don't overlook it. Technology comes in at 7.2/10 — functional and modern, with wireless connectivity and core ADAS features, though some competitors pack more standard tech at this price point.
Priced from $27,111–$33,040, 26 MPG, seating 5, the Hyundai Sonata S sits in the mid-market bracket of the sedan segment. Value lands at 7.5/10 — you get what you pay for, no more and no less, with a few rivals offering slightly better per-dollar returns. At 8 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.
Bottom line: Think of the 2018 Hyundai Sonata S as the dependable pick rather than the exciting one. Its softer scores in performance are the only real asterisks. Shoppers who value predictability over headlines will be well served.
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 2018 Hyundai Sonata S ranks #585 of 1310 sedans in the Carivo database — better than 55% of the segment. Its 7.5/10 overall score is exactly at the segment average of 7.5/10. Its $27,111 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 →
Smart-money pick: the 2015 Hyundai Sonata S scores 7.3/10 — within striking distance of the 2018's 7.5 — and starts roughly $3,000 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) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 8.0/10 | $34,053 | Read review → |
| 2024 | 7.8/10 | $33,062 | Read review → |
| 2023 | 7.8/10 | $32,070 | Read review → |
| 2022 | 7.7/10 | $31,078 | Read review → |
| 2021 | 7.8/10 | $30,086 | Read review → |
| 2020 | 7.7/10 | $29,094 | Read review → |
| 2019 | 7.6/10 | $28,102 | Read review → |
| 2018 (this review) | 7.5/10 | $27,111 | |
| 2017 | 7.5/10 | $26,118 | Read review → |
| 2016 | 7.6/10 | $25,127 | Read review → |
| 2015 | 7.3/10 | $24,135 | Read review → |
Explore the full lineup of Hyundai models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.