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Independent review & score by Carivo
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
|---|---|
| Body Style | Sedan |
| Base Price | $28,102–$36,882 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
Our scoring places the 2019 Hyundai Sonata S at 7.6/10 overall, which translates to a Recommended rating for this sedan. Its strongest dimension is Safety at 8.2/10, while Performance at 6.9/10 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 7.8/10 — better than most direct rivals, if short of the segment's best. The safety score of 8.2/10 is solid mid-pack territory. If advanced driver aids matter to you, compare standard equipment carefully and verify ratings at nhtsa.gov.
Performance at 6.9/10 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. Tech rates a reasonable 7.6/10: the essentials are covered and well executed, but rivals at the same price often include more as standard.
Priced from $28,102–$36,882, 27 MPG, seating 5, the Hyundai Sonata S sits in the mid-market bracket of the sedan segment. The 7.6/10 value score says the pricing is fair rather than generous; cross-shop the segment before signing anything. At 7 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.
Our take: The 2019 Hyundai Sonata S is a solid, well-rounded sedan that covers the essentials without obvious deal-breakers. The main caveat is performance — worth checking if those dimensions are priorities for you. 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 2019 Hyundai Sonata S ranks #494 of 1310 sedans in the Carivo database — better than 62% of the segment. Its 7.6/10 overall score is 0.1 points above the segment average of 7.5/10. Its $28,102 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 2016 Hyundai Sonata S scores 7.6/10 — within striking distance of the 2019's 7.6 — 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 (this review) | 7.6/10 | $28,102 | |
| 2018 | 7.5/10 | $27,111 | Read review → |
| 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.