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Independent review & score by Carivo
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
|---|---|
| Body Style | Sedan |
| Base Price | $30,086–$35,229 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
With an overall Carivo score of 7.8/10, the 2021 Hyundai Sonata S earns a Recommended rating among the sedans we've scored. 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. Reliability comes in at 8.0/10 in our assessment — above the middle of the pack for this class, though not flawless. On safety it earns 8.3/10: respectable, if not class-leading — several competitors bundle more driver-assist tech as standard. Check your trim's official ratings at nhtsa.gov.
Performance lands mid-pack at 7.0/10: enough power and composure for everyday needs, without the dynamics that distinguish the segment's driver-focused options. Technology comes in at 7.6/10 — functional and modern, with wireless connectivity and core ADAS features, though some competitors pack more standard tech at this price point.
Priced from $30,086–$35,229, 29 MPG, seating 5, the Hyundai Sonata S sits in the mid-market bracket of the sedan segment. The 8.0/10 value score is the headline: relative to what it costs, this sedan delivers more than most of the class. 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.
Bottom line: Think of the 2021 Hyundai Sonata S as the dependable pick rather than the exciting one. 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 2021 Hyundai Sonata S 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 $30,086 starting price is about 9% above 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 2018 Hyundai Sonata S scores 7.5/10 — within striking distance of the 2021's 7.8 — 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 (this review) | 7.8/10 | $30,086 | |
| 2020 | 7.7/10 | $29,094 | Read review → |
| 2019 | 7.6/10 | $28,102 | Read review → |
| 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.