2021 Hyundai Sonata SL — Carivo review carivo.co
Sedan

2021 Hyundai Sonata SL

Independent review & score by Carivo

Price Range $34,010–$39,824
Fuel Economy 29 MPG
Seating 5 passengers
Category Sedan
Est. Annual Fuel $1,810/yr

Key Specifications — 2021 Hyundai Sonata SL

Seating Capacity5 passengers
Body StyleSedan
Base Price$34,010–$39,824

Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.

About the 2021 Hyundai Sonata SL

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata SL is a sedan that earns a Carivo score of 7.8/10 — rated Recommended. 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. The reliability picture is solid rather than spectacular: 8.0/10, which puts it comfortably above the class median. Safety lands at 8.3/10 — solid, though some rivals offer more advanced driver-assist features as standard. Confirm official results for your trim at nhtsa.gov/ratings.

With 7.0/10 for performance, this is a car tuned for daily driving rather than excitement — perfectly capable on the commute, unremarkable on a back road. At 7.7/10 for technology, the infotainment and driver-assist package does its job without setting benchmarks — check which features cost extra on lower trims.

Priced from $34,010–$39,824, 29 MPG, seating 5, the Hyundai Sonata SL sits in the mid-market bracket of the sedan segment. At 7.8/10 for value, it delivers fair pricing for what's on offer, though the best alternatives in this price range score slightly higher. 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.

Verdict: Nothing about the 2021 Hyundai Sonata SL will scare a sensible buyer off. It scores consistently across the board, and it does what a good sedan should — quietly and competently.

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 →

How It Ranks Among Sedans

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata SL 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 $34,010 starting price is about 23% above the segment's median of $27,664.

Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full Sedan ranking →

Which Sonata SL Year Should You Buy?

Smart-money pick: the 2018 Hyundai Sonata SL scores 7.5/10 — within striking distance of the 2021's 7.8 — and starts roughly $3,500 lower. If you don't need the newest model year, that's money better spent on a higher trim or kept in your pocket.

YearScoreStarting price (MSRP when new)
2025 8.0/10$38,495 Read review →
2024 7.8/10$37,375 Read review →
2023 7.8/10$36,253 Read review →
2022 7.7/10$35,132 Read review →
2021 (this review) 7.8/10$34,010
2020 7.7/10$32,890 Read review →
2019 7.6/10$31,768 Read review →
2018 7.5/10$30,647 Read review →
2017 7.5/10$29,525 Read review →
2016 7.5/10$28,405 Read review →
2015 7.3/10$27,283 Read review →

Pros & Cons — 2021 Hyundai Sonata SL

✓ What it does well

  • Above-average reliability record with solid owner satisfaction data
  • Strong safety ratings from NHTSA and independent testers
  • Good overall value; holds its own against pricier alternatives in the segment
  • Modern, intuitive tech suite with wireless connectivity and up-to-date ADAS

✗ Where it falls short

  • Driving dynamics are adequate but uninspiring; not the choice for enthusiast drivers
  • Brand resale values vary — check current market data before committing

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