2017 Hyundai Sonata

Cars.com (opens in a new tab) lists the most significant changes as significantly lower base prices on the Sport 2.0T and Eco models, and, for the hybrid and plug-in hybrid, a new standard audio system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. It also says the Sonata, redesigned for 2015, comes up bland next to the Accord, Malibu, Mazda6, Altima and Passat. MotorTrend (opens in a new tab) gives the two key feature updates as streamlined option packages and a new Dynamic Bending Light option on Limited trims.

Carvana (opens in a new tab) calls 2017 mostly a carryover and points out the big change, a mid-cycle refresh with redesigned bodywork, updated cabin and revised steering and suspension tuning, comes for the 2018 model year. KBB lists fuel economy from 21/30 to 25/36 mpg city and highway.

NHTSA lists four recall campaigns across the Sonata, Sonata Hybrid and plug-in for 2017. 16V956000 covers a driver's frontal air-bag inflator whose end seal may not have been installed properly, possibly reducing inflation in a crash, and dealers replace the air-bag module. 21V727000 covers connecting-rod bearings that may wear prematurely on the 2017 Sonata Hybrid (and Tucson), where dealers inspect the engine and replace it if bearing damage is found. The other two are 21V749000, a Smart Junction Box software logic problem that can make the turn signal activate unexpectedly, and 21V619000, a trunk latch that may become damaged and prevent opening the trunk from the inside.

Owners have filed 876 complaints with NHTSA on this model year: engine leads with 446, followed by steering with 182, unknown or other with 120, electrical system with 94, power train with 69 and fuel and propulsion system with 46. Autojunket (opens in a new tab) lists the 2.4-liter GDI engine, the six-speed automatic and electrical and infotainment faults as the top failure points, and says the 2.4-liter needs diligent maintenance to prevent oil consumption and bearing issues, placing the car in a proceed-with-caution category.

Kelley Blue Book (opens in a new tab) lists the cheapest 2017 Sonata, the Sport 2.0T, at a Fair Purchase Price of $8,275, with trade-in values of about $3,425 to $6,700 and private-party values of about $7,350 to $11,350 depending on trim. Given the engine complaints, ask for service records and a dealer check of the engine recalls.

EPA rates the 2017 Sonata at 24 to 42 mpg combined and $1,500 to $2,600 a year in fuel, the top figure being the hybrid. The 2017 Toyota Camry rates 24 to 40 at $1,550 to $2,600, the Honda Accord 21 to 48 at $1,300 to $2,950 and the Nissan Altima 26 to 31 at $2,000 to $2,400. On EPA figures the Sonata Hybrid is more efficient than the Camry Hybrid, while the Accord Hybrid at 48 is the most efficient of the group.