Trims and Powertrains

The 2026 Sonata allows buyers a streamlined choice of three trims: the SE, SEL Sport, and N Line. The base powertrain on the SE and SEL Sport marries a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine to an 8-speed automatic transmission, making 191 horsepower and 181 lb.-ft. of torque. A turbocharger and an 8-speed dual wet clutch transmission result in higher output for the N-Line: 290 horsepower and 311 lb.-ft. of torque. The SE and N Line come only with a front-wheel drivetrain (FWD), while the SEL Sport gets FWD by default but is available with Hyundai’s HTRAC all-wheel drive (AWD).

The SE is the most efficient of the three, returning 28 mpg city and 38 mpg highway. The SEL Sport follows, achieving 25 mpg around town and 36 mpg on the highway with FWD and 24 city/33 highway mpg with AWD. The higher-performing N Line is rated for 23 city/32 highway mpg. Both the SEL Sport and N Line come with paddle shifters and a column-mounted shift-by-wire gear selector. Every Sonata rides on MacPherson front struts with coil springs and an independent multi-link rear suspension, both of which are sport-tuned on the N Line. The lower two trims have column-mounted motor-driven power steering, which is rack-mounted in the N Line.

Standard Equipment

The SE is cloth-upholstered with manually adjustable front seats, a 4.2-inch digital gauge display, proximity key entry with push-button start, a Smart Trunk with hands-free release, front and rear USB-C charge ports (two each), LED projector headlights with automatic on/off control, LED daytime running lights, LED combination taillights, a center high-mounted stop light, solar glass, an acoustic-laminated windshield, power windows with driver-side auto-up/down, a rear spoiler, a black mesh grille, a twin-tip single exhaust, a 60/40 split fold-down rear seat with a center armrest and cupholders, and 16-inch alloy wheels. The SEL Sport adds an 8-way power driver’s seat with lumbar support, heated front seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, wireless smartphone charging, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated exterior mirrors, front windows with acoustic-laminated glass and auto-up/down, and 18-inch alloy wheels.

The N Line stands out with trim-specific attributes – sport seats with microfiber inserts, a leather-wrapped sport steering wheel, aluminum sport pedals, and dual exhaust – plus a unique grille, front and rear fascias, badging, and accents. Its other amenities include a 12.3-inch LCD instrument cluster, a panoramic sunroof, Hyundai Digital Key 2 Premium, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, fender-mounted LED turn indicators, LED interior lights, 64-color ambient lighting, rear air vents, and 19-inch alloy wheels.

Driver-Assistance and Safety Features

Every 2026 Sonata is outfitted with Hyundai’s SmartSense driver-assist suite, which provides Smart Cruise Control with stop-and-go, lane keeping assist, lane following assist, forward collision-avoidance assist with pedestrian/cyclist/junction turning detection, rear cross-traffic collision-avoidance assist, blind-spot collision warning, driver attention warning, high beam assist, safe exit warning, and rear occupant alert. The N Line complements these with Highway Driving Assist. A rearview monitor with parking guidance is also standard on all trims.

Infotainment and Connectivity

The SE and SEL Sport come with a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone integration, SiriusXM satellite radio, Bluetooth hands-free phone and audio streaming (with connection for up to two devices), and HD Radio. The N Line adds onboard navigation, dynamic voice recognition, and an upscale 12-speaker Bose audio system (the lower trims get a more basic sound unit with six speakers). Hyundai’s Bluelink+ Connected Car System is standard across the lineup; the N Line alone comes with Hyundai Pay.