FYI: The 2025 Hyundai Sonata enters the US market with minor updates and a return of affordable and convenient trims. Here’s what you need to know.
New and Refined: The 2025 Hyundai Sonata
The ever-evolving US car market gets another strong contender with the introduction of the 2025 Hyundai Sonata. Following an extensive refresh in 2024 that introduced a bold design and the sporty N Line trim, Hyundai’s popular sedan enters 2025 with a suite of minor updates aimed at enhancing its appeal.
Trim Lineup Adjustments
The Sonata’s trim lineup sees the reintroduction of the SE trim, a budget-friendly option making a comeback after a year’s absence. Meanwhile, the SEL trim is diversified with the newly separated $3,050 Convenience Package becoming its standalone trim, signaling a reappearance of affordable luxury after the SEL Plus was phased out in 2023. Not to be left out, the Sonata N Line now features air vents for second-row passengers, boosting comfort for all.
Features Abound in the SE Trim
Hyundai’s no-frills SE trim is equipped to meet essential needs without excessive frills. Key features include:
- Automatic LED headlights and taillights
- Sound-dampening windshield
- Manual dual-zone climate control
- 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment display
- Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
- Keyless start and hands-free trunk operation
- Four USB-C ports distributed between the front and rear passengers
- 16-inch alloy wheels
Driver Assistance and Safety
Safety remains a priority with the SE trim’s comprehensive suite of driver assistance features:
- Adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go functionality
- High-beam assist
- Forward collision warning with pedestrian and cyclist detection
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Lane-keeping and lane-following assist
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Nine airbags
As a cost-conscious reminder, the SE trim features a urethane steering wheel, consistent with its budget-friendly pricing.
Price Points Across Trims
The 2025 Sonata lineup sees slight price adjustments across the board. The SE trim starts at $27,800, inclusive of a $1,150 delivery charge, which is $850 less than the cheapest SEL trim from 2024. The following list details the pricing structure for the 2025 Sonata:
- SE: $27,800 (new trim)
- SEL: $28,900 ($250 increase)
- SEL AWD: $30,400 ($250 increase)
- SEL Convenience: $30,800 ($250 increase)
- N Line: $36,400 ($300 increase)
- HEV SEL: $32,150 ($200 increase)
- HEV Limited: $38,600 ($250 increase)
Engine Choices
All non-hybrid trims are powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. The naturally aspirated version found in the SE and SEL trims delivers 191 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The N Line boasts a more powerful turbocharged version of this engine, providing 290 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, and utilizes an eight-speed dual-clutch gearbox.
Hybrid Model Performance
The hybrid variant of the Sonata features a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine coupled with an electric motor and a 1.62 kWh battery, achieving a combined output of 192 horsepower. This model uses a six-speed automatic transmission for shifting duties.
Conclusion
The 2025 Hyundai Sonata, with its refined updates and the return of popular trims, continues to offer a compelling mix of features, performance, and safety. Whether opting for the budget-friendly SE or the performance-oriented N Line, there’s a Sonata for every type of driver.
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Lawrence Jacobs, Editor of Automotive.fyi
