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Hyundai Sonata

All generations, specs and history

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By , Automotive Technology & EV Contributor

Hyundai Sonata From 1985 to the DN8: Generations and Specs
Photo: Kevauto / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Built
1985–present
Generations
8
Top power
213 kW (290 PS)

All specs

Timeline

Sonata generations

Click a generation for its own page

I 1985–1988 Y2 1988–1993 Y3 1993–1998 EF 1998–2005 NF 2004–2010 YF 2009–2015 LF 2014–2019 DN8 2019–now

EF and NF overlapped in 2004–2005, so NF sits on a second lane

  1. Sonata I 1985–1988 · Sedan
  2. Sonata Y2 1988–1993 · Sedan · 87–106 kW (118–144 PS)
  3. Sonata Y3 1993–1998 · Sedan · 78–108 kW (106–147 PS)
  4. Sonata EF 1998–2005 · Sedan · 100–130 kW (136–177 PS)
  5. Sonata NF 2004–2010 · Sedan · 103–184 kW (140–250 PS)
  6. Sonata YF 2009–2015 · Sedan · 121–204 kW (165–277 PS)
  7. Sonata LF 2014–2019 · Sedan · 104–180 kW (141–245 PS)
  8. Sonata DN8 Current 2019–now · Sedan · 107–213 kW (145–290 PS)

Newest first · 8 generations since 1985

  1. 2019 DN8 In production 2019–now · Sedan · 107–213 kW (145–290 PS)
  2. 2014 LF 2014–2019 · Sedan · 104–180 kW (141–245 PS)
  3. 2009 YF 2009–2015 · Sedan · 121–204 kW (165–277 PS)
  4. 2004 NF 2004–2010 · Sedan · 103–184 kW (140–250 PS) EF and NF overlapped in 2004–2005
  5. 1998 EF 1998–2005 · Sedan · 100–130 kW (136–177 PS)
  6. 1993 Y3 1993–1998 · Sedan · 78–108 kW (106–147 PS)
  7. 1988 Y2 1988–1993 · Sedan · 87–106 kW (118–144 PS)
  8. 1985 I 1985–1988 · Sedan

All generations by year: Sonata DN8 (2019–now) · Sonata LF (2014–2019) · Sonata YF (2009–2015) · Sonata NF (2004–2010) · Sonata EF (1998–2005) · Sonata Y3 (1993–1998) · Sonata Y2 (1988–1993) · Sonata I (1985–1988)

Which one is mine?

Pick the year of first registration to see which generation it is.

  • DN8 2019–present
  • LF 2014–2019
  • YF 2009–2015
  • NF 2004–2010
  • EF 1998–2005
  • Y3 1993–1998
  • Y2 1988–1993
  • Sonata I 1985–1988
Check by VIN

Which one to buy

Our verdict · Felix Hartmann

  • In Europe: a facelifted NF 2.0 CRDi with 110 kW (150 PS), the most economical version, or the 2.0 petrol if you drive less.
  • For smoothness: the NF 3.3 V6 with 184 kW (250 PS), with automatic gearbox only.
  • Outside Europe: a DN8 hybrid, with 143 kW (195 PS) and a six-speed automatic, or the N Line for 213 kW.

The Hyundai Sonata is a mid-size saloon that Hyundai has built since 1985 across eight generations, from a Mitsubishi-based Korean car to the current DN8 with hybrid and 213 kW N Line versions. Europe bought it until 2010; after that Hyundai sold the i40 here, and the Sonata became a car for Korea, North America, China and other markets. In the US it peaked at 230,605 sales in 2012.

In short

  • Eight generations since 1985: first generation, Y2, Y3, EF, NF, YF, LF and DN8 (since 2019, facelifted in 2023).
  • In Germany ADAC lists the Sonata from 1991 to 2010, the last car being the NF with petrol, diesel and LPG engines.
  • The NF is the Sonata most European buyers know: 2.0 CRDi diesel with 103 or 110 kW (140 or 150 PS), 523-litre boot, from EUR 24,290 in 2008 (ADAC).
  • The DN8 ranges from 107 kW (146 PS) for the LPG version to 213 kW (290 PS) for the 2.5 turbo N Line.

Specs by version

VersionEnginePowerTorqueGearboxDriveProduction years
Hybrid · 1 version
DN8 · 2.0 Hybrid Hybrid 143 kW 194 PS192 hp 368 Nm271 lb-ft 6-sp Automatic Front-wheel drive 2019
Petrol · 2 versions
DN8 · 1.6 T-GDi Petrol 132 kW 179 PS177 hp 265 Nm195 lb-ft 8-sp Automatic Front-wheel drive 2019
DN8 · 2.5 T-GDi N Line Petrol 213 kW 290 PS286 hp 422 Nm311 lb-ft 8-sp Dual-clutch Front-wheel drive 2020

Verified Manufacturer and type-approval data from our catalog · Sources and methodology

Hyundai Sonata at a glance

Parameter Detail
Segment Mid-size (D-segment) saloon
Body Four-door saloon
Production 1985 to date
Built Ulsan and Asan, South Korea; Bromont, Canada (Y2); Montgomery, Alabama (2005-2022); Beijing, China; other local plants
Drive Front-wheel drive; optional all-wheel drive on the facelifted DN8 2.5
Other names Marcia (Korea), Sonica (Italy), i45 (Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Colombia)

Generations

Generation Code Years Body styles Engines Power (kW / hp)
Sonata I - 1985-1988 Saloon 1.6, 1.8, 2.0 petrol (Mitsubishi) -
Sonata II Y2 1988-1993 Saloon 2.0, 2.4 petrol; 3.0 V6 87-106 kW (116-142 hp)
Sonata III Y3 1993-1998 Saloon 2.0 petrol; 3.0 V6 78-108 kW (105-145 hp)
Sonata IV EF 1998-2005 Saloon 2.0, 2.4 petrol; 2.5, 2.7 V6 100-130 kW (136-174 hp)
Sonata V NF 2004-2010 Saloon 2.0, 2.4 petrol; 3.3 V6; 2.0 CRDi; LPG 103-184 kW (140-250 PS)
Sonata VI YF 2009-2015 Saloon 2.0, 2.4 petrol; 2.0 turbo; 2.4 hybrid 121-204 kW (165-274 hp)
Sonata VII LF 2014-2019 Saloon 1.6 and 2.0 turbo; 2.0, 2.4 petrol; 1.7 CRDi; hybrid, PHEV, LPG 104-180 kW (141-245 PS)
Sonata VIII DN8 2019 to date Saloon 1.5, 1.6, 2.0, 2.5 petrol and turbo; hybrid, PHEV, LPG 107-213 kW (146-290 PS)

Power figures for the first three generations are quoted in horsepower in the sources and converted here. ADAC uses its own numbering for the cars sold in Germany: its "4th generation" is the NF.

First generation (1985-1988)

Hyundai unveiled the Sonata on 4 November 1985 as a facelifted Hyundai Stellar with 1.8- and 2.0-litre Mitsubishi Sirius engines. It was sold mainly in South Korea and lasted about two years.

Y2 (1988-1993)

The second Sonata, with an exterior by Giorgetto Giugiaro's ItalDesign and a platform from the Mitsubishi Galant, was the first one exported widely. Sales started in Korea on 1 June 1988 and in Europe in June 1989; it was also built in Bromont, Quebec. A 3.0 V6 with 106 kW (142 hp) came in 1990, and a facelift followed in 1991.

Y3 (1993-1998)

The Y3 launched in 1993 with a 2.0 four-cylinder and a 3.0 Mitsubishi V6 in some markets. A 1996 facelift was sold in Korea as the Sonata III, and a more upmarket Hyundai Marcia ran alongside it from 1995 to 1998.

EF (1998-2005)

The EF moved to the Hyundai-Kia Y4 platform with a 2,700 mm wheelbase and shared its underpinnings with the Trajet and the first Santa Fe; the Kia Optima, or Magentis, was based on it too. Engines at launch were a 2.0 with 100 kW (136 PS) and a 2.5 V6 with 124 kW (168 PS). The EF-B facelift for 2002 brought a 2.4 and a 2.7 V6. In Germany ADAC lists the EF from 1999 and the facelift from 2001 to 2005.

NF (2004-2010)

Launched in Korea in August 2004, the NF was larger than the EF and introduced the Theta engine, Hyundai's first all-aluminium four-cylinder. It was the first Hyundai built at the Montgomery plant in Alabama. In Europe it was the Sonata's last chance: Germany got a 2.4 with 119 kW (162 PS), a 3.3 V6 with 173 kW (235 PS) and, from 2006, a 2.0 CRDi diesel with 103 kW (140 PS). The 2008 facelift added a 2.0 petrol with 121 kW (165 PS), raised the diesel to 110 kW (150 PS) and the V6 to 184 kW (250 PS), and in 2009 brought factory LPG versions.

YF (2009-2015)

The YF went on sale in Korea on 2 September 2009 with Hyundai's "Fluidic Sculpture" design. North America got a 2.4 direct-injection engine with 147 kW (200 PS) and a 2.0 turbo with 204 kW (274 hp), and in 2011 the first Sonata hybrid. In Australia, New Zealand, Singapore and Colombia the YF was sold as the i45; in Australia the i40 replaced it from January 2013.

LF (2014-2019)

Unveiled in Korea on 24 March 2014, the LF offered a 1.6 turbo with 132 kW (180 PS), a 2.0 turbo with 180 kW (245 PS), a 1.7 CRDi diesel with 104 kW (141 PS) and, from 2015, a plug-in hybrid. A facelift followed in March 2017.

DN8 (2019 to date)

The current Sonata was launched in Korea on 21 March 2019 on Hyundai's third-generation platform. It is 45 mm longer than the LF and has a 35 mm longer wheelbase. The N Line arrived in September 2020 with a 2.5 turbo and an eight-speed dual-clutch gearbox. Hyundai presented a facelift in Seoul on 26 March 2023, with optional all-wheel drive for the 2.5; the facelifted car is 4,910 mm long.

Hyundai Sonata Y2 saloon of 1989
1989 Hyundai Sonata 2.4 GLS, the Y2 generation. Photo: free photos & art / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0
Facelifted Hyundai Sonata EF saloon
Hyundai Sonata EF-B V6 of 2004. Photo: OSX / Wikimedia Commons, Public domain

Engines of the current DN8

Engine Power Torque Gearbox
1.5 T-GDi 125 kW (170 PS) 253 Nm 7-speed DCT
1.6 T-GDi 132 kW (180 PS) 265 Nm 8-speed automatic
2.0 MPi 112-118 kW (152-160 PS) 192-196 Nm 6-speed automatic
2.5 GDi 143 kW (194 PS) 245 Nm 8-speed automatic
2.0 hybrid (system) 143 kW (195 PS) 368 Nm 6-speed automatic
2.0 LPI 107 kW (146 PS) 191 Nm 6-speed automatic
2.5 T-GDi (N Line) 213 kW (290 PS) 422 Nm 8-speed DCT

The plug-in hybrid uses a 9.8 kWh battery. Wikipedia's text gives the N Line as 216 kW (294 PS), its table 213 kW (290 PS); we use the table. Convert any of these outputs with the power converter.

Hyundai Sonata DN8 N Line, front view
Hyundai Sonata N Line with the 213 kW 2.5 turbo. Photo: © M 93 / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0 de
2025 Hyundai Sonata Review | Consumer Reports — Consumer Reports (YouTube)

Dimensions and boot (NF, European car)

Parameter Metric Imperial
Length 4,800 mm 189.0 in
Width 1,832 mm 72.1 in
Height 1,475 mm 58.1 in
Wheelbase 2,730 mm 107.5 in
Kerb weight (2.0 CRDi) 1,666 kg 3,673 lb
Boot 523 l 18.5 cu ft
Fuel tank 70 l 15.4 imp gal

These ADAC figures are for the facelifted NF sold in Germany from 2008.

Hyundai Sonata NF diesel saloon
Facelifted Hyundai Sonata NF 2.0 CRDi. Photo: OSX / Wikimedia Commons, Public domain

Fuel economy and running costs

ADAC lists the facelifted NF 2.0 CRDi with 110 kW (150 PS) at 6.0 l/100 km and 159 g/km of CO2 on the NEDC cycle, with 0-100 km/h in 10.7 seconds and a top speed of 203 km/h. From October 2009 Germany also had factory LPG versions of the 2.0 with 115 kW (156 PS) on gas; the fuel cost calculator shows how the fuel price changes the bill.

Trims and prices in Germany

The facelifted NF came in Classic, Comfort and Premium trims. ADAC list prices (2008-2010) ran from EUR 24,290 for the 2.0 Classic and EUR 25,790 for the 2.0 CRDi Classic to EUR 32,290 for the 3.3 V6 Premium automatic and EUR 35,790 for the 3.3 V6 LPG Premium. Before the facelift the 2.4 GLS cost EUR 24,990 (2005).

Safety

Euro NCAP tested the Sonata 2.4 GLS with right-hand drive in 2006 and awarded 27 points for adult occupant protection, 37 for child occupants and 12 for pedestrians. Euro NCAP has not published a result for any later Sonata. The YF earned an IIHS Top Safety Pick and five stars from ANCAP, and the DN8 has several "Good" IIHS ratings. See more results on our safety ratings page.

Reliability and known issues

The sources used for this guide do not document model-specific faults for the European cars, so we list none. For a European buyer the practical issue is age: the newest Sonatas sold in Germany date from 2010, so service history and the condition of the individual car matter more than the model's reputation.

Rivals

Model Engines Power (hp) Boot (l) Price from (EUR)
Hyundai Sonata NF (2008-2010) 2.0 petrol, 2.0 diesel, 3.3 V6, LPG 150-250 523 24,290 (DE, 2008)
Volkswagen Passat B6 1.4-3.2 petrol; 1.6-2.0 TDI 102-250 - 23,525 (DE, 2005)
Toyota Avensis (T25 facelift) 1.8-2.4 petrol; 2.0 and 2.2 diesel 126-177 - 23,550 (DE, 2006)

On price the NF sat level with the European class: a 2.0 Classic cost EUR 24,290 in 2008, against EUR 23,525 for a 1.6 Passat and EUR 23,550 for a 1.8 Avensis (ADAC). Its distinguishing feature was the 3.3 V6 with 184 kW (250 PS) from EUR 29,790. Avensis figures are for the 2006-2009 facelift, Passat figures for the B6 saloon. Use our comparison tool to set it against other mid-size cars.

Hyundai Sonata LF saloon
Hyundai Sonata LF of 2014. Photo: OSX / Wikimedia Commons, Public domain

Hyundai Sonata evolution in numbers

Did you know?

  • The Hyundai Sonata has been around for 41 years: 8 generations in our catalog since 1985.
  • The biggest jump in power came with the Sonata NF: up to 184 kW (250 PS), 54 kW more than the Sonata EF.

Most powerful version, kW

  1. Sonata Y2 · 1988106 kW (144 PS)
  2. Sonata Y3 · 1993108 kW (147 PS)
  3. Sonata EF · 1998130 kW (177 PS)
  4. Sonata NF · 2004184 kW (250 PS)
  5. Sonata YF · 2009204 kW (277 PS)
  6. Sonata LF · 2014180 kW (245 PS)
  7. Sonata DN8 · 2019213 kW (290 PS)

Figures from the 1cars catalog: power is the strongest version of each generation; generations without the figure are left out.

Hyundai Sonata in our rankings

In production longer than 96% of ranked nameplates in the 1CARS catalog (No. 34 of 1082).

FAQ

How many generations of the Hyundai Sonata are there?

Eight: the first generation (1985), Y2 (1988), Y3 (1993), EF (1998), NF (2004), YF (2009), LF (2014) and DN8 (2019).

Is the Hyundai Sonata sold in Europe?

Not any more. ADAC lists German versions up to 2010; the i40 then took over the mid-size slot in Hyundai's European range.

What is the most powerful Sonata?

The DN8 N Line with a 2.5 turbo and 213 kW (290 PS). Among older cars, the YF 2.0 turbo had 204 kW (274 hp).

How big is the Sonata's boot?

The European NF has 523 litres (ADAC).

Is there a Sonata hybrid?

Yes. Hyundai sold the first Sonata hybrid in the US with the YF in 2011, and the DN8 offers a 2.0 hybrid and a plug-in hybrid.

Data sources

Data checked by an editor against the sources below.

How we collect and check data

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