2017 Hyundai Sonata Sport: Review, Specs, And More

by Alex Braham 51 views

Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into the 2017 Hyundai Sonata Sport. If you're in the market for a reliable, stylish, and fun-to-drive mid-size sedan, you've definitely landed on the right page. We'll cover everything from its performance and features to its reliability and overall value. Let's get started!

Overview of the 2017 Hyundai Sonata Sport

The 2017 Hyundai Sonata Sport is a trim level within the Sonata lineup that aims to inject a bit more excitement into the otherwise practical sedan. It builds upon the base model with enhanced styling, sport-tuned features, and a generally more engaging driving experience. The Sonata, as a whole, has always been known for its value proposition, offering a lot of features for the money, and the Sport trim is no exception. It stands out with its unique design elements, which include a sporty front grille, side rocker panels, and rear spoiler, giving it a more aggressive and athletic stance compared to the other trims. Stepping inside, you'll find a cabin that balances comfort and technology, with user-friendly infotainment and ample space for both passengers and cargo. The Sport trim also adds sporty accents to the interior, such as sport seats with enhanced bolstering and contrast stitching, elevating the overall aesthetic. Beyond the aesthetics, the 2017 Sonata Sport offers a compelling blend of practicality and driving dynamics. It’s designed for those who appreciate the dependability of a sedan but also crave a bit more zest in their daily commute. Whether you're navigating city streets or cruising on the highway, the Sonata Sport delivers a balanced and enjoyable ride. In the crowded mid-size sedan market, the 2017 Hyundai Sonata Sport distinguishes itself with its combination of sporty styling, a well-equipped interior, and a focus on providing a fun driving experience without sacrificing comfort or practicality. It's a solid choice for anyone looking for a car that can handle daily duties while still turning heads.

Performance and Engine Specs

Let's talk about what's under the hood of the 2017 Hyundai Sonata Sport. This model typically comes with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. This engine is designed to provide a great balance between power and fuel efficiency. You can expect around 245 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, which gives the car a decent amount of pep. The turbocharged engine ensures that you have enough power for merging onto highways or passing other cars, making your driving experience more confident and enjoyable. The engine is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, which provides smooth and responsive shifts. While it might not be the most advanced transmission on the market, it's reliable and gets the job done efficiently. Some drivers might miss having paddle shifters for a more engaging experience, but overall, the transmission complements the engine's characteristics well. The Sonata Sport also features a sport-tuned suspension. This enhances the car's handling capabilities, providing a more controlled and responsive feel when cornering. The suspension is firm enough to reduce body roll without sacrificing too much comfort, making it suitable for both daily driving and spirited weekend jaunts. The steering is precise and well-weighted, contributing to the overall sense of control. Fuel economy is another strong point for the 2017 Sonata Sport. With the turbocharged engine, you can expect to get around 23 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway. These numbers are quite competitive for a mid-size sedan with this level of performance. The Sonata Sport offers a driving experience that is both engaging and practical. The combination of a powerful turbocharged engine, sport-tuned suspension, and responsive steering makes it a fun car to drive, while its comfortable ride and decent fuel economy make it a great choice for daily commuting and longer trips. Whether you're looking for a car that can handle your daily duties or provide a bit of excitement on the weekends, the 2017 Hyundai Sonata Sport has you covered.

Interior and Features

Moving inside the 2017 Hyundai Sonata Sport, you'll find a cabin designed with both comfort and technology in mind. The interior boasts a user-friendly layout with intuitive controls and a straightforward design, making it easy to navigate all the car's features. The seats in the Sport trim are specially designed with enhanced bolstering, providing better support during spirited driving. They're also comfortable enough for long trips, ensuring that both the driver and passengers remain relaxed even on extended journeys. The materials used throughout the cabin are of decent quality, with soft-touch surfaces in key areas. While it might not be the most luxurious interior in its class, it certainly feels well-built and durable, offering a pleasant environment for both the driver and passengers. In terms of technology, the 2017 Sonata Sport comes equipped with a range of features designed to enhance your driving experience. The infotainment system includes a touchscreen display, which is easy to use and responsive. It offers smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing you to seamlessly connect your devices and access your favorite apps. The system also includes Bluetooth connectivity, allowing you to make hands-free calls and stream music wirelessly. Other notable features include a rearview camera, which provides added convenience and safety when backing up. The Sport trim also includes sporty accents, such as aluminum pedals and a leather-wrapped steering wheel, enhancing the overall aesthetic of the cabin. Ample storage compartments throughout the cabin, including door pockets, a center console, and a glovebox, provide plenty of space to store your belongings, keeping the interior clutter-free. The 2017 Hyundai Sonata Sport offers a well-rounded interior with a focus on comfort, technology, and convenience. The combination of supportive seats, user-friendly technology, and ample storage space makes it a great choice for both daily driving and longer trips. Whether you're looking for a car that can handle your daily commute or provide a comfortable and enjoyable experience on the open road, the Sonata Sport has you covered.

Reliability and Safety

When considering any car, reliability and safety are key factors, and the 2017 Hyundai Sonata Sport doesn't disappoint. Hyundai has made significant strides in improving the reliability of its vehicles, and the 2017 Sonata is generally considered to be a dependable car. According to various sources, the Sonata has a good track record for reliability, with few major issues reported by owners. This can give you peace of mind knowing that you're investing in a car that is likely to serve you well for years to come. Of course, like any car, regular maintenance is essential to keep the Sonata running smoothly. Following the recommended maintenance schedule, including oil changes, tire rotations, and other routine services, can help prevent potential problems and ensure that your car stays in top condition. In terms of safety, the 2017 Hyundai Sonata Sport is well-equipped with a range of features designed to protect you and your passengers in the event of a collision. Standard safety features include anti-lock brakes, stability control, traction control, and a full suite of airbags, including front, side, and curtain airbags. These features work together to help prevent accidents and minimize the risk of injury in the event of a crash. The Sonata also offers a number of optional advanced safety features, such as blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane departure warning. These features can help you stay aware of your surroundings and avoid potential hazards, making your driving experience safer and more confident. The 2017 Hyundai Sonata Sport has earned good safety ratings from both the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). These ratings reflect the car's ability to protect occupants in a variety of crash scenarios. The combination of a reliable design, comprehensive safety features, and good safety ratings makes the 2017 Hyundai Sonata Sport a safe and dependable choice for drivers and families alike. Whether you're looking for a car that can handle your daily commute or provide peace of mind on long trips, the Sonata Sport has you covered.

Pros and Cons

Alright, let's break down the pros and cons of the 2017 Hyundai Sonata Sport so you can get a clear picture of what it offers.

Pros:

  • Sporty Styling: The Sonata Sport stands out with its unique design elements, including a sporty front grille, side rocker panels, and rear spoiler, giving it a more aggressive and athletic stance.
  • Turbocharged Engine: The 2.0-liter turbocharged engine provides a good balance of power and fuel efficiency, making it fun to drive without sacrificing practicality.
  • User-Friendly Technology: The infotainment system is easy to use and includes smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
  • Comfortable Interior: The seats are comfortable and supportive, making the car suitable for both daily driving and long trips.
  • Good Safety Ratings: The Sonata has earned good safety ratings from both NHTSA and IIHS, providing peace of mind for drivers and passengers.

Cons:

  • Six-Speed Transmission: While reliable, the six-speed automatic transmission might feel a bit dated compared to more modern transmissions with more gears.
  • Interior Material Quality: While the interior is well-built, some of the materials might not be as luxurious as those found in some competitors.
  • Ride Comfort: The sport-tuned suspension can make the ride a bit firmer than some drivers might prefer, especially on rough roads.

Final Verdict

So, what's the final word on the 2017 Hyundai Sonata Sport? Overall, it's a solid choice if you're looking for a mid-size sedan that offers a blend of sporty styling, peppy performance, and practical features. It's not the flashiest or most luxurious car in its class, but it provides good value for the money and is generally considered to be reliable. If you prioritize a comfortable ride above all else, you might want to consider a different trim level or a competitor with a softer suspension. However, if you enjoy a slightly firmer ride and appreciate the added responsiveness of the sport-tuned suspension, the Sonata Sport could be a good fit. Ultimately, the best way to decide if the 2017 Hyundai Sonata Sport is right for you is to take it for a test drive and see how it feels. Pay attention to how it handles, how comfortable the seats are, and how easy it is to use the technology. And don't forget to compare it to other cars in its class to see which one best meets your needs and preferences. Happy car shopping!