The latest Sonata is a superb family sedan, offering top-tier technology, peppy acceleration and many creature comforts. However, there are a lot of sedans out there, so what makes the Hyundai Sonata stand out? Join us at Key Hyundai of Salem as we investigate the features and specs of the new Hyundai Sonata to see how it compares to one of its key competitors: the Nissan Altima.
Compared side by side, it's easy to see how similar the Sonata and Altima appear to be. Dimensions between the two vary by less than an inch in each dimension, and both provide Nashua drivers with a sleek look. You'll also see many of the same exterior features across these sedans, including LED headlights and Daytime Running Lights, though the Hyundai Sonata does come with the extra benefit of LED taillights.
You'll continue to see similarities on the inside, with both sedans offering standard six-way adjustable or available eight-way power-adjustable driver's seats, standard manual air conditioning or available dual-zone automatic climate control and standard cloth or available leather upholstery. It should be noted, however, that the Sonata's cloth upholstery uses a more-refined material than the Altima's.
While the Sonata and Altima both offer Wilmington shoppers heated front seats, it remains an optional feature on most of the Altima's trim levels. The Hyundai Sonata comes with heated front seats standard starting with the Sonata SEL, its second trim level. Additionally, while both sedans' top trim levels come with power-adjustable front passenger's seats, this is only four-way adjust for the Altima, while the Sonata provides the front passenger with six-way power adjust.
The Hyundai Sonata truly shines when it comes to tech amenities. The base trim level comes standard with an 8-inch touchscreen display that provides Manchester drivers with access to HD Radio™, Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™. Choosing any other trim upgrades you to a 10.25-inch system, which adds SiriusXM®, Onboard Navigation & Traffic flow and voice recognition. The upgraded infotainment system also allows you to connect two devices at the same time.
The Nissan Altima doesn't perform nearly so well, unfortunately. Its base trim comes with a simple 7-inch touchscreen system, which mainly provides Bluetooth® audio streaming and AM/FM radio access. Choosing the Altima SV does provide you with standard access to Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, but still on a cramped 7-inch display. While an 8-inch version is an optional upgrade, you won't get anything comparable to the Sonata's infotainment amenities until the premium Altima SL, which finally provides a 12.3-inch touchscreen display with many of the same features as the Sonata's upgraded system, though, notably, it still lacks HD Radio™.
The latest Sonata and Altima models are both available with several powertrains. Both offer a standard 2.5-liter I4. The Sonata's I4 can generate up to 191 horsepower, and the Altima's can generate up to 188 horsepower. You're unlikely to notice the difference in power, and both can drive up to a combined 32 mpg around Lowell, MA.
You can also choose the sporty Sonata N Line or Altima SR VC-TURBO® for greatly improved performance. Nissan's 2.0-liter VC-TURBO® engine can give the car up to 248 horsepower, making it a good upgrade. However, for a truly impressive ride, you'll want to pick the Sonata N Line, thanks to its turbocharged 2.5-liter I4. With its slightly larger size and Hyundai's fine-tuning, this option provides the Sonata N Line with up to 290 horsepower and torque to match.
This is where the Altima's options end. The Sonata, on the other hand, is just getting started, offering both an upgraded 1.6-liter turbocharged engine for its other top trim levels, as well as a highly efficient hybrid powertrain, which can drive up to 52 mpg combined.
While these sedans start out looking very similar, the closer you look, the clear it becomes that the new Hyundai Sonata has a better value. Have any questions or want to learn more about any of the features we've highlighted? Don't hesitate to stop by our Salem, NH showroom and speak with our friendly team members! You can also stop in at our on-site finance center to learn more about our financing process and hear more about our current new Hyundai specials.
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470 South Broadway
Salem, NH 03079
