2011 Hyundai Sonata Turbo

Last Updated:



-2.0 Liter engine with 274hp

-22MPG City/34MPG Hwy
I’m all for squeezing more power from a smaller engine. And 34MPG is a good reason to do it.
It seems that Hyundai chose to stay pretty subtel with its turbo model.
So it doesn’t look like they’ll market it like a sports sedan. (no manual available) More like an upgrade to the regular model.
Here is what they say:
The 2.0-liter turbocharged GDI four-cylinder engine in the 2011 Sonata produces 274 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 269 lb-ft of torque from 1800-4500 rpm with regular fuel. The Sonata 2.0T will deliver 22 mpg city and 34 mpg highway (preliminary estimates). Hyundai’s turbocharged engine features a twin-scroll turbocharger that when combined with the GDI system results in instantaneous power delivery. Twin-scroll turbochargers have traditionally been used on more expensive high performance engines, but as with GDI, Hyundai has chosen once again to apply this efficient technology in high volume to its most popular model.

The 2.0T engine will be available on the SE and Limited trim level, with the 2.0T Limited getting additional upgrades, including:
– Panoramic sunroof
– 18-inch hyper silver alloy wheels
– Dual exhaust system
– Steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters

Conversation 14 comments

  1. I would rather a normally aspirated Nissan Altima V6 with the same Hp ( roughly) , V6 refinement, and about the same fuel economy, plus the Nissan V6 would naturally have more tourque. I don't get Hyundai's reasoning on this one.

  2. Was behind a Sonata this morning. A seriously fug sedan. Bland on the side, but looks like it's in pain from the rear. I didn't get to see the front.

  3. If this keeps up, the manual will die in the U.S. market.

    At least the horsepower wars are alive and well…

  4. What I am amused about is that there are only three car companies in the world that can produce the 'twin-scroll' turbocharger engines: Porsche, BMW and… Hyundai!!! And, the Sonata's version actually beats 2011 BMW 535i in terms of hp per weight!!! WTF is happening to the auto industries now????

  5. Then again, if the car weighs too much to have decent speed or acceleration, is it worth it?

  6. Well, this is Hyundai's answer to the VW Passat 2.0 turbo…when I was shopping for a sedan to replace my Prelude I ended up with a 04 TSX because I could not find anything positive quality-wise about a VW. This Hyundai looks promising however, if the quality is there.

  7. Nissan Altima 3.5 SR:
    Horsepower – 270 hp @ 6,000 rpm
    Torque – 258 lb-ft @ 4,400 rpm
    Fuel economy – 20 mpg (city) / 27 mpg (hwy)

    Hyundai Sonata Turbo:
    Horsepower – 274 hp @ 6,000 rpm
    Torque – 269 lb-ft @ 1800-4500 rpm
    Fuel economy – 22 mpg (city) / 34 mpg (hwy)

    What do you not get about Hyundai's reasoning?

  8. Today, Kia will likely announce this same engine in the new Optima. From a styling and suspension tuning standpoint, the Kia will be the car to buy. That will be marketed as a sport sedan.

    I'm really interested if the turbo engine will make it into the Forte. I originally thought Kia had topped out the power in that model but since they are adding the 2.0T to the new Sportage which share a lot with the Forte, why not? It would go head-to-head with the Mazdaspeed 3 and destroy the Civic Si. A bold move but one that could pay big dividends to Kia from a marketing perspective.

  9. Vince, this will without a doubt replace my current vehicle in two years.

    Will you get to test drive one soon???

    "Anonymous said…
    I would rather a normally aspirated Nissan Altima V6 with the same Hp ( roughly) , V6 refinement, and about the same fuel economy, plus the Nissan V6 would naturally have more tourque. I don't get Hyundai's reasoning on this one.

    March 31, 2010 12:32 PM"

    The Sonata 2.0T has more torque than the VQ35 in the Altima and at a lower RPM, don't even factor in that crap CVT transmission and the fact that the Nissan gets FAR worse MPGs.

    You are just talking without ANY facts at all. Might want to double check your specs again before you respond.

    Nissan fanboy can exit now. Bye.

  10. "Carl said…
    Well, this is Hyundai's answer to the VW Passat 2.0 turbo…when I was shopping for a sedan to replace my Prelude I ended up with a 04 TSX because I could not find anything positive quality-wise about a VW. This Hyundai looks promising however, if the quality is there.

    March 31, 2010 8:03 PM"

    Hey Carl,

    The quality is there. I have a 2006 Sonata limited with the 3.3 V6 and I have 130,000 miles and not a single problem to speak of aside from regular maintenance.

    My next car will without a doubt be a Sonata.

  11. Anxiously waiting for the final Optima/Magentis. Hope it will have the same engine choices than the Sonata.

  12. If you thought Toyota had acceptable "quality" than Hyundai ought to impress the daylights out of you!

  13. "Anonymous said…
    did someone really say quality and hoonday in the same sentence ????, hahahah

    April 1, 2010 3:42 PM"

    You must not have any idea what JD Power, TrueDelta, and Consumer Reports are. You certainly must not read any of their studies or understand their data.

    Seriously, get out of here.

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *