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2006 Hyundai Sonata GLS V6 Long-Term Test Update No. 5

EPA Fuel Economy Winner! 

A couple of weeks ago, as part of the Sonata GLS V6s fourth long-term update, we took a look at its top-tier five-star NHTSA NCAP crash test results, not too shabby. Today, the good news comes from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), rating the new Sonata number one in fuel economy among large cars. Yes, in case you werent aware, the Sonata is so roomy its classified as a large car, not a midsize, although from a maneuverability standpoint it doesnt feel any larger than the cars its up against in the midsize segment.

The EPA winner is the entry-level four-door, sporting a 2.4-liter four-cylinder thats actually quite a bit peppier than initially expected. Of course, to meet the EPAs 24 mpg city and 34 mpg highway rating, any thoughts about brisk acceleration would

Today, the good news comes from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), rating the new Sonata number one in fuel economy among large cars. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

have to be subdued. The same would be true for the V6-powered Sonata, the subject of this long-term test, which incidentally achieves 20 mpg in the city and 33 on the highway - not bad either - and that with an automatic transmission; the EPA winning car featured a five-speed manual.

Does this mean it uses less fuel on average than a Honda Accord or Toyota Camry? Well, not exactly. The Accord manages 26 mpg in the city and 37 on the highway,

The V6-powered Sonata achieves 20 mpg in the city and 33 on the highway. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)?

which is noticeably better, while the Camrys 24 mpg city and 36 mpg highway rating is closer to the Sonatas. What it does mean, however, is that neither the Accord nor Camry qualify as a large car - that despite the Sonatas lower price - and the added roominess makes a big difference when the rear seats are filled up. The fact that there is only negligible difference in fuel economy ratings, gives Hyundai the advantage with all but the stingiest of consumers. In reality, the Sonata beats out its own Azera, also classified as a large car, Buicks Le Sabre, Chryslers 300, Dodges Charger, Fords

We left you two weeks ago with the Sonatas odometer reading 2,367 miles, and now a total of 3,009 miles have ticked by, meaning that weve driven 642 miles in two weeks. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)?

Five Hundred and Toyotas Avalon, among others.
So which model is thriftier than the Accord and Camry in the midsize class? The Toyota Prius, which is designated a midsize model due to its accommodating interior.

We left you two weeks ago with the Sonatas odometer reading 2,367 miles, and now a total of 3,009 miles have ticked by, meaning that weve driven 642 miles in two weeks. Thats a long way, but once again they were largely uneventful kilometers. The car drove flawlessly, everything working as needed, and therefore theres little to report. Unfortunately, and

Once again I find myself behind the wheel of our long-term Sonata, comfortable, relaxed and enjoying the drive home. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)?

fortunately, depending on your point of view, Hyundai was only able to supply a partially loaded GLS V6, so there are fewer specific features to talk about, but what makes this good is that the majority of Sonata buyers will purchase their cars the way this one is equipped, making what we have to say more relevant. Therefore, the log entries follow:

Odometer: 2,389 miles

Trevor: Once again I find myself behind the wheel of our long-term Sonata, comfortable, relaxed and enjoying the drive home. Sports talk radio is on, my hockey team is winning lately so theres a good vibe had by all, football team is in a slump but I can get over that, were

While weve had a lot of interesting new cars and SUVs to test recently, many dont fit the child safety seats in back as well as the Sonata. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)?

still in first place, and whenever they start talking baseball, unless its about the Padres, Ive got a the FM dial to turn to, and the odd song worth listening to. Id really like a plug-in for my iPod, but no external plug exists so Im relegated to burning MP3 CDs. That said, it wouldnt take my old, scratched best of Bowie MP3 CD - unreadable. Alexandra swears this thing plays MP3s, so Ill have to take her word for it; the kid couldnt lie if her life depended on it. Either that, or shes got me fooled.

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