2017 Hyundai Sonata Sport: Review, Specs & More

by Alex Braham 48 views

Hey guys! Thinking about snagging a 2017 Hyundai Sonata Sport? You've come to the right place! This article dives deep into everything you need to know about this sleek and sporty sedan. We're talking performance, features, reliability, and whether it's the right fit for your needs. So, buckle up and let's get started!

Overview of the 2017 Hyundai Sonata Sport

The Hyundai Sonata has always been a strong contender in the mid-size sedan market, and the 2017 Sport trim adds a dash of excitement to the mix. It's designed for those who want a little more flair and a slightly more engaging driving experience than the standard models. The 2017 Hyundai Sonata Sport distinguishes itself with unique styling cues, upgraded features, and a tuned suspension. It's got a bolder front grille, sporty side skirts, and distinctive alloy wheels that make it stand out from the crowd. But it's not just about looks; the Sport trim also offers enhanced handling and a more responsive feel behind the wheel, thanks to its specially calibrated suspension. Inside, you'll find a driver-centric cabin with comfortable seats, user-friendly technology, and plenty of space for both passengers and cargo. Whether you're commuting to work, running errands around town, or embarking on a weekend road trip, the 2017 Hyundai Sonata Sport aims to provide a comfortable and enjoyable ride. Beyond its sporty aesthetics and performance enhancements, the 2017 Hyundai Sonata Sport comes equipped with a range of features designed to enhance convenience, safety, and connectivity. From its intuitive infotainment system to its advanced safety technologies, this sedan offers a well-rounded package that caters to the needs of modern drivers. So, if you're in the market for a stylish and fun-to-drive mid-size sedan, the 2017 Hyundai Sonata Sport is definitely worth considering.

Key Features and Specs

Let's break down the key features that make the 2017 Hyundai Sonata Sport a compelling choice. First off, the engine. You're looking at a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, which is a significant upgrade from the base model's engine. This turbocharger boosts the horsepower and torque, making the Sonata Sport feel more lively and responsive. Expect around 245 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, providing ample power for both city driving and highway cruising. The engine is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, offering smooth and precise gear changes. In terms of fuel economy, the 2017 Hyundai Sonata Sport achieves decent numbers for its class. Expect around 22 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway. These figures may vary slightly depending on your driving style and road conditions, but overall, the Sonata Sport offers a reasonable balance between performance and efficiency. The Sonata Sport also features a sport-tuned suspension, which enhances its handling capabilities. The suspension is designed to provide a firmer and more controlled ride, reducing body roll and improving cornering ability. This makes the Sonata Sport more fun to drive on twisty roads, while still maintaining a comfortable ride quality for everyday commuting. Inside, the 2017 Hyundai Sonata Sport boasts a range of features designed to enhance comfort, convenience, and connectivity. Standard features include a rearview camera, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a 7-inch touchscreen display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. These technologies make driving safer and more enjoyable, while also keeping you connected to your digital world. In addition to these standard features, the 2017 Hyundai Sonata Sport offers a range of optional upgrades, such as a panoramic sunroof, leather upholstery, and a premium sound system. These upgrades allow you to customize your Sonata Sport to your specific preferences and needs. Overall, the 2017 Hyundai Sonata Sport is a well-equipped sedan that offers a compelling combination of performance, features, and value.

Performance and Handling

When it comes to performance and handling, the 2017 Hyundai Sonata Sport truly shines. The 2.0-liter turbocharged engine gives it a noticeable boost in power compared to the standard Sonata. This means quicker acceleration, more responsive throttle, and an overall more engaging driving experience. You'll feel the difference when merging onto the highway or overtaking other vehicles. The turbocharger kicks in smoothly, providing a surge of power that makes the Sonata Sport feel confident and capable. But it's not just about straight-line speed. The 2017 Hyundai Sonata Sport also boasts a sport-tuned suspension that enhances its handling capabilities. The suspension is designed to provide a firmer and more controlled ride, reducing body roll and improving cornering ability. This makes the Sonata Sport more fun to drive on twisty roads, while still maintaining a comfortable ride quality for everyday commuting. The steering is also well-weighted and responsive, providing good feedback and allowing you to feel connected to the road. The Sonata Sport handles corners with confidence, exhibiting minimal body roll and maintaining its composure even under hard acceleration. The brakes are also strong and provide good stopping power, inspiring confidence in emergency situations. Overall, the 2017 Hyundai Sonata Sport offers a well-balanced driving experience that combines performance, handling, and comfort. Whether you're commuting to work, running errands around town, or embarking on a weekend road trip, the Sonata Sport is sure to impress. The engine's responsiveness, coupled with the sport-tuned suspension, makes it a fun and engaging car to drive, while the comfortable ride and well-appointed interior make it a pleasure to spend time in. If you're looking for a mid-size sedan that offers a little extra excitement, the 2017 Hyundai Sonata Sport is definitely worth considering.

Interior and Technology

Stepping inside the 2017 Hyundai Sonata Sport, you'll find a well-designed and comfortable cabin that's packed with technology. The seats are supportive and offer good bolstering, keeping you comfortable on long drives. The materials used throughout the interior are of decent quality, and the overall fit and finish are impressive. The dashboard is logically laid out, with all the controls within easy reach of the driver. The 2017 Hyundai Sonata Sport also comes standard with a range of tech features that enhance convenience, connectivity, and safety. The centerpiece of the infotainment system is a 7-inch touchscreen display, which is easy to use and responsive to the touch. The system supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing you to seamlessly integrate your smartphone with the car's infotainment system. You can use these features to access your favorite apps, make calls, send texts, and listen to music, all through the car's touchscreen display. The 2017 Hyundai Sonata Sport also comes standard with a rearview camera, which makes parking and maneuvering in tight spaces easier and safer. Other standard tech features include blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a suite of advanced safety technologies that help prevent accidents. Optional upgrades include a panoramic sunroof, which lets in plenty of natural light and makes the cabin feel more spacious, and a premium sound system, which delivers crystal-clear audio quality. Overall, the 2017 Hyundai Sonata Sport offers a well-equipped and technologically advanced interior that's sure to impress. Whether you're a tech enthusiast or simply appreciate a comfortable and convenient driving experience, the Sonata Sport has something to offer. The combination of comfortable seats, intuitive controls, and advanced tech features makes it a pleasure to spend time in, whether you're commuting to work or embarking on a long road trip.

Reliability and Safety

When considering any car, reliability and safety are paramount. The 2017 Hyundai Sonata Sport generally holds up well in these areas. Hyundai has made significant strides in recent years to improve the reliability of its vehicles, and the 2017 Sonata is no exception. The Sonata Sport comes standard with a range of safety features designed to protect occupants in the event of a collision. These features include antilock brakes, stability control, traction control, and a full complement of airbags. The 2017 Hyundai Sonata Sport also comes standard with a rearview camera, which makes parking and maneuvering in tight spaces easier and safer. Other standard safety features include blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a suite of advanced safety technologies that help prevent accidents. These technologies use sensors and cameras to monitor the car's surroundings and alert the driver to potential hazards. The Sonata Sport has earned good ratings from both the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). These organizations conduct rigorous crash tests to evaluate the safety of vehicles, and the Sonata Sport has consistently performed well in these tests. In addition to its safety features and crash-test performance, the 2017 Hyundai Sonata Sport also comes with a comprehensive warranty that provides peace of mind. The warranty covers the car for five years or 60,000 miles, whichever comes first. This means that if anything goes wrong with the car during that time, Hyundai will cover the cost of repairs. Overall, the 2017 Hyundai Sonata Sport is a reliable and safe car that offers a lot of value for the money. Its standard safety features, good crash-test ratings, and comprehensive warranty make it a smart choice for families and individuals alike.

Pros and Cons

Alright, let's get down to the nitty-gritty. Here's a quick rundown of the pros and cons of the 2017 Hyundai Sonata Sport:

Pros:

  • Sporty Styling: The Sonata Sport has a more aggressive and eye-catching design than the standard models.
  • Turbocharged Engine: The 2.0-liter turbo provides ample power and responsive acceleration.
  • Sport-Tuned Suspension: Enhanced handling and a more engaging driving experience.
  • User-Friendly Technology: The infotainment system is easy to use and supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
  • Good Safety Ratings: The Sonata Sport has earned good ratings from both NHTSA and IIHS.

Cons:

  • Fuel Economy: While decent, the fuel economy isn't class-leading.
  • Ride Quality: The sport-tuned suspension can be a bit firm for some drivers.
  • Interior Materials: While decent, some of the interior materials could be of higher quality.

Is the 2017 Hyundai Sonata Sport Right for You?

So, is the 2017 Hyundai Sonata Sport the right car for you? It really depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you're looking for a stylish and fun-to-drive mid-size sedan with a bit of extra flair, the Sonata Sport is definitely worth considering. The turbocharged engine provides plenty of power for both city driving and highway cruising, while the sport-tuned suspension enhances handling and makes it more engaging to drive. The interior is comfortable and well-equipped, with a range of tech features that enhance convenience and connectivity. However, if you prioritize fuel economy above all else, or if you prefer a softer and more comfortable ride, you might want to consider other options. The Sonata Sport's fuel economy is decent but not class-leading, and the sport-tuned suspension can be a bit firm for some drivers. Ultimately, the best way to decide whether the 2017 Hyundai Sonata Sport is right for you is to take it for a test drive. This will allow you to experience its performance and handling firsthand, and to see whether its features and amenities meet your needs. Be sure to compare it to other mid-size sedans in its class, such as the Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, and Mazda6, to see how it stacks up. If you do your research and take the time to test drive a few different cars, you're sure to find the perfect mid-size sedan for your needs.