The 2008 Hyundai Sonata raises the bar for value and standard safety technology in the midsize segment. The Sonata combines style, dependability, a spirited performance and an extensive list of standard features to further strengthen the Hyundai brand and appeal to a broader range of customers. The Sonata is offered as a four-door sedan with three trim levels: GLS, SE and Limited.

The two engines combine confident front-wheel-drive performance with fuel economy. The 2.4-liter, DOHC, inline, four cylinder engine (offered on all trims) is rated at 162 horsepower and 164 pound-feet of torque. Available for the first time in the Sonata GLS is a 3.3-liter V-6 that produces 234 horsepower and 226 pound-feet of torque. The Hyundai Sonata V-6 engine pumps out more low-end torque than the Accord V-6, making it a more impressive vehicle for daily driving. As estimated by the EPA's new test procedures, fuel economy on the V-6 engine is 19 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway; it is 21/31 mpg (city/highway) on the four-cylinder GLS with manual transmission.

The unibody is made of high-tensile steel and features a concave hood, distinctive rear-door cut lines, strong Z-lined body-to-bumper interfaces, and four-barrel, jeweled projector-lens headlights. The Hyundai Sonata is classified by the EPA as a large car, a class above the midsize Accord, Camry, Altima, Fusion and Malibu. Sonata likewise delivers on Hyundai's pledge to offer greater refinement. For instance, premium doorsill scuff plates greet Limited model passengers, who also enjoy either metal or wood-grain interior trim accents with gray, beige or black leather interiors. The base model GLS comes with cloth upholstery; air conditioning; cruise control; power heated outside mirrors; power windows and keyless remote entry; AM/FM/CD/MP3 stereo with six speakers and XM satellite radio; leather-wrapped tilt steering wheel; 60/40-folding rear seat; and 16-inch steel wheels. The SE comes with 17-inch alloy wheels; eight-way power driver seat; leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob; tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel with audio controls; solar-control glass; fog lights and automatic headlights; chrome window belt moldings; and a trip computer. The Limited features leather seating surfaces; eight-way power driver seat; heated front seats; automatic climate control; auto-dimming rearview mirror with HomeLink and compass; telescoping steering wheel; and a sliding center armrest. Standard for 2008 is an Infinity AM/FM/XM/6CD/MP3 stereo with six speakers, subwoofer and amplifier. A chrome center-bar grille, 17-inch alloy wheels, chrome door handles and new body-side moldings highlight the exterior. The Limited V-6 is similarly equipped. A power tilt-and-slide sunroof is optional.

Every Hyundai Sonata has life-saving electronic stability control with traction control as standard equipment. The Sonata also features a state-of-the-art brake technology package that includes four-wheel disc brakes and an anti-lock brake system. Other passive safety features include six air bags; shingle-style rear-seat head restraints; three-point seatbelts for all seating positions; seatbelt pretensioners and force limiters for the front seat; and lower anchors and tethers for children (Latch). The Hyundai Sonata gained the top five-star crash test rating for front and side impacts from the NHTSA.