No V6? No problem for Sonata

With the price of gas these days, drivers are downsizing their vehicles, but not necessarily their footprint. In the midsize segment, "four is the new six," as smaller engines become more popular.

If you haven't driven one in a long time, these aren't the wheezy not-much-power plants that you might remember. They're efficient and they get the job done, including the 2.4 L that Hyundai puts in its Sonata. You can get a 3.3 L V6, but most drivers will find that the four-cylinder is just fine.

It's a little easier when you're writing up the bill, as well. The base GL, with a five-speed manual transmission, starts at $21,995. For another $1,400, you can replace the stick shift with a five-speed automatic, a step up from the four-speed autobox mated to the 2.4 L in 2008. All others use the automatic, including the GL Sport at $25,695, and my Limited tester, at $27,995. The V6 models start at $27,795 and go up to $31,495. Each model moves up with extra features, instead of adding options to a base trim line.

All come with anti-lock brakes, active front head restraints, and side and curtain airbags, but I don't like the fact electronic stability control is only on the V6 models, and can't be added to the four-cylinders.

Otherwise, the 2.4 L lineup comes with the expected list of items: the base GL includes a/c, two-stage heated seats, keyless entry, driver's auto up/down window, cruise control and windshield de-icer, while the Sport Package adds alloy wheels, fog lights and sunroof. The Limited tops it with leather upholstery, eight-way power driver's seat, automatic headlamps, dual-zone auto climate control, auto-dimming mirror, six-CD stereo and garage door opener. There's also an iPod interface, which hides the device inside the console box, and allows you to control it via the wheel-mounted buttons.

I've not had a chance to drive the manual transmission, but the new five-speed automatic gives the car more level performance throughout its range. There's no gear hunting on hills, and fuel economy improves slightly from 2008.

A manual mode is included for those who like to pretend they're shifting. (I've never quite understood the point beyond the novelty factor.)

The four-cylinder is quiet on all but the hardest acceleration, moving smoothly away from stop lights but still providing enough power to get by traffic on the highway, where the car is well-planted and very good for extended trips. In short, I'd put it up favourably against most V6 models.

Handling is pleasantly light, and while there's a bit of torque steer – the tendency of a front-wheel drive vehicle to pull to one side on acceleration – it's certainly not enough to turn me off the car. Overall, the ride is well-balanced, soft enough to be comfortable but not mushy.

The undercarriage is less pleasant. It rattles over rough pavement, and the rear end skitters over bumps. Given that Toronto's roads could be in better shape, it made itself known much of the time. I've noticed this on a few Hyundai models, which is quite surprising, especially because it gives an otherwise luxury-like car a cheap undertone.

The roomy cabin and its features will probably have many drivers questioning any need to move up to Hyundai's Azera. Fit and finish is very good, with soft-touch plastic, brushed metallic surfaces, and on the Limited, a band of plastic wood that ties the design together. Big, simple controls are grouped into an attractive centre stack; below are big covered cubbies, including one that holds CD cases.

The seats are comfortable and include low bolsters that give a bit of support. Legroom is good in both front and back, and those in the rear seat can stretch out even if the front seats have been pushed all the way back – this really is a large vehicle inside. With the seats in place, the trunk is 112 cm long. When the seats fold, they do so without the need to remove the head restraints, forming a not-quite-flat cargo length of 185 cm.

A very minor point, but something to consider in these days of pricey fuel, is an inside release on the fuel-filler door, which means it can't be accessed once the car is locked.

Once known primarily for its price, Hyundai has long since evolved into a company where the product comes first. For me, considering the comfort, performance and price, Sonata is probably the best vehicle the company offers.

The midsize market is one of the most crowded, and just about every company has a really good one these days, but don't forget to consider the Sonata when shopping.