The 2016 Hyundai Sonata offers six exclusive trim levels with several additional option packages

The 2016 Hyundai Sonata offers great value, regardless of trim level. From the practical, fuel-efficient Eco to the 245-hp Limited 2.0T, there’s a Sonata for any buyer.

Key points

• Six trim levels make the 2016 Sonata an extremely versatile sedan, whether you’re looking for something more practical or prefer the added performance and comfort of higher models.
• The SE version is a well-equipped base model, with a large standard touchscreen, alloy wheels, and full power options. For maximum value, opt for the ECO model for better mileage, more features, and a lower price.
• Step up to the Sport trim for a more aggressive look inside and out, along with a working dual exhaust system. Upgrade to the Sport 2.0T for a 245-hp engine, sport-tuned suspension, quad exhaust tips, and more.
• For creature comforts, the Limited trim makes the model fairer with standard leather seats and a plethora of optional safety features. Spring for the Limited 2.0T for the perfect combination of performance and luxury.

The 2016 Sonata SE is a competitive entry-level trim with adequate performance, safety and convenience features.

First is the SE version, and although it is the base model of the 2016 Hyundai Sonata, its offerings are anything but. Under the hood, a 185-hp 2.4-liter inline four-cylinder engine is standard, mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.

Inside, enjoy a standard seven-inch touchscreen, tilt/telescoping steering wheel, full power options, and manually adjustable cloth seats. On the outside, 16-inch alloy wheels, heated and electric exterior mirrors, and rear spoiler.

On the safety side, you’ll find standard stability and traction control, seven airbags, automatic headlights, a driver’s side blind-spot mirror, and a reversing camera.

As of December 2021, Kelley Blue Book (KBB) estimates the fair market range (FMR) for a used 2016 Hyundai Sonata SE with 60,000 miles (12,000 per year) to be between $15,400 and $18,300 at a dealer.

2016 Sonata Eco is a fantastic value, costs less than SE, has more options, similar performance

The Hyundai Sonata Eco version focuses on maximizing fuel efficiency. The 2.4L engine is replaced by a turbocharged 1.6L inline-four mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, a combination that increases city fuel economy by three mpg over the SE. Horsepower drops to 178, but with the additional torque from the turbo, 0-60 acceleration remains the same at 8.8 seconds.

Interior and exterior additions are limited but include LED daytime running lights, side mirrors with mounted turn signals, a power driver’s seat, and leatherette interior door panel inserts.

In terms of price, the 2016 Sonata Eco trim is more affordable than the SE, with a KBB FMR between $14,500 and $17,400.

2016 Sonata Sport improves the model’s aesthetics, adds a working dual exhaust, optional Premium, and Tech packages

The Sonata Sport ditches the Eco’s 1.6L engine in favor of the SE’s 2.4L/six-speed transmission combination. Above all, the Sport improves the aesthetics, through 17-inch alloys, a unique front fascia, and grille, chrome-trimmed side panels, and LED daytime running lights. However, you get a dual exhaust system that works for a lower note when you step on the pedal.

Standard interior upgrades are slim, but include carbon fiber accents, dashboard stitching, a power driver’s seat, and leatherette door panel inserts.

The real upgrades come from optional add-on packages, such as the Premium plan, which includes:

• Blind spot detection
• chrome door handles
• Heated leather-trimmed front seats
• Dual-zone air conditioning

Add the Tech Package for a larger eight-inch touchscreen, a premium audio system, and a power moonroof.

A standard Sonata Sport has an FMR of between $17,800 and $19,700, or for about $1,000 more you can find a model with the additional Tech and Premium packages.

2016 Sonata Limited comes with standard leather seats, optional advanced safety and comfort features

The most recent model to feature the 2.4L powertrain is the Limited, a standard luxury model with leather seats and a moonroof. Other interior amenities include a push-button start, heated front/rear seats, power-adjustable front row, auto-dimming rearview mirror, and more.

Outside, the Limited adds a touch of class with 17-inch alloy wheels, LED taillights, and chrome door handles. Safety is also improved with Blind Spot Detection with additional cross-traffic alert, which helps when reversing out of a tight parking space.

There are two optional packages available on Sonata Limited, the Tech package and the Ultimate package. The Tech package is similar to the Sport package of the same name and adds:

• Larger eight-inch screen
• Panoramic sunroof
• heated steering wheel
• Memory seats

The Ultimate Package, however, takes safety to a whole new level, with automatic braking, intelligent cruise control, lane departure warning, automatic high beams, and rear parking sensors.

KBB estimates an FMR between $18,100 and $21,100 for a standard Limited, or $19,500 to $22,500 with all additional packages.

The 2016 Sonata Sport 2.0T features a standard 245-hp turbocharged engine, sport-tuned suspension, and quad exhaust tips

For those looking for a more exciting experience, the Sport 2.0T takes the original Sport version and adds to it. The main difference is the addition of a 245-horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, which propels the Sonata from 0 to 60 in just 7.2 seconds, 1.6 seconds faster than the other two engines.

Of course, those numbers come at a cost, as the 2.0L’s fuel economy drops to 22 at city and 31 at highway speeds.

Beyond that, enjoy a sport-tuned suspension, larger front brakes, unique 18-inch wheels, and quad exhaust tips. Other standard features include:

• High-intensity xenon headlights
• Chrome door handles with welcome light
• hands-free trunk
• Premium door thresholds
• Leather steering wheel with paddle shifters

There are no optional extras for the Sport 2.0T version, putting the FMR just above the standard $17,200-$20,200 Sport.

2016 Sonata Limited 2.0T comes standard with all available features, no add-ons offered, same price as the Regular Limited

Topping the list is the Limited 2.0T, which has the same 245-horsepower engine under the hood as the Sport 2.0T. Inside, all safety and convenience features are standard, including an eight-inch touchscreen, automatic high beam assist, a panoramic sunroof, automatic emergency braking, and smart cruise control with a start/stop function.

Other built-in features include:

• Infinity Premium Sound System
• Light-emitting gauge cluster with 4.2-inch LCD display
• Heated front/rear seats and steering wheel
• Ventilated driver and front passenger seats
• Glossy black door frames and exterior mirrors

Kelley Blue Book estimates a fair market price range of between $19,200 and $22,300 for a Limited 2.0T, which puts it in the same range as the regular Limited with the 2.4L.

Budget-conscious car buyers will love the overall value of the Sonata Eco trim

After looking at the six unique trim levels of the 2016 Hyundai Sonata and comparing them to each other, the Eco stands out as the model that has the most to offer. Not only does it get three more miles per gallon in the city than a model with the 2.4L, but the interior is well equipped with most modern needs.

All that for an entry price of around $14,500, which is $5,000 to $8,000 less than the Limited or top-of-the-line Limited 2.0T.

Photos: Hyundai