Sonata Sales for 2nd Quarter of 2010 Just Increased +1...

[Nevyn]

What's the tank size on that again? 18.5? Stuffed flush it's probably 20 gallons, maybe 20.5/21.

I think stuffed full and configured you can kilotank it easy. Throwing the book at it you can probably kilotank it from "standard" fill level.

[xcel]

Hi Nevyn:

I think an 1,100 mile tank could be a drive in the park with the possibility of 1,200 miles if weather conditions cooperate? All due in part to exactly what you posted. This thing actually holds upwards of 20 gallons from top off to fuel starve. 60 + mpg and 20 + gallon tank gives an awfully big range for this full-sized automobile!

And why the 11 Sonata is so intriguing to me. It is really good looking, it is outrageously fuel efficient for something as large as it is and the price is excellent to match.

Chris, can you find out what than the older Sonata's have allowed for any of those that have tested the max range waters in the past? I know Sean has tested his Elantra to its limits although I have long since forgotten what his tank cap and actual cap was?

Our Sonata arrives on the 14th for a two week ordeal... Maybe we'll have some decent numbers for her by then too

Thanks in advance

Wayne

[Right Lane Cruiser]

Hi, Wayne -- my Elantra is listed as possessing 14.5g of capacity but I tanked up at 17.049g on my record distance tank.

[xcel]

Hi Sean:

I hope that Sonata holds 21.5 + gallons! Sounds like I have to bring along a 2.5 gallon gas container for the ride back in case I want to find out

Thanks again

Wayne

[MaxxMPG]

Originally Posted by xcel

And why the 11 Sonata is so intriguing to me. It is really good looking, it is outrageously fuel efficient for something as large as it is and the price is excellent to match.

The fuel efficiency is attributable to the low weight (the GLS weighs about as much as a 2011 Cruze LT) and low drag coefficient (0.28 - much sleeker than most sedans), and the gas direct injection engine allows leaner fuel mixtures without detonation or excessive NOX emissions. Add in the CVVT valve train that allows plenty of low end torque, which in turn allows taller gearing while maintaining adequate acceleration, and you have a FE winner.

Originally Posted by xcel

Chris, can you find out what than the older Sonata's have allowed for any of those that have tested the max range waters in the past? I know Sean has tested his Elantra to its limits although I have long since forgotten what his tank cap and actual cap was?

I don't know anyone who pressed a last-gen Sonata to the limit of fuel range or max fill capacity, but the 2010 Sonata is EPA rated at 22/32 with 5AT and 21/32 with 5MT. That's about 10% lower than the 2011 Sonata. The tank on the last gen Sonata is listed as 17.7 gallons, or about 5% less. They definitely upped the ante with the current generation.

[Nevyn]

My '04 Elantra lists at 14.5 gallons and I've put in 16.602 after 629 miles. I'm getting even better MPG now though; I'm sure it could be pushed harder.

Sean has a 5MT to my 4AT, but I've got VVT and he doesn't.

[joesgot4]

karen and chris, keep us posted! i love this thread and i'm strongly considering buying a hyundai sonata! yall are increasing the sells of the sonata! awesome looking car! goodluck!

[xcel]

Hi Joesgot4:

I just tweeted your post and I am also looking forward to Karen's experiences and discovery's as time moves on too!

Good Luck

Wayne

[MaxxMPG]

Karen was telling me earlier this week that the car is doing well and is over 1000 miles, and it seems like the engine is loosening up. Better acceleration. And the clutch is less grippy and the shifting doesn't feel as stiff.

We were laughing earlier this week as I was reading the posts on another Hyundai-specific forum where other owners were driving their new Sonata 6MT and said they stalled it on takeoff more than any other car they've ever owned. It needs more throttle to keep the engine from stumbling or stalling. When Karen test drove it, she stalled it twice within the first half mile. When I drove it, I stalled it twice within the first half mile. The clutch has an on/off operation when it's brand new, and once you know that's the case, you can compensate. What we were laughing about was that we were both thinking in our minds, "I didn't know I was that far out of practice" as we were driving it. But it turns out that we're not the only drivers who noticed this quirk in their factory-fresh Sonata. Now, with over 1000 miles on the car, the clutch is smoothing out and drives more like the usual stick shift.

As of tomorrow, we will have had the car a month. So far, no regrets at all. And no disappointments. As we get to know the car, we keep finding more things it has (like resistive heating elements in the glass under the wipers so they don't stick to the windshield in winter) that we didn't know about. And so far, other than the meep-meep moped horn Hyundai installs in the Sonata - an easy upgrade with aftermarket dual horns - there is nothing to complain about.

And because this is my first Hyundai, it is the first time I am realizing that Hyundai offers online free access to owners manuals, TSBs and service manuals. You can locate and print instructions on how to remove/adjust/repair/replace just about any component on the car. For shadetree mechanics, it's a dream come true. And a great way to save on auto repairs for those who have basic tools, basic skills, and a free afternoon.

[Right Lane Cruiser]

You know, I had forgotten about the clutch experience in my Elantra... it exhibited the same behavior as your Sonata. It is still very smooth 100K mi later.