Segment: Medium
Production years: 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996
After several updates for the second generation of the Sonata, the Korean automaker replaced the model for the 1994 model year, and changes were significant from the ground up.
Designed on an entirely new platform that featured a five-link rear independent suspension and a smoother overall shape, the third generation of the Sonata was closer to its main rivals in the mid-size sedan segment. Hyundai tried to keep up with the competition, so it adjusted what it could, and when it got stuck, it asked for help from its long-time partner Mitsubishi, especially for the engines. Furthermore, the Korean brand improved the vehicle's standard features, making the car more appealing for families. While it wasn't a real threat to the Honda Accord or the Toyota Camry, it started to get noticed on the market thanks to the smart pricing policy.
At the front, the wedged shapes of the previous generation were replaced by smoother lines. The headlights had rounded corners and flanked a tiny grille that sported the automaker's chromed H-logo. Furthermore, the wrapped-around plastic bumper didn't have the Hyundai name embedded in it and had an additional lower air intake that improved cooling and could integrate the available fog lamps.
From its profile, the 1994 Hyundai Sonata boasted more rounded shapes and showed a taller greenhouse. Its predecessor was criticized for the headroom it offered for the front occupants, and the Korean car manufacturer had to change the recipe. Standard equipment was rich for the GLS top trim level, featuring heated power mirrors, alloy wheels, and body-colored door handles. At the back, the third generation of the Sonata sported wide taillights that were visually connected via a red trim over the trunk's lid.
Hyundai learned from its mistakes in the previous generation of the Sonata and made the 1994 model year with a much roomier cabin. There were more rounded shapes on the dashboard and on the center stack, which housed the HVAC controls and the stereo. Between the front bucket seats on the center console, the automaker placed an armrest and the gear stick or the gear selector, depending on the options. In the back, the bench seat was adequate for three occupants, and the top trim level, the GLS, featured a split-folding system to increase the trunk space.
The Korean automaker understood that customers wouldn't buy a low-powered vehicle in the mid-size segment. As a result, it offered the 1994 Sonata with a choice of two gasoline engines. One was an in-house-developed two-liter four-banger, while the other choice was a 3.0-liter V6 powerplant carried over from Mitsubishi. The base version sent its power to the front wheels via a five-speed manual, while the latter was mated with a four-speed automatic gearbox.
ENGINE SPECS - 1.8i 5MT FWD (98 HP) | |
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Cylinders: | L4 |
Displacement: | 1796 cm3 |
Power: | 72 KW @ 5500 RPM 98 HP @ 5500 RPM 97 BHP @ 5500 RPM |
Torque: | 106 lb-ft @ 4400 RPM 144 Nm @ 4400 RPM |
Fuel System: | Multipoint Injection |
Fuel: | Gasoline |
Fuel capacity: | 17.2 gallons (65.1 L) |
PERFORMANCE SPECS | |
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Top Speed: | 102.5 mph (165 km/h) |
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph): | 12.1 s |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
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Drive Type: | Front Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | 5-Speed manual |
BRAKES SPECS | |
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Front: | Ventilated Discs |
Rear: | Drums |
TIRES SPECS | |
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Tire Size: | 195/70R14 |
DIMENSIONS | |
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Length: | 185 in (4699 mm) |
Width: | 69.7 in (1770 mm) |
Height: | 55.1 in (1400 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 59.8/59.1 in (1,519/1,501 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 106.3 in (2700 mm) |
Ground Clearance: | 6.5 in (165 mm) |
Cargo Volume: | 13.2 cuFT (374 L) |
Aerodynamics (Cd): | 0.32 |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
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Unladen Weight: | 2568.4 lbs (1165 kg) |
Gross Weight Limit: | 3836 lbs (1740 kg) |
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC) | |
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Combined: | 33.6 mpg US (7 L/100Km) |
CO2 Emissions: | 167 g/km |
ENGINE SPECS - 2.0i 5MT FWD (105 HP) | |
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Cylinders: | L4 |
Displacement: | 1997 cm3 |
Power: | 77 KW @ 5000 RPM 105 HP @ 5000 RPM 103 BHP @ 5000 RPM |
Torque: | 120 lb-ft @ 2400 RPM 162 Nm @ 2400 RPM |
Fuel System: | Multipoint Injection |
Fuel: | Gasoline |
Fuel capacity: | 17.2 gallons (65.1 L) |
PERFORMANCE SPECS | |
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Top Speed: | 105.6 mph (170 km/h) |
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph): | 11.9 s |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
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Drive Type: | Front Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | 5-Speed manual |
BRAKES SPECS | |
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Front: | Ventilated Discs |
Rear: | Drums |
TIRES SPECS | |
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Tire Size: | 195/70R14 |
DIMENSIONS | |
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Length: | 185 in (4699 mm) |
Width: | 69.7 in (1770 mm) |
Height: | 55.1 in (1400 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 59.8/59.1 in (1,519/1,501 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 106.3 in (2700 mm) |
Ground Clearance: | 6.5 in (165 mm) |
Cargo Volume: | 13.2 cuFT (374 L) |
Aerodynamics (Cd): | 0.32 |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
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Unladen Weight: | 2568.4 lbs (1165 kg) |
Gross Weight Limit: | 3836 lbs (1740 kg) |
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC) | |
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Combined: | 34.6 mpg US (6.8 L/100Km) |
CO2 Emissions: | 162 g/km |
ENGINE SPECS - 2.0i 5MTFWD (139 HP) | |
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Cylinders: | L4 |
Displacement: | 1997 cm3 |
Power: | 102 KW @ 5800 RPM 139 HP @ 5800 RPM 137 BHP @ 5800 RPM |
Torque: | 132 lb-ft @ 4000 RPM 179 Nm @ 4000 RPM |
Fuel System: | Multipoint Injection |
Fuel: | Gasoline |
Fuel capacity: | 17.2 gallons (65.1 L) |
PERFORMANCE SPECS | |
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Top Speed: | 121.2 mph (195 km/h) |
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph): | 10.2 s |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
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Drive Type: | Front Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | 5-Speed manual |
BRAKES SPECS | |
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Front: | Ventilated Discs |
Rear: | Discs |
TIRES SPECS | |
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Tire Size: | 195/70R14 |
DIMENSIONS | |
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Length: | 185 in (4699 mm) |
Width: | 69.7 in (1770 mm) |
Height: | 55.1 in (1400 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 59.8/59.1 in (1,519/1,501 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 106.3 in (2700 mm) |
Ground Clearance: | 6.5 in (165 mm) |
Cargo Volume: | 13.2 cuFT (374 L) |
Aerodynamics (Cd): | 0.32 |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
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Unladen Weight: | 2632.3 lbs (1194 kg) |
Gross Weight Limit: | 3858.1 lbs (1750 kg) |
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC) | |
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Combined: | 35.6 mpg US (6.6 L/100Km) |
CO2 Emissions: | 157 g/km |
ENGINE SPECS - 3.0i 4AT FWD (146 HP) | |
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Cylinders: | V6 |
Displacement: | 2972 cm3 |
Power: | 107 KW @ 5000 RPM 145 HP @ 5000 RPM 143 BHP @ 5000 RPM |
Torque: | 171 lb-ft @ 2400 RPM 231 Nm @ 2400 RPM |
Fuel System: | Multipoint Injection |
Fuel: | Gasoline |
Fuel capacity: | 17.2 gallons (65.1 L) |
PERFORMANCE SPECS | |
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Top Speed: | 115 mph (185 km/h) |
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph): | 13 s |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
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Drive Type: | Front Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | 4-Speed automatic |
BRAKES SPECS | |
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Front: | Ventilated Discs |
Rear: | Discs |
TIRES SPECS | |
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Tire Size: | 205/60R15 |
DIMENSIONS | |
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Length: | 185 in (4699 mm) |
Width: | 69.7 in (1770 mm) |
Height: | 55.1 in (1400 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 59.8/59.1 in (1,519/1,501 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 106.3 in (2700 mm) |
Ground Clearance: | 6.5 in (165 mm) |
Cargo Volume: | 13.2 cuFT (374 L) |
Aerodynamics (Cd): | 0.32 |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
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Unladen Weight: | 2793.3 lbs (1267 kg) |
Gross Weight Limit: | 3968.3 lbs (1800 kg) |
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC) | |
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Combined: | 28.7 mpg US (8.2 L/100Km) |
CO2 Emissions: | 195 g/km |