Hyundai refreshed the fifth generation of the Sonata in 2008 and targeted the same customers as the Honda Accord and the Toyota Camry, but at a lower price.
Since the world financial crisis was already claiming its victims, Hyundai was successful in getting a bigger slice of the market. The Korean automaker policy was to provide its flagship sedan with everything so the customers didn't have to pay extra for something. Moreover, for those who wanted more, there were some higher trim levels. But even the basic model had everything a regular family needed.
Hyundai was already working on the sixth generation of the Sonata when it brought the facelifted version of the Sonata V. While it didn't stand out on the road with its look, it won the wallets of many. At the front, the new grille tried to look more stylish with its three-slat design, while a new set of headlights with an angular design replaced the older ones. From its profile, the Sonata unveiled new alloy wheels design. At the back, the automaker installed LED taillights.
The evolution continued on the interior, where the Sonata facelift received a new center stack and instrument panel. Moreover, all versions featured 3.5mm AUX-in and USB, while the upper trim levels got iPod connectivity. In addition, a touch-screen sat-nav was available as an option.
Under the hood, Hyundai installed a new generation of Theta II, 2.4-liter inline-four engines paired as standard with a five-speed manual or a five-speed automatic. The range-topping version got a revised version of the Hyundai's 3.3-liter V6 that pumped 15 more hp than on the non-facelifted version.
load press release