New 2009 Hyundai Sonata Safety Review [ 2008 , 2007 ]

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Safety - What the Auto Press Says

Crash tests are not complete for the 2009 Sonata, but the government has released very good scores from side-crash testing.

Crash Tests

• In government crash tests, the 2009 Sonata receives five out of a possible five stars for its protection of drivers and rear passengers in side crashes and earns a four-star rollover rating. It has not been crash tested for front-impact collisions.
• The 2008 Sonata received a "Good" rating, the highest possible, from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety for its performance in frontal offset tests, but an "Acceptable," the second-highest rating, for its performance in side impact crash tests.

Safety Features

Some of the 2009 Sonata's safety features include anti-lock brakes, six air bags, adjustable head restraints and electronic stability control.

• "As before, the '09 Sonata comes with an impressive list of standard safety equipment including stability control and front-, side-, and curtain airbags." -- Car and Driver
• "Stability control with traction control is standard on all models to keep you in contact with the road and prevent unplanned detours from a straight line." -- Chicago Tribune
• "Outward visibility is good, although some will find the wide C-pillars constrict quick, over-the-shoulder traffic checks for lane changing." -- New Car Test Drive