RYKR

Car looks odd ... the proportions looks off with the long front overhang and the headlights looks longer than the wheel opening

-J-P-L-

Swoopy styling never ages well. Saw that coming from the start. Just look at how good the sister Optima looks with its classic lines. The Optima will look good for years to come while Hyundai's lineup will look increasingly awkward sooner than later.

Lots of people complain about how sedate the Camry, Accord, and Passat is, but history keeps proving that these models always look better than the rest after 15, 20 years. Trendy design exercises usually look ridiculous 10, 15 years later.

Lex2InfiN

I agree with this. Based on these spy shots, it does not look like a cohesive design at all. Will be interesting to see some pics of the rear and how that's evolved from the current model.

GFerg

yowps3

It's not as radical as the current Sonata, but that ain't necessarily a bad thing.
Buy what is good about this & the Optima is the 2.0t motor under the hood. Easily one of the best turbocharged engines available. Strong internals with sophisticated design make for a good power plant.

yowps3

Merry Xmas

Hoovey689

iTrader: (16)

While the exterior might not be as revolutionary, if the interior is similar to this sketch then that will be the biggest change essentially

Lex2InfiN

Wow, that actually doesn't look bad at all. I was expecting to see a more evolutionary sloping back end based on the side shots, but they squared off the rear to match the new front. Definitely has a different feel than the current generation. Still appears a little slopey from the side angle, but I'll reserve judgement on that until I see official pics. Wonder what this new Sonata will do to Azera sales, which already looks dated in my opinion.

Fizzboy7

Seeing a lot of different looks with the above photos, so it's hard to commit to a judgement. So far, I'd say the current model is softer and swoppier, while the new one is harder-edged and more angular. Since round is out and angular/boxy is in, I'm not surprised. Interior dash design kind of has a retro-Subaru/Honda look to it. Plain, from the 90's, and breaking no new territory.

Regarding this model, bare in mind there was no facelift for the current car. That's odd, considering Hyundai is facelift/redesign-happy. So mark the current model as a missed opportunity to spur new sales w/o the cost of an entire redesign. Now, ever more screwy is the Optima just got a noticable facelift. So what are they going to do with that now that an all-new Sonata is appearing? Strange marketing from a company off in their own direction (for better or worse).

IS350jet

It looks like a mid cycle refresh to me too, but we all know it's not. This, from the article.
It's clearly a new model but Hyundai themselves have said the changes are not drastic, which is clear from these photos. I think it looks very nice.

bitkahuna

iTrader: (20)

looks promising but seems to have some optima elements, so the kia/hyundai brand distinctions might be getting blurred...

oldcajun

The grill looks like the new Genesis, so is likely the new corporate grill shape. I think this is an attractive car, but not as revolutionary as the current Sonata was when it was introduced.
Steve

-J-P-L-

Very odd to see Optima like (pre - face lift) tail lights. The Optima's tail lights were better and more distinct before this year's face lift and now they look kinda bland. And now they go put the shape on the Sonata. Go figure.

corradoMR2

Earlier pictures indicate a refresh A-pillar forward, but not sure anymore from the latest pics above. Regardless, the bug eyes are gone at least and I'm liking the more buttoned-down face.

Motor

Looks like a Ford Fusion and Taurus mash-up up front and side.