Alternating designs.

Smart plan. The pre facelift Optima was the sedate looking model, but now after the facelift the Optima looks more vulgar or 'sporty' and this new sonata is sedate.

 

Here's a look together.

Again, very odd that a redesign of the Sonata would end up looking like its 5 year old sibling in the rear.

 

Meh. The rear kinda looks like its Hyundai stablemates too though:

 

The Azera is good value for cash IMO. But the sales numbers are greatly lacking..

 

It is surprising that the Azera doesn't sell better. Its cousin the Cadenza is selling a bit better but not by much. Both seem to be good values, but consumers haven't warmed up to them.

 

everyone sees what they want to see. of course the shapes are similar, but the hyundai's lights stick out (vs. flush), the reverse lights are huge, and the whole back end is convex vs. concave.

 

I see all the differences of course, just observing the fact that the new Sonata will now look more like the older Optima (out back) than the current Sonata itself. A curious development.

 

It may look a bit like an Optima, but to me the rear looks a lot more like an A4/A6. I like it, looks a lot more premium than most mid size sedans. Someone said it may have a 7 speed DSG, so they may try to position it as a sportier option. If they tune the suspension accordingly, and give it a nicer steering feel, this may be at the top of the category. Overall looks very nice.

 

I think it looks good. Much more upscale looking than many cars in its class. On looks alone, I would probably choose this, even over the fusion which i consider to be the best looking

 

Over the Mazda6 as well? It looks good, but I think the Fusion and Mazda6 look better and certainly more inspired. This new Sonata looks more derivative, while oddly, the current Sonata was much more original.

 

Agree with all points

 

Yes the Mazda 6 looks good in the front but the rear looks off to me, like it sits too high. Its like the whole car starts sloping up as you move from the front to back

You can blame the angle of this photo, but in real life, it looks about the same. I think the problem is that the trunk panel slopes up again, does that make sense? the wheel gap in the rear doesn't help either.

 

That's one of the reasons it looks good!

 

I see tons of Mazda 6's and I personally don't like their shape.

The rear end of the new 6 is kind of copied from the current Sonata. But I prefer the way the Sonata looks. Cleaner, more elegant and better laid out.
Also the dual oval exhaust tips are very nice touches



I also don't mind the front;

 

I agree, the rear of the Mazda has something wrong. The bumper does not extend low enough and the taillights are too high up on the trunk. The higher models with larger wheels makes this stand out more.