The refreshed 2018 Sonata unveiled in Seoul, South Korea, today aims to shelter the popular midsize from accusations of “safe” or “boring” styling. While the sedan’s flanks are easily recognized, the previous model’s this-won’t-offend-anyone front fascia has given way to a wholly new design.
Unlike the 2014-2017 model, the new Sonata’s grille follows a trend set by its smaller stablemates, opening wide and filling the center of its face. While the existing Sonata Hybrid already ventured in this direction, the 2018 update brings a cleaner, more cohesive look. Sport models see a mesh-filled grill, with others making do with familiar chrome bars.
Completing the front-end makeover are vertically stacked LED running lights and a sculpted hood. Out back, the Sonata’s taillights continue the diagonal motif established by the smaller Elantra.
