2017 Hyundai Sonata Sport: A Visual Review

Hey car enthusiasts, let's dive into the sleek world of the 2017 Hyundai Sonata Sport. If you're on the hunt for a stylish, reliable, and fun-to-drive sedan that won't break the bank, you've probably stumbled upon this gem. We're going to take a deep dive into what makes the 2017 Sonata Sport stand out, focusing on its visual appeal and the key features that made it a popular choice back in the day and even today for used car buyers. Get ready to feast your eyes on this handsome ride!

Exterior Elegance: Making a Statement on the Road

First impressions matter, guys, and the 2017 Hyundai Sonata Sport definitely makes one. Hyundai really stepped up their design game with this generation, and the Sport trim is where it all comes together. You'll notice that signature hexagonal grille, now looking sharper and more integrated with the aggressive headlights. The lines of the 2017 Sonata Sport are smooth and flowing, giving it a sophisticated yet sporty profile. It's not overly flashy, but it has a presence that says, "I've arrived."

One of the standout features of the Sport trim is the unique badging and exterior accents. Think subtle chrome detailing, a sport-tuned suspension that gives it a slightly lower stance, and let's not forget those gorgeous alloy wheels. These aren't just any wheels; they're designed to complement the car's athletic look and make it stand out from the base models. The 2017 Sonata Sport images really capture this; you can see the way the light hits the sculpted body panels, highlighting its dynamism. Whether you're looking at it from the front, side, or rear, the design is cohesive and pleasing to the eye. The rear end gets some love too, with a sportier bumper design and integrated dual exhaust tips that hint at the performance within. It’s a car that looks good from every angle, making it a solid choice if you value aesthetics in your daily driver. The bold design choices on the 2017 Sonata Sport really set it apart in a crowded segment, offering a blend of elegance and sportiness that appeals to a wide range of drivers. It’s a testament to Hyundai’s commitment to evolving their design language and delivering vehicles that are not only functional but also visually striking. When you compare it to other sedans of its era, the Sonata Sport holds its own, often exceeding expectations with its premium appearance and thoughtful detailing. The exterior styling of the 2017 Hyundai Sonata Sport is a key selling point, providing a compelling reason for many buyers to choose it over competitors. Even now, years later, the design remains largely relevant and attractive, speaking volumes about its timeless appeal. The available color options for the 2017 Sonata Sport also add to its visual appeal, offering choices that can further enhance its sporty or sophisticated character depending on your preference. From vibrant reds to classic blacks and sophisticated silvers, there’s a shade to match every personality. The headlight and taillight design on the 2017 Sonata Sport are particularly noteworthy, featuring modern graphics and LED elements that give it a premium, high-tech look, especially when illuminated at night. These details contribute significantly to the overall curb appeal and reinforce the Sport trim's elevated status within the Sonata lineup. The wheel designs for the 2017 Sonata Sport are also a crucial element of its visual identity, with the Sport trim typically offering larger, more intricate alloy wheel designs that are a significant step up from the base models. These wheels not only enhance the car's stance but also contribute to its overall athletic and refined appearance, making the 2017 Sonata Sport a standout choice for those who appreciate a well-designed vehicle.

Interior Comfort and Tech: A Cozy Cockpit

Slide inside the 2017 Hyundai Sonata Sport, and you'll find an interior that perfectly matches the exterior's blend of sportiness and refinement. Hyundai's interior design is all about functionality and comfort, and the Sonata Sport is no exception. The driver-focused cockpit puts everything within easy reach, making your driving experience more enjoyable and less distracting. You'll immediately notice the quality of the materials used. While it’s not a luxury car, the 2017 Sonata Sport interior feels surprisingly upscale, with soft-touch plastics, well-stitched upholstery, and neat finishes throughout.

The Sport trim often comes with upgraded seats that offer better bolstering, keeping you comfortable and secure on longer drives or spirited runs. The infotainment system is intuitive and easy to use, typically featuring a touchscreen display that integrates your music, navigation (if equipped), and phone connectivity. Bluetooth is standard, of course, allowing for seamless hands-free calls and audio streaming. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were becoming more common around this time, and depending on the specific package, the 2017 Sonata Sport might offer these fantastic features, bringing your smartphone experience right into the car's display.

Think about those long road trips, guys. The spacious cabin offers ample legroom and headroom for both front and rear passengers, making it a great choice for families or if you often carpool. The trunk space is also generous, easily swallowing luggage, groceries, or sports equipment. The quiet ride is another highlight; Hyundai did a great job insulating the cabin from road and wind noise, allowing for relaxed conversations or enjoying your favorite tunes. The ergonomics are spot-on, with logically placed controls for climate, audio, and driving modes. This attention to detail in the 2017 Sonata Sport's cabin creates an environment that is both comfortable and convenient, enhancing the overall ownership experience. The dashboard layout of the 2017 Sonata Sport is clean and modern, with clear instrumentation that's easy to read at a glance. The steering wheel controls are well-integrated, allowing you to manage various functions without taking your hands off the wheel, which is a huge plus for safety and convenience. Storage solutions within the cabin, such as cup holders, door pockets, and a center console bin, are practical and thoughtfully designed, ensuring you have a place for all your essentials. The quality of the audio system in the 2017 Sonata Sport, especially in higher trims or with optional packages, can be quite impressive, delivering clear and rich sound for your listening pleasure. The cabin climate control is efficient and easy to adjust, ensuring a comfortable temperature year-round, with features like dual-zone automatic climate control available on some models. The visibility from the driver's seat is excellent, thanks to the well-designed pillars and large windows, contributing to a confident and safe driving experience. The seat comfort and adjustability for the 2017 Sonata Sport are significant factors, with supportive seats that make long journeys much more bearable. The driver's seat often includes power adjustments for lumbar support and position, allowing you to find the perfect driving posture. The rear seat space in the 2017 Sonata Sport is also generous, offering a comfortable ride for adult passengers, which is a big win for a mid-size sedan. The overall fit and finish inside the 2017 Sonata Sport speak to Hyundai's growing reputation for quality craftsmanship, making it feel more premium than its price point might suggest.

Performance and Handling: A Balanced Drive

Now, let's talk about what it's like to actually drive the 2017 Hyundai Sonata Sport. Under the hood, you'll typically find a capable engine that provides a good balance of power and fuel efficiency. The Sport trim often gets a slightly more potent engine option compared to the base models, giving you that extra pep when you need it. Acceleration is smooth and responsive, making merging onto the highway or overtaking slower traffic feel effortless.

The handling of the 2017 Sonata Sport is where the "Sport" in its name really comes into play. While it’s not a track-day machine, Hyundai engineers tuned the suspension to offer a more engaging driving experience than the standard Sonata. You'll appreciate the confidence-inspiring grip around corners, with minimal body roll. The steering is precise and communicative, giving you a good feel for what the front wheels are doing.

For everyday driving, it’s supremely comfortable. The ride quality is well-sorted, absorbing bumps and imperfections in the road without feeling harsh. This means you can enjoy your commute without being jostled around. The braking system is strong and reliable, providing peace of mind. Whether you're navigating city streets or cruising on the open road, the 2017 Sonata Sport delivers a balanced and enjoyable performance. It’s the kind of car that makes you look forward to driving. The engine options for the 2017 Sonata Sport typically include a naturally aspirated four-cylinder, known for its reliability and efficiency, and potentially a turbocharged option in some configurations, offering a significant boost in power and torque for those seeking a more dynamic driving experience. The transmission in the 2017 Sonata Sport is usually a smooth-shifting automatic, designed to maximize both performance and fuel economy, making for a seamless power delivery. Fuel economy ratings for the 2017 Sonata Sport are generally very competitive within its class, making it an economical choice for daily commuting and longer journeys, helping you save money at the pump. The driving modes available on the 2017 Sonata Sport (like Eco, Normal, and Sport) allow you to tailor the car's performance characteristics to your mood or driving conditions, further enhancing its versatility. The suspension tuning on the 2017 Sonata Sport provides a notable difference from the standard models, offering a firmer yet still comfortable ride that enhances handling without sacrificing everyday usability. The steering feel of the 2017 Sonata Sport is often praised for its directness and responsiveness, contributing to a more engaging driving experience and making the car feel agile and nimble. The brake performance of the 2017 Sonata Sport is robust and consistent, providing confident stopping power in various driving scenarios, adding to the overall sense of security. The noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) levels in the 2017 Sonata Sport are well-controlled, leading to a quiet and refined cabin experience, even at highway speeds, which is a significant factor for comfort during longer drives. The performance upgrades specific to the Sport trim differentiate it from other Sonata models, often including unique suspension components, sportier exterior styling, and sometimes even performance-oriented tires, all contributing to a more engaging drive.

Technology and Safety: Staying Connected and Protected

In today's world, technology and safety are paramount, and the 2017 Hyundai Sonata Sport doesn't disappoint. As we touched on with the interior, the infotainment system is a major plus. Even the standard systems usually offer essential connectivity features like Bluetooth and USB ports. If you're lucky, you might find a model equipped with the navigation system, which is typically user-friendly and integrated seamlessly into the dashboard.

Advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) were becoming more prevalent in 2017, and the Sonata Sport was available with some impressive tech. Depending on the trim level and options, you could find features like blind-spot detection, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, and even adaptive cruise control. These aren't just fancy gadgets; they genuinely enhance safety and reduce driver fatigue, especially on long highway stretches. Backup cameras are also common, making parking and reversing much easier and safer.

Safety ratings for the 2017 Sonata Sport were generally very good, reflecting Hyundai's commitment to occupant protection. It typically earned top marks in crash tests conducted by organizations like the IIHS and NHTSA. This means you can drive with confidence, knowing that the vehicle is designed to keep you and your passengers safe in the event of an accident. The standard safety features usually include a comprehensive suite of airbags, electronic stability control, and anti-lock brakes. The available safety technologies on the 2017 Sonata Sport significantly elevate its appeal, offering peace of mind and a more secure driving experience for both the driver and passengers. The integration of smartphone platforms like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in the 2017 Sonata Sport, while not standard on all trims, transforms the infotainment experience, providing seamless access to apps, navigation, and communication tools. The user-friendliness of the infotainment system in the 2017 Sonata Sport is a key advantage, with clear menus and responsive touch controls that make it easy to operate without distraction. The quality of the sound system in the 2017 Sonata Sport varies by trim, but even the standard audio setup is usually quite competent, with optional premium sound systems offering a richer listening experience for audiophiles. The advanced lighting options, such as HID headlights or LED daytime running lights available on certain trims of the 2017 Sonata Sport, not only enhance visibility but also contribute to the car's modern and sophisticated aesthetic. The overall safety performance of the 2017 Sonata Sport, as evidenced by its crash test scores, makes it a highly recommendable option for safety-conscious buyers looking for a reliable and secure family sedan. The availability of features like a panoramic sunroof on higher trims of the 2017 Sonata Sport adds to the interior ambiance, making the cabin feel more open and airy, which is a desirable feature for many car buyers. The connectivity options beyond just Bluetooth, such as satellite radio and additional USB ports, further enhance the convenience and entertainment options within the 2017 Sonata Sport's cabin.

Conclusion: A Smart Choice for a Stylish Sedan

So, there you have it, guys! The 2017 Hyundai Sonata Sport is more than just a pretty face. It offers a compelling package of stylish design, comfortable and tech-savvy interior, balanced performance, and robust safety features.

If you're in the market for a used sedan that delivers excellent value, the 2017 Sonata Sport should definitely be on your radar. It represents a sweet spot in the market – sophisticated enough for daily commutes, practical enough for families, and sporty enough to keep driving fun. Check out some 2017 Hyundai Sonata Sport images and see for yourself why this car continues to be a smart choice for discerning drivers. It’s a testament to Hyundai’s ability to produce vehicles that are not only reliable but also incredibly appealing on multiple levels.