The 2025 Hyundai Sonata with HTRAC: Re-evaluating a Midsize Contender’s All-Weather Appeal
For a decade, the midsize sedan segment has been a fiercely competitive arena, with manufacturers constantly vying for supremacy through innovation, refinement, and increasingly, expanded capability. As an industry veteran with ten years immersed in automotive evaluation, I’ve witnessed firsthand the evolution of these family-focused stalwarts. This year, the Hyundai Sonata enters the fray with a significant update, most notably the introduction of its HTRAC all-wheel-drive system on the SEL trim. This addition begs a crucial question: does the 2025 Hyundai Sonata HTRAC review signal a genuine step forward in its perennial battle for dominance, or is it merely a familiar face with a new trick up its sleeve?
The Hyundai Sonata has long been a compelling choice, known for its value proposition and increasingly sophisticated features. However, a notable absence in its lineup, particularly when compared to key rivals, has been the consistent availability of all-wheel drive. This has been a significant hurdle for prospective buyers in regions where inclement weather is a regular concern. Hyundai’s decision to integrate the 2025 Hyundai Sonata HTRAC system is a strategic move, aimed squarely at addressing this perceived gap and broadening the appeal of this well-established sedan. While the HTRAC system doesn’t fundamentally alter the driving dynamics to a revolutionary degree, it effectively serves its intended purpose: offering a more confident and secure option for those navigating snow, ice, or rain-slicked roads.
Beyond the functional enhancement of AWD, the Sonata has also undergone a notable styling revision. This update has proven to be a polarizing development within the automotive press and among our panel of judges. Opinions are sharply divided. On one side, there’s a segment that views the new design as a bold and refreshing departure from the previous generation’s more understated aesthetic. They laud its futuristic lines and modern sensibilities, with some design experts even proclaiming it a “significant improvement that looks fresh and futuristic.” Conversely, another faction finds the styling to be overly aggressive, even bordering on excessive. The sentiment here is that the design efforts might be somewhat overwrought, with some critics deeming it “utterly ridiculous” – a strong indictment indeed.
This stylistic divergence is particularly relevant when considering the Sonata’s powertrain. The base engine, a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated inline-four, produces a respectable 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque. While this output is generally considered adequate for daily commuting, the aggressive styling of the 2025 Hyundai Sonata SEL HTRAC seems to promise a level of performance that the engine struggles to consistently deliver. Feedback from our evaluation pointed towards a somewhat uninspired power delivery, often described as “wheezy,” and an eight-speed automatic transmission that, at times, seemed hesitant, lingering in lower to mid-range gears in an effort to maintain momentum. However, it’s important to acknowledge that for many buyers prioritizing practicality and fuel efficiency in a commuter sedan, this performance is more than acceptable. The question of refinement also arose, particularly when compared to competitors like the hybrid-only Toyota Camry, which also offers AWD and was present during our comprehensive testing. The Camry, with its inherent hybrid powertrain, offers a different and arguably more refined experience, especially when considering its impressive fuel economy figures.
Despite any reservations about its outright power, the Sonata SEL equipped with the HTRAC system generally impressed our judges with its chassis and suspension tuning. The ride quality was consistently described as well-balanced, avoiding the extremes of being overly soft and wallowy or excessively harsh over imperfect road surfaces. While it’s certainly not positioned as a sport sedan, the Sonata demonstrated capable handling characteristics during our track evaluation segments. Features Editor Christian Seabaugh noted, “The steering wheel loads up well through bends with great feel and feedback from the road, while its body roll is well-managed.” These observations suggest a competent and predictable platform, even when pushed.
Regarding the HTRAC system itself, Deputy Editor Alexander Stoklosa offered a keen insight: “The all-wheel drive is similar to the Camry’s e-AWD in its behavior. You can tell there’s more traction available, but on pavement, at least, that traction merely neutralizes some of the platform’s understeer.” This means that while the AWD system primarily contributes to enhanced grip and stability in slippery conditions, its on-road impact is more about mitigating inherent handling traits rather than transforming the car into a dynamic powerhouse. Ultimately, the true benefit of the 2025 Hyundai Sonata SEL HTRAC lies in its ability to instill confidence in owners facing adverse weather, removing a significant source of anxiety for those who feel the need for enhanced traction.
Stepping inside the Sonata, the interior experience is overwhelmingly positive. Judges found the cabin to be well-appointed and thoughtfully designed, featuring an intuitive instrument panel, a revised steering wheel and controls, and a prominent, wide, curved display housing Hyundai’s sophisticated infotainment system. The relocation of the gear selector to the steering column is a clever touch, freeing up valuable console space and contributing to a more open and airy feel. Overall, the consensus was that the updated Sonata remains a sensible and competent midsize sedan, and the addition of the HTRAC all-wheel-drive option undeniably enhances its appeal and utility, especially for those living in regions with challenging weather patterns.
Our comprehensive evaluation of the 2025 Hyundai Sonata HTRAC review was conducted as part of our rigorous 2025 Car of the Year (COTY) testing. This annual assessment scrutinizes each eligible vehicle across six critical criteria: efficiency, design, safety, engineering excellence, value, and performance of intended function. To qualify, vehicles must be either all-new or have undergone a significant revision, ensuring that our evaluations reflect the latest advancements and offerings in the automotive market. While the Sonata with HTRAC presented a strong case, particularly with its enhanced all-weather capability and refined interior, it ultimately faced stiff competition. The AWD Camry, for instance, scored higher against our established COTY criteria, a testament to its potent hybrid powertrain and exceptional fuel efficiency, making it a particularly compelling proposition for budget-conscious and environmentally aware buyers. This comparison highlights a crucial consideration for Hyundai: can they introduce a more efficient hybrid powertrain, potentially with AWD, to further elevate the Sonata’s standing in this competitive segment?
