OREANDA-NEWS. July 10, 2015. The 2015 Hyundai Sonata earned the top mark in the midsize sedan category in AutoPacific’s 19th annual Vehicle Satisfaction Awards for its outstanding quality. In addition, Hyundai ranked within the top three mainstream brands in owner satisfaction.

“Today, there are many midsize sedans for shoppers to choose from, but the Sonata stands out in the crowded segment for satisfying owners from interior comfort and styling to fuel economy and performance,” said Brandon Ramirez, senior group manager, product planning, Hyundai Motor America. “The Sonata achieves the highest customer experience with its quality combined with value, technology, design and safety.”

The Vehicle Satisfaction Awards are based on survey responses from more than 66,000 owners of new 2015 model-year cars and light trucks. The annual survey measures owner satisfaction on 50 separate attributes. These awards identify the most satisfying vehicles on the market and are an industry benchmark that measures how satisfied owners are with their new vehicle.

“Hyundai is continually improving owner satisfaction in key areas like reliability and quality, yet it is also hitting the mark with safety, braking, handling, styling and seat comfort, not to mention a very satisfying warranty program,” said George Peterson, president, AutoPacific.

The seventh-generation 2015 Sonata offers a more refined look through a new Fluidic Sculpture design language, stiffer body structure, enhanced ride quality, reduced noise, vibration and harshness and more convenience features. No longer reserved for luxury cars, advanced safety technologies such as Forward Collision Warning, Blind Spot Detection, Rear Cross Traffic Alert and a Lane Departure Warning System are all available in this midsize sedan. Furthermore, the Sonata’s smart trunk gives owners a convenient hands-free way to open the trunk while keeping both feet firmly planted on the ground, so putting items away is easier and more convenient. The owner simply needs to approach the Sonata’s trunk with the key fob in a purse or pocket and wait three seconds. The trunk will automatically open, making it easy to place items inside when hands are full. Sonata truly democratizes the premium design and convenient technology of the Genesis sedan for the mid-size class.

AUTOPACIFIC

AutoPacific is a future-oriented automotive marketing and product-consulting firm. Every year AutoPacific publishes a wide variety of syndicated studies on the automotive industry. The firm also conducts extensive proprietary research and consulting for auto manufacturers, distributors, marketers and suppliers worldwide. Company headquarters are in Tustin, Calif., with an affiliate office in the Detroit area. Additional information about AutoPacific and the Vehicle Satisfaction Awards can be found on AutoPacific's websites: www.autopacific.com and www.vehiclevoice.com.