In this article 12 sections
The 2015 Hyundai Sonata Sport is a midsize sedan now bought only used. This review covers its engines, EPA mpg, features, safety ratings, NHTSA recalls, the Theta II engine issue and what to check before buying one.
The 2015 Hyundai Sonata Sport Sport was the sporty-looking grade of the seventh-generation Sonata, offered with a 2.4L engine or as the Sport 2.0T with a 245-hp turbo. It has a roomy cabin for its class.
Features include a touchscreen audio system, Bluetooth and a rearview camera.
2015 Hyundai Sonata Sport Overview
The 2015 Hyundai Sonata Sport was a mid-level grade with sportier styling than the SE.
Styling
The 2015 Sonata Sport has a sportier front fascia than lower grades.
Key exterior features:
- LED running lights for daytime
- Chrome accents.
- 17-inch alloy wheels.
- Rear spoiler.
The dashboard layout is simple and easy to use.
| Notes | Describe |
|---|---|
| Seats | Supportive |
| Dashboard | Simple layout |
| Interior trim | Sport-specific accents |
Performance at a Glance
The 2015 Hyundai Sonata Sport came with a 185-hp 2.4-liter engine or, in the Sport 2.0T, a 245-hp turbo engine,
Some performance moments (Sport 2.0T) are:
- Engine with 245 horsepower.
- 260 lb-ft of torque
- Six-speed automatic transmission.
- Sport-tuned suspension.
The EPA rates the 2.4-liter at 24 mpg city and 36 highway, and the Sport 2.0T at 22 city and 31 highway.
NHTSA rates the 2015 Sonata 5 stars overall.
Exterior Features
Here are the Sport’s exterior details.
Design
The 2015 Hyundai Sonata Sport has clean, smooth lines.
The front grille is prominent, with chrome details and a rear spoiler.
Side mirrors have integrated turn signals, and 17-inch alloy wheels are standard on the 2.4L Sport.
Lighting
The Sport has projector headlights.
LED daytime running lights and LED taillights are fitted.
Fog lights help in poor weather.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Front Grille | Chrome accents. |
| Alloy wheels | 17-inch wheels (18-inch on the 2.0T) that add a sporty look |
| Projector headlights | Good night-time visibility. |
| LED Tail Lights | Visible from behind. |
| Fog Lights | Help in bad weather. |
Comfort Inside
The 2015 Hyundai Sonata Sport offers a comfortable ride for its class.
Cabin Space
The cabin has generous room for the driver and passengers, including good rear-seat space.
The trunk is large for the class, and the rear seats fold for longer items.
Infotainment
The Sonata Sport has a touchscreen audio system, with navigation on some packages.
- You can play your favorite songs wirelessly if you have Bluetooth.
- Android Auto was added to navigation-equipped 2015 Sonatas by a later software update; Apple CarPlay arrived on later model years.
- USB port for charging and audio.
Physical buttons make settings easy to change.
| Notes | What it does |
|---|---|
| Touchscreen display | Simple controls |
| Connectivity via Bluetooth | Calling hands-free and streaming music |
| Android Auto (via update, navigation models) | Smartphone projection |
| USB Ports | Charging and connecting your device |
Performance and Engine
Here are the Sonata Sport’s engines and EPA ratings.
Engine Specifications
The Sonata Sport’s base engine is a 2.4-liter inline-four. It produces 185 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque. It uses a 6-speed automatic.
Here are some of the most important engine specs for the Sport 2.0T:
- Engine: Inline-4, 1998 cc, dohc 16V, Direct Injection Intercooled Turbo, D-CVVT, Shiftronic 6-speed AT.
- Max power: 245 bhp @ 6000 rpm.
- Max torque: 260 lb ft @ 1350-4000 rpm.
- Fuel: regular unleaded gasoline is fine for both engines.
- EPA rating: 22 mpg city, 31 highway, 26 combined.
Fuel Economy
The 2.4-liter gets an EPA-rated 24 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway. Its combined rating is 28 mpg; the Sport 2.0T is rated 26 combined.
Here is a quick look at the two.
| Driving (2.4L) | EPA MPG |
|---|---|
| City | 24 |
| Highway | 36 |
| Combined | 28 |
Safety
Here are the 2015 Sonata Sport’s safety features and ratings.
Driver-Assistance Features
Available features include:
- Blind Spot Detection: This feature lets you know when a car is in your blind spot.
- The lane departure warning lets you know if you stray from your lane without signaling.
- Rearview Camera: This feature enables you to see clearly behind your car when you are backing up.
- Forward Collision Warning: Available on upper trims, it warns you of a possible frontal crash.
Crash-Test Ratings
NHTSA gave the 2015 Sonata a 5-star overall rating, with these scores:
| Test | Scores |
|---|---|
| Frontal Crash | 5 Stars |
| Side Crash | 5 Stars |
| Rollover | 4 Stars |
Driving Experience
The Sport has firmer suspension tuning than the SE, aimed at sharper handling.
Handling
Sport-tuned dampers give it more body control than lower grades. It is a comfortable family sedan rather than a true sports sedan.
Ride Quality
The ride is firmer than the SE but still comfortable, and the cabin is reasonably quiet.
| Notes | Describe |
|---|---|
| Suspension tuned for sport | Better control and stability |
| Steering | Responsive |
| Seats | Supportive for long drives |
| Insulating the cabin | Cuts down on road noise. |
| Good stopping power | Strong for unexpected stops. |
| Climate control | Easy to use |
Technology
Here is the 2015 Sonata Sport’s connectivity.
Smartphone Connectivity
The Sonata Sport can be connected to your smartphone by Bluetooth and USB, and navigation models later gained Android Auto through a software update. This makes it easy to connect your phone and access your favorite apps.
- Play the music on your phone.
- Hands-free calling.
- Traffic information on navigation-equipped cars.
Navigation
Navigation was available on some packages, with turn-by-turn directions.
| Notes | What it does |
|---|---|
| Traffic information | Helps avoid traffic jams. |
| Points of interest | Find nearby restaurants and gas stations. |
| Voice commands | Hands-free control. |
The Sonata Sport also has tools that help the driver. These tools improve safety and ease of use while driving.
- Blind Spot Detection (available)
- Rearview camera
- Lane Departure Warning (available)
Ownership and Maintenance
Here is what to know about warranty and maintenance.
Warranty
When new, the 2015 Sonata came with this coverage (most of it has now expired):
| What Kind of Warranty | How long |
|---|---|
| Basic / Powertrain Warranty | 5-year/60,000-mile basic; 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain (original owner) |
| Parts and Accessories Limited Warranty | 12-month/12,000-mile |
| Performance Warranty | 8-year/80,000 |
| Help on the Roadside | 5 years, unlimited miles |
The 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty applied to the original owner only. Separately, the Theta II engine settlement (below) can extend engine coverage.
Maintenance Tips
Follow the owner’s manual schedule. Typical items include:
- Change the oil on schedule; oil level checks are especially important on Theta II engines.
- Rotate the tires regularly.
- Check the brake fluid.
- Check the air filter.
- Replace spark plugs at the interval in the manual.
Keep receipts: maintenance records help support any engine warranty or settlement claim.
Buying a Used 2015 Hyundai Sonata Sport? What to Check
Every 2015 Sonata is now more than ten years old, so condition and records matter more than options.
NHTSA recalls
NHTSA lists nine recall campaigns for the 2015 Sonata. Not every car is affected. The main ones are:
- 14V368: front brake calipers may fracture (early production).
- 14V325: a poor wiring harness connection may reduce steering assist.
- 15V414: the front passenger seat belt buckle may not latch properly.
- 16V232: front air bag campaign.
- 16V726: sunroof assembly campaign.
- 15V678 and 17V359: ABS and parking brake warning lights may not work correctly.
- 21V749: Smart Junction Box software may affect the turn signals.
- 14V784: incorrect axle shaft on certain 1.6L turbo models.
Run the VIN at NHTSA to confirm each repair.
Theta II engine settlement
The 2.4L and 2.0T engines are Theta II GDI engines. Hyundai’s October 2019 investor document on its U.S. class settlement lists 2011-2019 Sonatas with Theta II GDI and Theta II Turbo GDI engines as covered, built around the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) software update and extended engine coverage for connecting-rod bearing failure (Hyundai settlement summary). Coverage terms and deadlines are set by the settlement and Hyundai’s campaigns, so confirm with a Hyundai dealer that the KSDS update was done and what engine coverage applies to the VIN. Note that the separate settlement at hma-e2settlement.com covers different engines (such as MPI and Nu GDI) and does not include the 2015 Sonata 2.4 GDI or 2.0T.
What changed after 2015
The Sonata is still sold. For 2026, the EPA lists a 2.5L Sonata with optional AWD, a 2.5L turbo and a Sonata Hybrid rated up to 51 mpg combined, far ahead of the 2015 model.
Practical checks
- Ask for oil-change records and check for engine knock or oil consumption.
- Check that the backup camera, ABS and turn signals work.
- Have a mechanic inspect brakes, suspension and tires on high-mileage cars.
FAQs
Is the Hyundai Sonata Sport 2015 a good car?
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Is Bluetooth built into the 2015 Hyundai Sonata Sport?
Does the 2015 Hyundai Sonata have recalls?
Is the 2015 Sonata covered by the Theta II engine settlement?
The Bottom Line
The 2015 Hyundai Sonata Sport is a roomy, affordable used midsize sedan with a 5-star NHTSA rating. Before buying, check the nine NHTSA recalls, confirm the Knock Sensor Detection System update and look for full maintenance records.
Related guides: our sedan guide. You may also like 2027 Honda Civic Type R.
Specs, prices and safety ratings change between model years and trims. Verify them for the exact 2015 Hyundai you are considering:
Sources
- FuelEconomy.gov: 2015 Hyundai Sonata EPA ratings
- NHTSA: 2015 Hyundai Sonata ratings and recalls
- Hyundai USA: warranty coverage
Morgan Reyes is the founder and editor-in-chief of NextCarReview, which Morgan launched in August 2024. A 2022 graduate of Columbia University, Morgan is based in New York and writes and edits the site’s reviews, comparisons and buying guides. Morgan does not road-test vehicles. Every article is built from published primary data: EPA FuelEconomy.gov ratings, NHTSA crash ratings, recalls and owner complaints, IIHS results, and manufacturer specifications and pricing, with each figure cited and checked before publication. Contact: admin@nextcarreview.com
