Hyundai Sonata II (Y2, facelift 1991) 3.0 GLS V6 (146 Hp) Automatic


Overall Rating

7.1 / 10
Safety N/A / 5
Not Rated
Engine 3.8 / 5
Value 4.0 / 5
Performance 3.6 / 5
Comfort 3.5 / 5
People\'s Opinion N/A / 5
Not Rated

Hyundai Sonata:

The Hyundai Sonata is a mid-size car that has been manufactured by Hyundai since 1985. The first generation Sonata, which was introduced in 1985, was a facelifted version of the Hyundai Stellar with an engine upgrade, and was withdrawn from the market in two years due to poor customer reaction. While the nameplate was originally only sold in South Korea, the second generation of 1988 was widely exported.
The Sonata is currently manufactured in South Korea, China, and Pakistan. It was named after the musical term, sonata. It was formerly manufactured in the United States from 2005 until 2022, though after 2022, American production was phased out....(Read more on Wikipedia)

II (Y2, facelift 1991) Overview:

Hyundai Sonata (II (Y2, facelift 1991)). With 231 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1366 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 10.7 s). The top speed reaches 191 km/h. A four-door car with a separate trunk, ideal for families and daily commuting. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.

3.0 GLS V6 (146 Hp) Automatic Verdict:

Rating 4 stars

Performance Verdict

The 3.0L V6 provides a smoother and more refined power delivery with 146 Hp. However, coupled with an automatic transmission, its 0-100 km/h acceleration (10.7 seconds) is only marginally better than the 2.0L, focusing more on comfort than outright speed.

Fuel Economy

As expected for a V6 with an automatic gearbox from this period, the combined fuel consumption of 10.2 l/100 km is significantly higher, making it a less economical option for regular commuting.

Best Use Case: Highway cruising / Comfort

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

  • • Good value for money compared to Japanese and European rivals
  • • Spacious interior and large trunk capacity (473L)
  • • Decent standard equipment for its price point
  • • Comfortable ride quality, especially on longer journeys
  • • Improving build quality and refinement over previous generations

Cons:

  • • Fuel economy of the V6 engine is relatively high
  • • Automatic transmission can feel sluggish
  • • Not as dynamically engaging as some competitors
  • • Perceived brand image still lagged behind established rivals
  • • Interior materials, while improved, could still feel less premium

Specifications:

Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(II (Y2, facelift 1991): 1991 - 1993).

General:
Brand:Hyundai
Model:Sonata
Generation:II (Y2, facelift 1991)
Modification (Engine):3.0 GLS V6 (146 Hp) Automatic
Start of production:1992
End of production:1993
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:Sedan
Seats:5
Doors:4
Engine:
Power:146 Hp @ 5000 rpm.
Power per litre:49.1 Hp/l
Torque:231 Nm @ 2400 rpm.
Engine displacement:2972
Number of cylinders:6
Engine configuration:V-engine
Number of valves per cylinder:2
Fuel injection system:Multi-port manifold injection
Engine aspiration:Naturally aspirated engine
Valvetrain:OHC
Engine layout:Front, Transverse
Cylinder Bore:91.1 mm mm
Piston Stroke:76 mm mm
Compression ratio:9:1
Performance:
Fuel Type:Petrol (Gasoline)
Fuel consumption (economy) - urban:13.3 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban:7.8 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - combined:10.2 l/100 km
Emission standard:Euro 1
Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h:10.7 sec
Acceleration 0 - 62 mph:10.7 sec
Maximum speed:191 km/h
Weight-to-power ratio:9.4 kg/Hp, 106.9 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:5.9 kg/Nm, 169.1 Nm/tonne
Acceleration 0 - 60 mph:10.2 sec
Space:
Kerb Weight:1366
Max. roof load:75 kg
Trunk (boot) space - minimum:473 l
Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%):1500 kg
Fuel tank capacity:65 l
Permitted trailer load without brakes:700 kg
Size:
Length:4680 mm mm [Same length.]
Width:1751 mm mm [Same width.]
Height:1408 mm mm [Same height.]
Wheelbase:2650 mm mm [Same wheelbase.]
Front track:1480 mm
Rear (Back) track:1460 mm
Powertrain:
Drivetrain ArchitectureThe Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle.
Drive wheelFront wheel drive
Number of gears4
Transmission typeAutomatic
Front brakesVentilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.]
Rear brakesVentilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.]
Assisting systemsABS (Anti-lock braking system)
Steering typeSteering rack and pinion
Power steeringHydraulic Steering
Tires size195/70 R14
Wheel rims size5.5J x 14
Front suspensionIndependent, type McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar
Rear suspensionCoil spring

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