The Hyundai Sonata IV (EF series), particularly the facelifted version introduced in 2001, represented a significant step forward for the South Korean automaker in the mid-size sedan segment. Produced from 2001 to 2004, the EF Sonata aimed to compete directly with established Japanese and American rivals. The 2.0 16V GLS model, generating 131 horsepower, was positioned as a mainstream offering within the lineup, balancing affordability with a reasonable level of equipment. This variant was primarily targeted at family buyers seeking a comfortable and reliable vehicle, and it played a key role in establishing Hyundai’s growing reputation for value in the North American and European markets.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Hyundai |
| Model | Sonata |
| Generation | Sonata IV (EF, facelift 2001) |
| Type (Engine) | 2.0 16V GLS (131 Hp) |
| Start of production | 2001 |
| End of production | 2004 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Sedan |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 12.4 l/100 km (19 US mpg, 22.8 UK mpg, 8.1 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 7.1 l/100 km (33.1 US mpg, 39.8 UK mpg, 14.1 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 9 l/100 km (26.1 US mpg, 31.4 UK mpg, 11.1 km/l) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 10.9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 10.9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 10.4 sec |
| Maximum speed | 200 km/h (124.27 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 3 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 10.9 kg/Hp, 92.1 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 8 kg/Nm, 125.1 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 131 Hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Power per litre | 65.6 Hp/l |
| Torque | 178 Nm @ 4500 rpm (131.29 lb.-ft. @ 4500 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | Sirius II / G4JP |
| Engine displacement | 1997 cm3 (121.86 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 85 mm (3.35 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 88 mm (3.46 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 10:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 4.3 l (4.54 US qt | 3.78 UK qt) |
| Coolant capacity | 6 l (6.34 US qt | 5.28 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1423 kg (3137.18 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2020 kg (4453.34 lbs.) |
| Max load | 597 kg (1316.16 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 430 l (15.19 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 65 l (17.17 US gal | 14.3 UK gal) |
| Length | 4747 mm (186.89 in.) |
| Width | 1820 mm (71.65 in.) |
| Height | 1422 mm (55.98 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2700 mm (106.3 in.) |
| Front track | 1540 mm (60.63 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1530 mm (60.24 in.) |
| Drag coefficient (Cd) | 0.32 |
| Minimum turning circle | 11.2 m (36.75 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | ICE, Front wheel drive |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 5 gears, manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Independent, type McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar |
| Rear suspension | Independent multi-link suspension |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 205/65 R15 |
| Wheel rims size | 15 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the 2.0 GLS Sonata was the Hyundai Sirius II engine, designated G4JP. This 1.997-liter inline-four cylinder engine featured a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain with four valves per cylinder. The engine utilized a multi-port fuel injection system, delivering fuel directly into the intake ports. The 10:1 compression ratio was a standard figure for the time, balancing performance and fuel efficiency. The engine produced 131 horsepower at 6000 rpm and 178 Nm (131.29 lb-ft) of torque at 4500 rpm. This engine was paired with a 5-speed manual transmission as standard. The Sirius II engine was known for its relatively simple design, contributing to its overall reliability. It wasn’t a particularly groundbreaking engine in terms of technology, but it provided adequate power for everyday driving.
Driving Characteristics
The 2.0L GLS Sonata with the 5-speed manual offered adequate, though not exhilarating, performance. Acceleration from 0-60 mph took around 10.4 seconds, making it competitive with other mid-size sedans of the era. The engine felt somewhat strained at higher RPMs, and the power delivery was fairly linear. The 5-speed manual transmission was well-matched to the engine’s characteristics, allowing drivers to keep the engine in its optimal power band. Compared to the more powerful V6 options available on the Sonata, the 2.0L felt noticeably less responsive. However, it provided a more fuel-efficient and affordable alternative. The suspension provided a comfortable ride, prioritizing smoothness over sporty handling.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The GLS trim level represented a mid-range offering in the Sonata lineup. Standard features typically included air conditioning, power windows and locks, a basic audio system, and cloth upholstery. Optional extras could include a sunroof, upgraded audio system, and alloy wheels. The interior design was functional and straightforward, with a focus on practicality. The GLS trim aimed to provide a good balance of features and value, appealing to a broad range of buyers. Safety features were relatively basic for the time, typically including dual front airbags and ABS brakes.
Chassis & Braking
The Sonata IV utilized a front-wheel-drive layout with an independent McPherson strut suspension in the front and an independent multi-link suspension in the rear. This suspension setup provided a comfortable ride quality, absorbing bumps and irregularities in the road effectively. The front brakes were ventilated discs, while the rear brakes were solid discs. ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) was standard, enhancing braking performance and stability. The steering was a rack-and-pinion system with hydraulic power assistance, providing a reasonably responsive steering feel.
Market Reception & Comparison
The 2.0L GLS Sonata was generally well-received by critics as a solid and reliable family sedan. It was praised for its spacious interior, comfortable ride, and competitive price. However, some reviewers noted that the engine lacked the refinement and power of some of its Japanese competitors. Fuel economy was considered to be average for the class. Compared to the V6-powered Sonata models, the 2.0L GLS offered significantly better fuel economy but at the expense of performance. It was often seen as a sensible choice for buyers prioritizing value and practicality over outright performance.
Legacy
The Hyundai Sonata IV, and specifically the 2.0L GLS variant, played a crucial role in establishing Hyundai as a credible player in the mid-size sedan market. The Sirius II engine proved to be a durable and reliable powerplant, and many examples are still on the road today. While not particularly collectible, these Sonatas are often sought after as affordable and dependable transportation. The 2.0L GLS model represents a sweet spot in the lineup, offering a good balance of features, fuel economy, and reliability. Its success helped pave the way for Hyundai’s continued growth and improvement in subsequent generations of the Sonata.
