Now that I'm living again in Seoul, I've had the chance to see the newest redesigned Sonata and Tucson on the streets here. I gotta tell ya...if you're thinking about a Sonata, you may want to get the current generation model. I don't bash car styling if it serves a purpose, but I just can't seem to find a purpose for the styling of the new Sonata and Tucson.
The new Sonata is not pretty, at least to my eyes. I haven't seen any that have been actually bought by people...the only ones I've seen on the streets here in Seoul have been taxis. I don't know if people aren't buying them because of the looks or because of availability, but it's just not a pretty car to my eyes. It strikes me as totally overwrought, and kind of edgy and droopy all at once. It seems like Hyundai was going for a Korean interpretation of the VW CC (which is a VW interpretation of the Benz CLS). Something got lost in translation to Korean. Think of what the love child of a VW CC and a Toyota Camry Solara would look like, and you're in the ballpark. I'd leave the ballpark.
The Tucson looks better in person than in pictures. At least with the Tucson, those droopy / edgy lines on the sides can be somewhat hidden with darker colors.
The new Kia Sorento looks good though. Clean lines, and a nice update from the current Sorento.
I hope for Kia's sake that they don't succumb to Hyundai's new looks...Kia will be better off if they stay away!
If you haven't seen them, take a look. Just put down your drink first and have a rag handy for clean-up of what is likely come spewing out of your mouth.
The All-New 2011 Hyundai Sonata: The 4-door Coupe | Hyundai
The All-New 2010 Hyundai Tucson: Innovation Unboxed | Hyundai
Kia Cars, SUV, Minivans, & Future Vehicles - Kia Motors America