Hyundai Sonata
1999-2005 modelsresults also apply to: 2001-06 Kia Optima built before October 2005
MODERATE OVERLAP FRONT TEST
OVERALL EVALUATION:
| Structure/safety cage | Injury measures | Restraints/dummy kinematics | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Head/neck | Chest | Leg/foot, left | Leg/foot, right | ||
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Important: Frontal crash test ratings can be compared only among vehicles of similar weight.
Good
Acceptable
Marginal
Poor
Test details:
The Hyundai Sonata was redesigned for the 1999 model year, and the Kia Optima was introduced in the 2001 model year. The Sonata was again redesigned for 2006, but the Kia Optima remained unchanged for the early part of the 2006 model year (2006 cars manufactured before October 2005). Therefore the ratings listed here also apply to early 2006 Optimas.
Restraints/dummy kinematics — Dummy movement was well controlled. During rebound, the dummy's head hit the B-pillar and roof rail.
Injury measures — Measures taken from the head, neck, and chest indicate low risk of injuries to these body regions in a crash of this severity. Forces on both tibias indicate that injuries to the lower legs would be possible. Head acceleration from the B-pillar hit was low.
Left to right:
- Action shot taken during the frontal offset crash test.
- Buckling of the roof rail and rearward movement of the instrument panel indicate the driver's survival space wasn't maintained well.
- Footwell intrusion contributed to the possibility of injury to both legs.
- At full vertical adjustment, the front head restraints are high enough and close enough to the back of the head for adequate geometry. However, in the Institute's rear end crash test, 2001 and later models received only a Poor rating.
Additional features:
- Side airbags: front seat-mounted combination head and torso airbags
- Antilock brakes (optional)
Tested vehicle specifications:
- 1999 Hyundai Sonata 4-door
- Class: Midsize moderately priced car
- Weight: 3,131 lbs.
- Side airbags: front seat-mounted combination head and torso airbags
- Wheelbase: 106 in.
- Length: 185 in.
- Width: 71 in.
- Engine: 2.4 L 4-cylinder
- EPA ratings: 21 mpg city | 28 mpg highway
