2009 Hyundai Sonata Limited V6

With the 2009 Sonata V-6 Limited, Hyundai has delivered an inarguably competent midsize sedan -- now all Hyundai must do is make the car so overwhelmingly good that loyal Camry and Accord owners will have no choice but to take a look. Yes, it's a lot to ask, but we're starting to expect the unexpected from Hyundai, the automaker that brought you the Lexus-fighting Genesis sedan, Mustang-challenging Genesis coupe, and upcoming Equus flagship sedan.

The Sonata has little "wow" factor but is nevertheless a solid midsizer that's more cushy Camry than sporty Mazda6. When the Sonata was recently refreshed, Hyundai addressed one of the car's prime weak spots: the interior. Our navigation system-equipped tester featured a vastly improved high-quality interior with soft-touch materials in most of the important places. The wood trim that accompanied the gray leather was far too dark (avoid the gray leather and go for the lighter wood trim in these photos), but one's overall impression driving a loaded Sonata is positive and not one of disbelief that the car lists for around $28,000.