2026 Hyundai Sonata Preferred-Trend AWD: Specs, Features & Pricing

The 2026 Sonata Preferred Trend AWD is Hyundai’s Canadian midsize sedan with a gasoline engine and standard HTRAC all-wheel drive. It pairs a well-equipped cabin with a conventional automatic. This guide covers Canadian specifications, safety, infotainment, pricing and alternatives.

2026 Sonata Preferred Trend AWD engine

A naturally aspirated 2.5-litre four-cylinder produces 191 hp and 181 lb-ft, paired with an eight-speed automatic and AWD. This is the regular gasoline configuration, rather than the hybrid or the turbocharged N Line. Its shift-by-wire selector is part of the cabin equipment.

An AWD badge does not make every Sonata powertrain equivalent. Confirm the engine and drivetrain together when comparing advertisements, especially when a dealer displays several versions with similar Preferred Trend names.

Models available in Canada

The 2026 Canadian choices are Preferred Trend AWD, Preferred Trend Hybrid and N Line Ultimate. The hybrid uses a 2.0-litre engine and electric motor, with 192 combined hp, a six-speed automatic and front-wheel drive. N Line Ultimate uses a 2.5-litre turbo rated at 290 hp and 311 lb-ft, with an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission and front-wheel drive.

The AWD model is the relevant choice when that drivetrain is essential; the hybrid deserves a comparison when fuel use leads the decision. N Line’s engine, display and audio upgrades should not be assigned to the AWD car merely because they appear on the general Sonata webpage.

Fuel economy in Canada

Natural Resources Canada rates the 2026 Sonata AWD at 9.9 L/100 km city, 7.0 highway and 8.6 combined, using regular gasoline. The hybrid’s separate entry is 5.3/4.6/5.0 L/100 km. Those are different powertrains and drivetrains, rather than interchangeable trim figures.

At 20,000 km a year, the AWD combined figure corresponds to about 1,720 litres, versus 1,000 litres at the hybrid’s combined rating. Multiplying by local fuel prices gives a planning comparison. Winter temperatures, idling and trip length affect actual consumption; the additional hybrid price also belongs in the decision.

Sonata Preferred Trend AWD interior

The five-seat cabin has leather seating, heated and ventilated front seats, driver memory, a power passenger seat and a heated steering wheel. Dual-zone climate control and a panoramic sunroof are listed. These details help distinguish this Canadian trim from lower-equipped versions in other markets.

The rear seat splits 60/40 to accommodate longer items. A sedan’s trunk opening can be a more important practical limit than a headline volume, so test your stroller, luggage or equipment. Check rear headroom, child-seat fit and passenger access with the front seats positioned for their normal occupants. No unverified Canadian trunk-volume figure is assigned here.

Infotainment and connected services

The AWD product card specifies a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen and a 4.2-inch gauge display, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, four USB-C ports, Bluelink and over-the-air updates. The 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and 12-speaker Bose system are N Line Ultimate upgrades, not standard AWD equipment.

Hyundai’s brochure also assigns the wireless charging pad, navigation and Highway Driving Assist to N Line Ultimate. Check the exact factory list before paying for features you expect to have. Phone compatibility, cellular coverage and connected-service terms should be confirmed separately from the size of the touchscreen.

Sonata Preferred Trend AWD safety

Hyundai lists nine airbags, forward collision avoidance with pedestrian/cyclist and junction-turning detection, blind-spot warning, lane keeping/following, Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go, safe-exit functions and occupant/attention warnings. These are the AWD model’s brochure features, rather than an assumption based on the top trim.

Warnings and assistance have operating limits and should be assessed against the vehicle’s instructions. AWD and driver assistance also do not remove the need for tires appropriate to Canadian weather. When comparing safety equipment, distinguish warning functions from active intervention and confirm what is actually fitted.

Towing and load considerations

A verified Canadian trailer-towing rating for this sedan was not established in the manufacturer references used here, so no tow capacity is claimed. Before fitting a hitch or carrying hitch-mounted equipment, consult the Canadian owner’s manual and Hyundai for approval and load limits. A hitch accessory’s advertised capacity is not the car’s tow rating.

Passengers and luggage still need to remain within the actual vehicle’s load allowance. Check the door-jamb label, particularly for a full cabin with holiday luggage. If trailer towing is a regular requirement, include a vehicle with a clearly documented Canadian towing configuration in the shortlist.

Exterior and Canadian pricing

The AWD trim lists 18-inch alloy wheels and LED exterior lighting. Check optional paint costs and tire replacement costs alongside the purchase quote. Accessories and dealer-installed products should be shown separately so their value is clear.

Hyundai Canada’s 2026 trim listing showed C$36,099 MSRP and a displayed price of C$39,021 including additional fees. Province, dealer charges, paint and promotions can change the total. Ask for a current itemized quote identifying delivery/PDI, fees, taxes and any incentive conditions rather than treating the displayed amount as a universal drive-away price.

Competition and buying priorities

The Toyota Camry is a relevant midsize-sedan comparison, especially for buyers considering hybrid efficiency and available AWD. The Honda Accord is another sedan to investigate, while Hyundai’s own Sonata Hybrid provides the most direct comparison for an efficiency-led purchase. Confirm each alternative’s Canadian drivetrain and trim equipment.

The Sonata Preferred Trend AWD belongs on the shortlist when a sedan body, AWD and included cabin features matter together. Settle the passenger and cargo requirements, compare the hybrid’s ownership costs, and verify the equipment list before choosing. A richer trim name is useful only if the features address your needs.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Sonata Preferred Trend AWD a hybrid?

No. It uses a 2.5-litre gasoline engine rated at 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque, an eight-speed automatic and HTRAC all-wheel drive. The Preferred Trend Hybrid is a separate front-wheel-drive model.

What is the Sonata Preferred Trend AWD fuel economy rating?

The Canadian rating is 9.9 L/100 km city, 7.0 highway and 8.6 combined on regular gasoline. Weather, trip length and operating conditions can change actual consumption.

Does the Preferred Trend AWD have a fully digital 12.3-inch gauge cluster?

No. Its 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen is paired with a 4.2-inch gauge display. The larger digital gauge cluster and Bose audio belong to N Line Ultimate equipment, so they should not be assumed on this AWD trim.