Used 2021 Hyundai Sonata for Sale nearChicago, IL

How much does the 2021 Hyundai Sonata cost?

Prices have softened 8.02% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 1,418 listings available, which suggests you have room to compare prices and equipment.

If you find a listing below $17,121.38, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

Is the 2021 Hyundai Sonata a good car?

Yes — the 2021 Hyundai Sonata earns a 4.75/5 user rating and an 8.5/10 expert rating. The standout strength is Cost effectiveness at 10/10.

Drivers consistently praise the smooth driving experience, safety features, and strong fuel economy. They also highlight the stylish design and the excellent powertrain warranty.

The trade-offs are cabin noise and frustration with optional features that require an upgrade to get full functionality. That fits a car aimed at shoppers who want style, efficiency, and everyday usefulness more than maximum traction or a lively base engine.

With 30.3% of listings marked as good or great deals, the market still offers some attractive value opportunities.

Is the 2021 Hyundai Sonata reliable?

Owners rate it 4.75/5, a strong signal of long-term satisfaction.

User feedback points to a dependable, trouble-free ownership experience, with drivers especially appreciating the excellent powertrain warranty and the confidence that comes from a well-rounded daily driver. The expert review also emphasizes the Sonata N Line’s strong value proposition, and it notes three years of free scheduled maintenance as part of the ownership package.

For used buyers, the main long-term risk is less about outright durability and more about choosing a well-kept example with the right equipment and maintenance history.

What should I look for when buying a used 2021 Hyundai Sonata?

At 71.5% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.

You should start with a vehicle history report and then prioritize a pre-purchase inspection, especially if the car has been in a collision or shows signs of uneven wear. Focus on body condition, panel alignment, tire wear, and whether the equipment you want actually works as intended.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The N Line stands out with a more aggressive exterior treatment, sport front seats with premium Nappa leather bolsters and Dinamica suede inserts, red stitching, aluminum pedal covers, dark chrome accents, and a panoramic sunroof. It is the clear choice if you want the most performance-focused and visually distinctive version.
• Powertrain: The N Line uses a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 290 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed wet dual-clutch automatic transmission. It also adds paddle shifters, rev-matching, launch control, and driving modes including Normal, Sport, Sport+, and Custom.
• Safety package: Hyundai SmartSense includes adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, forward-collision warning with pedestrian and cyclist detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, lane-centering assistance, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, driver-attention warning, automatic high-beam headlights, Rear Occupant Alert, Safe Exit Warning, and Highway Drive Assist.
• Infotainment: The N Line pairs a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel with a 10.25-inch touchscreen, plus navigation, wireless smartphone charging, HD Radio, SiriusXM satellite radio, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Blue Link connected services, and Hyundai Digital Key. It does not offer a WiFi hotspot.
• Fuel efficiency: The powertrain is rated at 27 mpg in combined driving.

Which 2021 Hyundai Sonata trim should I buy?

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata is offered in 1 trim level: N Line.

Here's the short version:

The N Line is the one to buy if you want the Sonata’s most engaging driving character, strongest performance hardware, and the richest mix of standard tech and comfort features. It adds the turbocharged 2.5-liter engine, dual-clutch transmission, sport-tuned suspension, larger brakes, 19-inch wheels, a panoramic sunroof, premium interior materials, and a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation and wireless charging. It is the best fit if you want a sedan that feels genuinely sporty without giving up everyday practicality.

The safety package is comprehensive and standard on this trim, so you do not need to climb the lineup to get the core driver-assistance features.

Is now a good time to buy a used 2021 Hyundai Sonata?

This looks like a moderate, selective buyer’s market, with enough inventory and deal activity to reward careful shopping.

• Deal availability: 30.3% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 1,418 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 8.02% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 71.5% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $17,121.38, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

What is the 2021 Hyundai Sonata's resale value?

The current average of $17,153 sits slightly below last year's $18,648.

That price movement suggests the Sonata has already absorbed some depreciation, which can help future sellers if they buy at the right price today. A lower entry cost can make it easier to stay ahead of the curve when it comes time to sell or trade in.

The model’s strong value story and broad appeal should help support demand, especially for well-kept examples with desirable equipment. Vehicles with strong owner satisfaction ratings, like this model year's 4.75/5, tend to retain buyer demand, which supports resale value over time.

Is the 2021 Hyundai Sonata safe?

It earns a 9/10 safety score from our experts.

Every Sonata N Line is equipped with Hyundai’s SmartSense collection of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS). This is a comprehensive version of SmartSense, including adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, forward-collision warning with pedestrian and cyclist detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, lane-centering assistance, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, driver-attention warning, and automatic high-beam headlights.

It also adds Rear Occupant Alert, Safe Exit Warning, and Highway Drive Assist, which gives you a notably complete safety and convenience package for daily driving. The expert review notes that the system works smoothly and accurately, which should make it easier for you to use consistently.

Should I buy a 2021 Hyundai Sonata or consider a different year?

If you're weighing the 2021 against nearby model years, here's how to think about it:

Choose the 2021 if:

• 30.3% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 71.5% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 8.02% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.75/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• The 2021 N Line brings a compelling mix of performance and practicality at a bargain price.

Consider the 2022 if:

• At $19,879, the 2022 costs more than the current year's $17,153 average.
• It leans harder into value, quality, and a quiet cabin.

The bottom line: If you want the better price and the more compelling performance-focused value story, the 2021 is the smarter buy. If you’re willing to spend more for a newer model year with a broader value-and-quality pitch, the 2022 is the cleaner alternative for price-insensitive shoppers.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 4, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.