Though the 2006 Hyundai Sonata’s seat height has increased an inch over last year’s model for better entry and exit, this writer couldn’t find a proper mix of seat cushion height and tilt, despite the telescopic steering wheel and power eight-way adjustment. Plus, the bottom cushion was too short, and there wasn’t enough rearward seat track travel. On a positive note, the seats were firm and supportive for a shorter companion on a road trip, the leather-wrapped steering wheel was pleasing to hold, the head restraints articulated to create a comfortable resting spot, and the upper door panels were softly padded for resting elbows.

The rear seat also disappointed, especially given the 2006 Hyundai Sonata’s large car ranking with the EPA. When the driver’s seat was adjusted to accommodate a six-foot-tall person with a 33-inch inseam, an identically sized passenger sitting behind him experienced full leg contact with the soft front seatback. The situation was snug, not uncomfortable, but rather surprising nonetheless. Foot space was snug too. Helping boost comfort, the backrest offered decent lumbar support, there was a softly padded center armrest, and the rear window glass went all the way down for complete ventilation.

As for interior noise, our test car suffered an unfortunate wind leak. On a round-trip run between Los Angeles and Phoenix, the right front passenger door whistled at highway speeds. Even without the door seal leak, wind rush was evident and road roar was rather loud. When we slowed down, a rattle made itself evident in the rear parcel shelf. Buyer beware: the 2006 Hyundai Sonata is not a particularly quiet car, even if you get one that’s air tight. But then, neither is a Honda Accord.