The 2016 Hyundai Sonata SE is powered by a 2.4-liter inline-4 GDI engine.
Under the hood is Hyundai's 2.4-liter Theta II inline-4 gasoline direct-injection engine, delivering 185 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque. It is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. A more powerful 2.0-liter turbocharged engine is available on other Sonata trims, but not on the SE.
Engine options for the 2016 Hyundai Sonata
The Sonata lineup in 2016 offered two primary engines across different trims. The SE used the naturally aspirated 2.4L engine, while Sport and Limited models could be equipped with the 2.0L turbo engine. Here is a concise breakdown of the two available powerplants.
- 2.4-liter inline-4 GDI (Theta II): 185 hp, 178 lb-ft; 6-speed automatic transmission
- 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 GDI (Theta II): 245 hp, 260 lb-ft; 6-speed automatic transmission
In short, the SE's engine is the 2.4L base option, with the 2.0T reserved for higher-performance trims. This arrangement affects acceleration, fuel economy, and overall driving character across the lineup.
2.4L Theta II engine details
The 2.4L engine in the 2016 Sonata SE belongs to Hyundai's Theta II family. It features gasoline direct injection and variable valve timing to produce 185 horsepower at about 6,000 rpm and 178 lb-ft of torque around 4,250 rpm. It is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission (with manual-shift mode) and front-wheel drive.
2.0L turbo engine option
The 2.0L turbocharged engine, available on Sport 2.0T and Limited 2.0T trims, delivers 245 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. It provides more immediate acceleration and higher highway passing power than the base engine, typically paired with the same six-speed automatic transmission.
Summary
For the 2016 Hyundai Sonata SE, the powertrain is a 2.4-liter inline-4 GDI with 185 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque, coupled to a six-speed automatic. The more powerful 2.0-liter turbo option exists on other Sonata trims, not the SE, offering a different balance of performance and efficiency.