The first thing people will notice after a few miles in a Hyundai Sonata is how quiet the ride is. According to Hyundai representatives, engineers used Lexus models as the Sonata’s benchmark for noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH).

Whatever they did – or whoever they benchmarked – it paid dividends. After driving the 2006 Hyundai Sonata LX model and the GLS V6 model, we discovered that this EPA-classified large sedan is virtually quiet inside, with the exception of a bit of wind noise at high speeds and some noise from the Michelin Pilot HX MXM4 225/50R17 tires on the Sonata LX. Only after opening a window at a tollbooth did we realize just how quiet it is. You can add some noise of your own with the standard six-speaker audio system, but don’t expect concert quality sound – it’s a fine system, but not the best on the market.

Most of the interior materials are what you’d expect from a budget-oriented sedan. The leather in our Sonata LX felt like it was of decent quality, but the cloth in the GLS felt cheap and not very durable. On top of the dash is a padded plastic panel, with the same material used on the upper door panels. All armrests are padded and large enough for an elbow. The lower dash, center console, lower door panels, and pillars are covered in a hard plastic that resists flex, but its abundance gives the interior a down-market feel. Still, all of the plastic grains match, gaps are all consistent and minimal, and all of our vehicles were virtually rattle free.

Front seats are firm enough to be supportive, but are not stiff. The rear bench bottom is too soft, with bolsters that easily give way, but the seatback is firm and comfortable. Small retractable headrests add to the 2006 Hyundai Sonata’s already impressive visibility. All of the controls are within easy reach – the radio sits atop the dash and features knobs and simple buttons, as well as steering wheel controls. The climate system sits below the radio and, again, features basic knobs and buttons. All power controls are on the driver’s door.