The 2011 Sonata has been named a Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. To earn this safety nod, a car must receive the top score of Good in front-, side-impact, rear and roof-strength crash tests as well as have a standard electronic stability system.

The Sonata also has standard traction control, front-wheel drive, antilock brakes with electronic brake-force distribution and brake assist, active front head restraints and six airbags, including side curtains for both rows of seats.

This five-seater has two sets of lower Latch anchors that are buried under stiff seat cushions. A booster seat fit well in the backseat. Even though the seat belt buckles were floppy, my boys didn't have problems buckling up on their own.

After struggling to get past the seat cushions to use the Latch anchors, the forward-facing convertible car seat fit well. The Sonata has plenty of space in the second row, so a rear-facing convertible and a rear-facing infant-safety seat both fit well back there. However, I wasn't able to fit three car seats across the Sonata's backseat.