The 2023 Hyundai Sonata with the gas engine is available in five trim levels: SE, SEL, SEL Plus, N Line, and Limited. The hybrid is available in Blue, SEL, and Limited trims. The SEL Plus is the popular trim, and it's also our pick. We'll explain why.
SE
Starting at $26,045, the SE gets a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, eight-speed automatic transmission, front-wheel drive, 16-inch wheels, cloth seating surfaces, a six-way adjustable driver's seat, 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, forward-collision avoidance assist with pedestrian detection, and lane-keeping and lane-following assist. Options include heated side mirrors and blind-spot and rear cross-traffic collision avoidance assist.
SEL
The SEL, at $28,570, adds 17-inch alloy wheels, eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat, heated front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, remote start, heated side mirrors with blind-spot detection, push-button start, SiriusXM satellite radio, Hyundai Blue Link connectivity, 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen, navigation, virtual voice assistant, blind-spot and rear cross-traffic collision avoidance assistance, and safe exit warning. Options include wireless charging, leather-wrapped steering wheel, 12.3-inch LCD instrument cluster, and panoramic sunroof.
SEL Plus
The SEL Plus is priced at $33,070 and adds a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, 19-inch alloy wheels, panoramic sunroof, premium 12-speaker Bose audio, synthetic leather seating surfaces with suede accents, leather-wrapped steering wheel with paddle shifters, second-row air vents, wireless charging pad, metallic pedals, one rear USB port, Hyundai digital key functionality, and a 12.3-inch LCD instrument cluster. The SEL Plus is our recommended trim for most buyers as it includes the more powerful turbo engine and other desirable features for less than $34K.
N Line
The performance-focused Sonata N Line is priced at $35,420 and comes with a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, 19-inch alloy wheels, distinctive exterior styling accents, and leather and synthetic-leather sport seats.
Limited
The Limited, at $36,070, has the 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, heated and ventilated front seats, leather seating surfaces, heated steering wheel, six-way power-adjustable front passenger seat, wood interior trims, LED headlights, rear parking sensors, a panoramic sunroof, highway driving assist, and a color head-up display.
Hybrid Blue
The Sonata Hybrid Blue [$29,045] is equipped similarly to the SE trim but with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder hybrid engine and an electric motor, plus standard blind-spot detection.
Hybrid SEL
The Hybrid SEL is priced at $32,395 and has the same features as the gas-powered SEL but with the hybrid engine.
Hybrid Limited
The Limited Hybrid is $37,345 and has the same features as the gas-powered Limited, but with the hybrid engine.
The rival Honda Accord has two gas engine options but doesn't offer a hybrid. The Toyota Camry has both hybrid and gas engines and offers all-wheel drive.
The following review is for a 2022 Model Year. There may be minor changes to current model you are looking at.
Introduction
Mid-size sedans may no longer be the flavor of the day, but the Hyundai Sonata would like to remind you that its sleek styling, spacious interior, frugal or powerful engine lineup, and reasonable price tag may be the antidote to bland SUVs.
This year, the Sonata sees few tweaks following a revamp for 2020. The SEL Plus trim level adds a big sunroof and a 10.3-inch touchscreen paired with Bose speakers, while the N Line is newly available with a Night Edition package with 19-inch black wheels and other darkened accents.
Sonatas come in both gas and hybrid forms in SE, SEL, SEL Plus, and Limited trims, plus a sporty N Line with 290 horsepower. Sonata Hybrids can be had in Blue, SEL, and Limited trims.
With a five-star crash-test rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS, the Sonata is a safe choice. Standard equipment includes automatic emergency braking, while adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitors, active lane control, and a surround-view camera system are on the options list.
Fuel economy ratings run the gamut, though there's no thirsty model in this lineup. Hybrids come out on top with ratings as high as 50 mpg city, 54 highway, 52 combined for the special Blue trim level. Models with the standard 4-cylinder engine rate 28/38/32, while the turbocharger adds power but dents economy to the tune of 27/37/31 mpg. The zippy N-Line checks in at 23/33/27 mpg thanks to its big power boost.
Lineup
The Sonata range starts off in SE trim for $25,395. Included at that price point are an 8.0-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, LED headlights, 16-inch alloy wheels, and cloth upholstery.
The SEL bumps the price by about $1,800 in exchange for bigger wheels, a hands-free trunk release, and heated seats, plus shoppers can add a panoramic sunroof, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and a few other convenience features for $2,000.
The SEL Plus builds on a well-equipped SEL, but with a turbocharged engine, leather seats, Bose audio, and 19-inch wheels for about $32,400. Limited versions cost another $3,000 and add navigation, cooled front seats, and the ability for the driver to move it forward and backward from the key fob to aid in parking.
Hybrid versions start off at about $28,300 in Blue trim with the basics, plus special wheels and tires that allow for a spectacular fuel-economy rating. The SEL bumps the price by about $2,500 for a digital key, a wireless charging pad, Bose speakers, and a few other items. The Limited commands nearly $37,000 but comes outfitted with leather trim and a solar roof panel that can add a little charge to the battery when parked outside on a sunny day.
Enthusiasts should look to the Sonata N Line, which costs about $36,000 and includes the most powerful turbocharged engine plus a sport-tuned suspension and special interior and exterior trim.
Walkaround
The Sonata has a sleek shape with a low front end, deep side strakes, and finned taillights connected by a narrow strip that runs the length of the trunklid. Certainly not a wallflower, the Sonata is a standout among mid-size sedans.
N Line versions are especially dressy this year thanks to a standard Night package that blacks out most exterior trim including the wheels. Hybrid versions are nearly identical to their gas-only counterparts, aside from badging and wheel designs.
Interior
Hyundai didn't skimp on the Sonata's interior. A panel housing the touchscreen infotainment system sprouts elegantly from the dash, which can be trimmed in black or contrasting tan. An 8.0-inch screen is standard, while a 10.3-inch display is fitted to higher-end versions.
Limited versions are especially luxurious with quilted leather upholstery draping their seats.
Front passengers will find terrific leg and head room, plus seats with a good range of adjustment and a choice between woven fabric, synthetic leather, and real hides. The seats can be power-adjusted, heated, and cooled, depending on the trim level.
The back seat can handle three medium-sized passengers abreast, although its 35 inches of leg room is tighter than some rivals. The rear seatbacks can be dropped to expand the 16 cubic-foot trunk.
Driving Impression
Sonatas offer several tiers of performance, beginning with a 191-hp 2.5-liter inline-4 linked to an 8-speed automatic transmission that provides more than adequate acceleration for most needs. SEL Plus and Limited versions swap in a 180-hp turbo-4 that is down on power on paper but actually furnishes better acceleration in real-world use.
Hybrids have a total system output of 192 hp thanks to a 2.0-liter inline-4 linked to an electric motor and a lithium-ion battery. They're plenty peppy, plus they provide near-silent motoring in many situations.
The N Line pairs a powerful 290-hp turbo-4 with a snappy 8-speed dual-clutch automatic, a combination good for a 6-second 0-60-mph sprint. Opt for summer tires ? and plan on buying winter tires if you live in the snow belt ? and you'll find that the N Line takes advantage of this balanced chassis.
Summary
With a package for just about every type of buyer, the stylish Hyundai Sonata is a winner among mid-size sedans. The Hybrid checks the efficiency box and still has the sleek, winning shape; it's our pick.
? By Andrew Ganz, with driving impressions from The Car Connection.