2023 Hyundai Sonata gives tough competition to an otherwise ho-hum segment—mid-size family sedans. And it desperately needed some flavor with the eye-catching Sonata. The Sonata puts-up a strong debate with a lineup consisting of a well-equipped base model, a fuel-sucking hybrid, and a 290-hp N Line for thrill seekers who are ready to burn wheels with front-wheel drive. Also, a pair of inline-fours help out the rest of the Sonata’s powertrain lineup, with either a base 191-hp engine or a 180-hp turbo for SEL Plus and Limited trims. The Hybrid uses an ICE with help from an electric motor setup to power the front wheels delivering a combined 195-hp. However, even though the Sonata is an impressive bang-for-the-buck deal when viewed at the intersection of price and equipment. But its lousy handling leaves it still a few scores down from the sharp and agile Honda Accord.
Contents
What’s New?
The 2023 Hyundai Sonata has received some minor equipment changes and is mostly an unchanged model from the last year. The SEL and SEL Convenience get the larger 10.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, while the solar roof offered on the Sonata Hybrid Limited has been replaced with a panoramic sunroof. The interior is attractive and feels more premium than what it is worth for the sedan’s sticker prices. The back seat is comfortable and spacious, and the materials look and feel upscale.
Engine & Performance
The Sonata is not the agile handler in its segment, but we like the Accord and the Nissan Altima better, still it is composed and responsive on the road. The ride is a little more bumpier than we’d love from most firmer cars in this category. But the Sonata is at least reasonably quick with its turbocharged 1.6-liter engine. On testing, the 1.6L made it to 60 mph in 7.3 seconds, which is an acceptable result in this class. The shifting of the eight-speed automatic is smooth and well-timed. Many of the rivals have gone over to droning continuously variable automatic transmissions (CVTs). However, the Sonata hybrid, which is paired with a turbo 2.0-liter four-pot with a motor-generator setup, delivers a combined for 192-hp. The 290-hp N Line is one of the quickest FWD cars, and it provides a satisfying amount of driving engagement.
Fuel-Economy
| 2023 Hyundai Sonata Mileage | City | Highway |
| Blue Hybrid | 50 mpg | 54 mpg |
| Hybrid | 45 mpg | 51 mpg |
| 2.5L Turbo | 23 mpg | 33 mpg |
The Sonata has a variety of highly fuel-efficient powertrains, with the hybrid versions offering the highest estimates. The Blue hybrid is EPA rated at up to 50 mpg in the city and 54 on the highway. Other hybrids are expected to achieve 45 and 51 mpg, respectively.
Dimensions & Airbags
| 2023 Hyundai Sonata Dimensions | |
| Length | 192.9 in |
| Width | 73.2 in |
| Height | 56.9 in |
| Wheelbase | 111.8 in |
| Cargo Volume | 16 ft3 |
| Airbags | 9 Airbags |
The infotainment system runs on an 8.0-inch center touchscreen. In SEL variants with the Convenience package, SEL Plus, and Limited models, there’s also a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster. Hyundai’s new tech pièce de résistance is the feature it calls Digital Key, which allows owners to use Hyundai’s app and their smartphone to unlock the car using (NFC) and operate certain vehicle functions remotely.
Pricing
| 2023 Hyundai Sonata Trims | Price (USD) |
| SE | $26,045 |
| SEL | $28,570 |
| Hybrid | $29,045 |
| Hybrid SEL | $32,395 |
| SEL Plus | $33,070 |
| N Line | $35,420 |
| Limited | $36,070 |
| Hybrid Limited | $37,345 |
With a huge selection of variants, the SEL Plus model is the most affordable to equip with an upgraded 180-hp turbo-four engine. It’s also the only Sonata that currently comes with 19-inch rims and enhanced all-season tires. It also sports a 12.3-inch fully digital gauge cluster, leatherette, microsuede upholstery, back-seat air vents, USB port, and wireless charging. One can also add the Tech package, too. It adds a 12-speaker Bose stereo, a 10.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a panoramic sunroof, and a semi-autonomous drive mode.
Specifications & Top-Speed
| 2023 Hyundai Sonata Specifications | Specs |
| Engine | turbocharged inline-4 |
| Drivetrain | FWD |
| Horsepower | 290 hp |
| Torque | 311 lb-ft |
| 0-60 MPH | 5.4 sec |
| 0-100 MPH | 18.0 sec |
| 1/4 Mile | 13.7 sec |
| Top Speed | 150 mph |