2023 Hyundai Sonata:

Hyundai’s eye-catching Sonata injects much-needed color into the otherwise bland mid-size family car market. With a selection that includes a well-equipped basic model, a fuel-efficient hybrid, and a 290-hp N Line for thrill-seekers who are content with front-wheel drive, the Sonata makes a compelling case. The Sonata’s remaining powertrain options consist of two inline-fours, each with either a 191-hp basic engine or a 180-hp turbo for SEL Plus and Limited models.

With a combined 195 horsepower and an EPA-estimated 51 mpg on the highway, the Sonata Hybrid’s front wheels are driven by a gasoline engine with assistance from an electric motor. When comparing pricing and amenities, the Sonata is a fantastic value, but due to its handling, it lags behind the sporty and engaging Honda Accord by a few blocks.

HIGHS (2023 Hyundai Sonata):

Value city, indistinguishable from a Chevy Malibu, and excellent fuel efficiency even with the 290-hp N Line variant.

LOWS (2023 Hyundai Sonata):

a rather high driving position, a too hard ride on the N variant, and the absence of sticky standard summer tires

VERDICT (2023 Hyundai Sonata):

The Sonata offers a lot of value for the money in addition to its eye-catching appearance.

What has changed for 2023 Hyundai Sonata?

Only a few modest equipment upgrades are made to the 2023 Hyundai Sonata, which is largely a carryover vehicle from the previous year. The bigger 10.3-inch infotainment touchscreen is available on the Sonata SEL and SEL Convenience, while the solar roof previously available on the Sonata Hybrid Limited has been replaced with a panoramic sunroof.

Cost (2023 Hyundai Sonata):

The SEL Plus variant is the only Sonata now available with 19-inch rims and improved all-season tires, and it’s also the most cheap way to receive the upgraded 180-hp turbo-four engine. Additionally, it has leatherette and microsuede upholstery, back-seat air vents, a USB port, and wireless charging. It also has a 12.3-inch completely digital instrument cluster. Our chosen Sonata would also be an option with the Tech package. It has a 10.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a panoramic sunroof, a 12-speaker Bose sound, and a semi-autonomous drive mode.

Performance (2023 Hyundai Sonata):

Although we prefer the Honda Accord and the Nissan Altima in its class, the Sonata is nonetheless composed and responsive on the road. Although the ride is a touch rougher and less smooth than other vehicles in its class, the Sonata’s turbocharged 1.6-liter engine at least makes it relatively swift. In our tests, a Sonata equipped with that powertrain reached 60 mph in 7.3 seconds, which is respectable for the class.

The eight-speed automatic shifts smoothly and precisely. Also worthy of praise is Hyundai’s decision to keep the traditional automatic transmission available in its family car. Most students now use droning (but effective) constantly variable automatic gearboxes (CVTs).

We loved the Sonata hybrid’s fuel-saving efforts but didn’t like how it didn’t seamlessly switch between gas and electricity during our time with it. Its turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder and motor-generator combine for 192 horsepower. One of the fastest front-drive vehicles we’ve driven with 290 horsepower is the N Line, which offers a pleasing degree of driving vigor. It took the N Line just 5.0 seconds to reach 60 mph, which is only a tenth longer than the Honda Civic Type R.

Interior (2023 Hyundai Sonata):

The 2023 Hyundai Sonata’s interior is appealing and gives off the impression that the car is more expensive inside than it actually is. The materials appear and feel high-end, the back seat is roomy and comfy, and the dashboard’s design is straightforward and practical. The Sonata’s 16 cubic feet of cargo capacity is neither the greatest nor the worst in its class among mid-size sedans; it is about average. Even so, we were able to put seven carry-on luggage inside of its trunk, which was more than enough room for a lengthy family road trip.

Infotainment (2023 Hyundai Sonata):

A central 8.0-inch touchscreen serves as the infotainment system’s primary input. A 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster is also available in Limited vehicles, SEL Plus models, and SEL models with the Convenience package. Hyundai’s Digital Key feature, which enables owners to remotely control some vehicle functions and unlock the car via near-field communication (NFC), is the company’s latest technological crown jewel. This would enable drivers to leave the key fob behind when carrying one became cumbersome due to their busy lives.

Fuel efficiency and actual MPG:

The hybrid variants of the Sonata’s range of very fuel-efficient powertrains have the highest estimations. The Blue hybrid is predicted to get up to 50 city mpg and 54 highway mpg, while other hybrid Sonatas should get 45 and 51 mpg, respectively.

In our rigorous testing, the hybrid we evaluated on our 75 mph fuel-economy route matched its 51 mpg highway rating. We also evaluated the 1.6-liter and 2.5-liter turbocharged Sonata variants (36 mpg) (33 mpg).

Features for driver assistance and safety:

Automatic high-beam assist, adaptive cruise control, and a driver-attention warning system that may detect tired or distracted driving are all part of Hyundai’s SmartSense suite of driver-assistance systems, which is included as standard equipment. When you are waiting for it outside, the Sonata can even drive into and out of a parking place. However, the top-tier Limited trim is the only one with such function. Visit the websites of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) to learn more about the results of the Sonata’s crash tests. Important safety elements include:

• standard automatic emergency braking and front collision warning.
• Lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assistance are standard.
• Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic warning are options.

Coverage for warranties and maintenance:

Thanks in significant part to its extensive powertrain warranty, Hyundai’s warranty coverage is famous. In addition, the business provides free routine maintenance, which is superior than offers from well-known competitors like Toyota.

• Five years or 36,000 miles are covered by the limited warranty.
• Powertrain warranties are valid for ten years or 100,000 miles.
• For three years or 36,000 miles, free maintenance is covered.