2023 Hyundai Sonata

A pinched hexagon of a grille sits low, giving way to a domed hood with sliced-in brightwork streaking off of the sharp headlights. Considerable surface detailing from the side alleviates any hint of dowdiness, while the roofline carries toward a tail that marries Porsche and Volvo design cues—yes, they have a cordial relationship—with considerable flair. N Line and versions have some boy-racer bits that don’t detract, though we’re less enamored with the little 15-inch wheels on the base Sonata. 

Hyundai adorns the Sonata’s cabin with no shortage of HD displays and fine detailing for a decidedly modern look. The only sore point is the awkward steering wheel, which seems to frown at us.

How fast is the Hyundai Sonata?

Several different 4-cylinder engines power the Sonata, with performance stretching from tepid to torrid.

Our 5 out of 10 rating here applies to the most common models, which use a 191-hp inline-4. They’re just adequate, but by no means below average. Other versions would rate a point or two higher if considered independently.

That base engine pairs to a smooth-shifting 8-speed automatic transmission for reasonable acceleration. 

Sonata SEL Plus and Limited trims swap in a less powerful but torquier 1.6-liter turbo-4 that pairs a bit less smoothly with the automatic transmission. It’s slightly quicker in most situations, though we’re not entirely sure why Hyundai offers two engines with relatively similar performance.

Our favorite here for most drivers is the 192-hp hybrid powertrain, which links a 4-cylinder to an electric motor and a big battery pack for smooth, frugal motoring. It’s not quick, but it’s so, so thrifty.

These versions all have a soft, comfortable ride and good handling with well-weighted steering and quick, but relaxed, responses. They’re perfectly suited to road trips, commuting, and even the occasional side hustle down a winding road. 

Sonata N Line

Step up to N Line guise and the Sonata does an admirable facsimile of performance. It shares the same basic strut and multi-link suspension setup, but stiffer tuning throughout gives it a firmer ride and less lean into corners. Optional summer tires make the most of this chassis, though drivers in wintry climates will want to budget for a second set of tires. 

Sonata N Line models use a 290-hp turbo-4 paired with a specially tuned 8-speed dual-clutch automatic. The combination fires off rapid shifts as it accelerates this big sedan to 60 mph in around six seconds, and the Sport+ program available at a tap of a button livens things up even more.

Rear-seat riders have 34.8 inches of leg room, which trails some rivals but is plenty roomy in practice even though the rear cushions are a little thin for optimal comfort. 

The 16 cubic-foot trunk can be expanded when the rear seatbacks are dropped down. 

All Sonatas have price-appropriate trim, but Limited versions go an extra step with additional sound deadening and quilted leather that gives off genuine luxury vibes.

Still, all Sonata models leave the factory with automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitors, and active lane control, while a surround-view camera system is optional. We’d take it as it resolves issues with outward vision to the rear.

Which Hyundai Sonata should I buy?

Put your money on the $28,890 Sonata SEL, preferably in Hybrid form. This trim adds synthetic leather upholstery, heated front seats with power adjustment for the driver, keyless start, automatic climate control, and upsized wheels to the party. 

If you’re feeling hedonistic, the Sonata SEL Plus comes with leather, a 10.3-inch touchscreen, Bose audio, a huge sunroof, and a turbocharged engine, though at upward of $33,000 it’s less of a bargain. 

Sonata Hybrid models come in similar trims for the most part. 

How much is a fully loaded Hyundai Sonata?

The Sonata Limited costs more than $36,000 or more, but that money buys a lot of car. Look for cooled front seats, a power passenger seat, a head-up display, and a few other niceties, while the Sonata Hybrid Limited even has a solar roof panel and offers the ability to be moved forward and rearward from the key fob for tight parking situations.

The most popular 2023 Sonata models are those with the base 4-cylinder, which rates 28 mpg city, 38 highway, 32 combined. We give that a score of 4.

The SEL Plus and Limited swap in a turbo-4 that slides a bit to 27/37/31, while the powerful Sonata N Line rates 27 mpg combined.

Sonata Hybrid models are the greenest, of course, but only the base Sonata Hybrid Blue offers top fuel economy. That version is rated at a heady 52 mpg combined, but bigger wheels on the SEL and Limited trims are rated at a still-impressive 47 mpg combined.