Table of Contents
- 2023 Hyundai Sonata Driving Experience
- fuel economy and performance
- Elantra or Sonata?
- 2023 Hyundai Sonata Safety
- Cargo, Comfort, inside and Interior
- infotainment system and technology
- Cost and Choosing Which to Purchase
The 2023 Hyundai Sonata is a clear indication that the company hasn’t (yet) abandoned sedans. The Sonata is in its seventh generation and is better than before.
N Line exchanges a small spare tire for a tire mobility kit that saves room.
SEL and SEL Convenience models now come with a 10.3-inch touchscreen.
The SEL Convenience trim no longer has Highway Drive Assist; to obtain it, go to the N Line or Limited.
The Hyundai Sonata of 2023 is making every effort to set itself apart from the legendary Camry and Accord. It is successful in many respects.
2023 Hyundai Sonata Driving Experience
Although not all of our editors were impressed by the grille, the sheet sheetmetal appears exquisite from almost every aspect. Both rows of the cabin are comfy, and the entertainment system is one of the best available.
Above all, the Sonata is an excellent vehicle to drive. The steering and braking reactions were “perfectly weighted,” and the Sonata’s consistently solid and nimble handling charmed our team over. On the track, it’s even respectable. When pressed, the 1.6-liter turbo turbopowertrain has a slight lag, but power delivery is even and seamless.
Only when compared to its equally outstanding competitors does the Sonata suffer. Some people may find the ride too harsh, and the transmission sometimes shifts into the incorrect gear. The Sonata’s desirability in snowy climates is limited by the lack of all-wheel drive. The superb Honda Accord and AWD Subaru Legacy are more adaptable in those areas.
Fans of Hyundai will discover the brand’s signature fusion of quality, value, and warranty. Our long-term test left us impressed, and the Sonata is a superb effort. The Sonata ought to be on the shortlist for buyers of midsize sedans.
fuel economy and performance
Three different powertrain options are available for the 2023 Sonata. All three are only available with front-wheel drive and have an eight-speed automatic transmission.
A 2.5-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine producing 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft powers the SE and SEL grades. SE models have a starting fuel economy of 28/38 mpg city/hwy (the SEL is a little less efficient due to its 17-inch wheels).
A 1.6-liter turbo-four with 180 horsepower and 195 lb-ft is available when upgrading to the SEL Plus or Limited grades. The Sonata is marginally faster than a standard Camry or Accord, taking 7.4 seconds to go from 0 to 60 miles per hour. At 27/37 mpg, fuel efficiency is still respectable.
The sporty Sonata N Line has a 2.5-liter turbo-four engine that generates an amazing 290 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque. The N Line is an authentic sports sedan that makes you smile. We were astonished to discover after our first drive that a Hyundai “can legitimately run with BMWs.” It completes the 0–60 sprint in 5.3 seconds.
Fuel efficiency is respectable for a performance vehicle at 23/33 mpg.
With a rating of up to 50/54 mpg depending on the model, the Sonata Hybrid is a good option for drivers seeking the highest efficiency.
Elantra or Sonata?
Space versus price is often the deciding factor when deciding between a compact and a midsize automobile. The question isn’t nearly that straightforward for Hyundai.
To begin with, the Elantra isn’t significantly smaller. Despite being 8 inches shorter, it can carry only 2 cubic feet less goods and has more legroom in the back.
For fans, the Sonata N Line is alluring, but the Elantra surpasses it with a genuine N rendition. Hyundai claims that the Elantra N is more capable of handling the extreme heat that race days bring.
The Sonata’s cabin is its strongest argument. The Sonata (or a Honda Civic) always feels more upscale than the Elantra, which has an interior that uses far too many cheap plastics. Additionally, it is almost $4,000 less expensive than the Sonata. For certain drivers, the compromise may be worth the savings.
2023 Hyundai Sonata Safety
The Sonata has an almost perfect safety record. The IIHS named it a Top Safety Pick, and the NHTSA gave it a five-star overall rating, although only for vehicles with high-end LED headlights.
Automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assistance, and automatic high beams are among Hyundai’s standard safety features. The base trim is the only one without blind-spot monitoring. Additionally, SEL Plus, N Line, and Limited models come with a semi-autonomous highway driving aid.
Cargo, Comfort, inside and Interior
Despite having less legroom than a 2022 Honda Accord, the Sonata’s cabin feels roomier than its specifications would indicate. For the class, both the Sonata and the Accord have good load capacity.
Space for cargo (behind the second row):
Sonata for 2023: 16 cubic feet
Accord 2022: 16.7 cubic feet
First and second row legroom:
Sonata for 2023: 46.4/34.8 inches
Accord 2022: 42.3/40.4 in.
infotainment system and technology
The SEL variants get the new 10.3-inch display with navigation for 2023, while the base models continue to use an 8.0-inch infotainment screen. Both systems work with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Bose audio, wireless charging, a 12.3-inch digital driver’s display, and a digital key system that allows you to open your Sonata with a smartphone are all features included with the SEL Plus, N-Line, and Limited trims.
SE, SEL, SEL Plus, N Line, Limited, and N Line Night are the six trim levels available for the Sonata.
Cost and Choosing Which to Purchase
Although base trims are reasonably priced, they aren’t sophisticated enough to compete with the Accord. The middle of the lineup is what we like. The SEL Plus has the best tech features and is the least expensive option for a 1.6-liter turbocharged engine. Upgrade to the Sonata N Line for even better value for your money. At about $35,000, it‘s a very good substitute for high-end sport sedans.
| Trim | Price |
| SE (Prod. Before 12/2022) Sedan | $25,100 |
| SE (Prod. After 12/2022) Sedan | $25,450 |
| SEL (Prod. Before 12/2022) Sedan | $27,625 |
| SEL (Prod. After 12/2022) Sedan | $27,975 |
| SEL Plus (Prod. Before 12/2022) Sedan | $32,125 |
| SEL Plus (Prod. After 12/2022) Sedan | $32,475 |
| N Line (Prod. Before 12/2022) Sedan | $34,475 |
| N Line (Prod. After 12/2022) Sedan | $34,825 |
| Limited Sedan | $35,325 |
👍 Pros
✔ Engaging Driving Dynamics – Sharp handling and responsive steering make it fun to drive, especially in N-Line and N trims.
✔ Bold, Modern Styling – Standout design with aggressive lines and futuristic LED lighting.
✔ Loaded with Tech – Even base models get wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, while higher trims add a 10.25-inch digital cockpit.
👎 Cons
✖ Front-Wheel Drive Only – No AWD option, which limits traction in poor weather compared to rivals like the Subaru Impreza.
✖ Firm Ride Quality – Sportier tuning means a stiffer suspension, especially noticeable in the N-Line and N models.
✖ Polarizing Grille Design – The oversized cascading grille won’t be to everyone’s taste.
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