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Hyundai offers an in any other case ho-hum phase—mid-size household sedans—some desperately wanted taste with the eye-catching Sonata. The Sonata makes a robust argument with a lineup consisting of a well-equipped base mannequin, a gas-sipping hybrid, and a 290-hp N Line for thrill seekers who’re okay with front-wheel drive. A pair of inline-fours spherical out the remainder of the Sonata’s powertrain lineup, with both a 191-hp base engine or a 180-hp turbo for SEL Plus and Restricted trims. The Sonata Hybrid makes use of a gasoline engine with assist from an electrical motor to energy the entrance wheels for a mixed 195 horsepower with an EPA-estimated 51 mpg on the freeway. Nevertheless, despite the fact that the Sonata is a powerful discount when seen on the intersection of value and tools, its dealing with leaves it nonetheless a number of blocks over from the sharp and thrilling Honda Accord.
The 2023 Hyundai Sonata receives solely minor tools adjustments and is usually a carryover mannequin from final 12 months. Sonata SEL and SEL Comfort get the bigger 10.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, whereas the photo voltaic roof supplied on the Sonata Hybrid Restricted has been changed with a panoramic sunroof.
Not solely is the SEL Plus mannequin essentially the most reasonably priced option to get the upgraded 180-hp turbo-four engine, it is also the one Sonata that at the moment comes with 19-inch rims and enhanced all-season tires. It additionally includes a 12.3-inch totally digital gauge cluster, leatherette and microsuede upholstery, back-seat air vents and USB port, and wi-fi charging. We would possibility our most well-liked Sonata with the Tech package deal, too. It provides a 12-speaker Bose stereo, a ten.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a panoramic sunroof, and a semi-autonomous drive mode.
The Sonata shouldn’t be the sharpest handler in its class—we just like the Accord and the Nissan Altima higher—but it surely’s nonetheless composed and responsive on the street. The journey is a bit more unsettled than we would like and firmer than most automobiles on this class, however the Sonata is no less than fairly fast with its turbocharged 1.6-liter engine. Throughout our testing, a Sonata with that powertrain made it to 60 mph in 7.3 seconds—an appropriate consequence on this class. The shifts from the eight-speed automated are easy and well-timed. We would additionally prefer to commend Hyundai for persevering with to supply a traditional automated transmission in its household sedan. A lot of the category has gone over to droning (however environment friendly) repeatedly variable automated transmissions (CVTs). Throughout our time with the Sonata hybrid, which pairs a turbo 2.0-liter four-cylinder with a motor-generator that mix for 192 horses, we appreciated its fuel-saving efforts however disliked the way it did not easily transition between gasoline and electrical energy sources. The 290-hp N Line is without doubt one of the quickest front-drive automobiles we have examined, and it offers a satisfying quantity of driving verve. The N Line nailed 60 mph in simply 5.0 seconds, which is simply a tenth slower than the Honda Civic Type R’s time.
The Sonata has a number of extremely fuel-efficient powertrains, with the hybrid variations proudly owning the best estimates. The Blue hybrid is rated at as much as 50 mpg within the metropolis and 54 on the freeway; different hybrid Sonatas are anticipated to attain 45 and 51 mpg, respectively. The hybrid we examined on our 75-mph fuel-economy route, which is a part of our extensive testing regimen, matched its 51-mpg-highway score. We additionally examined Sonata fashions with the turbocharged 1.6-liter (36 mpg) and the turbocharged 2.5-liter (33 mpg). For extra details about the Sonata’s gasoline financial system, go to the EPA’s website.
The Sonata’s inside is engaging and feels prefer it’s value greater than the sedan’s sticker costs recommend. The again seat is snug and spacious, the supplies appear and feel upscale, and the dashboard format is easy and ergonomic. The Sonata’s 16 cubic toes of cargo area is about what we count on from mid-size sedans—neither the most effective nor the worst in its set. Nonetheless, we match seven of our carry-on suitcases inside its trunk, which is loads of area for a protracted street journey with the household.
The infotainment system depends on an 8.0-inch heart touchscreen. In SEL fashions with the Comfort package deal, SEL Plus, and Restricted fashions, there’s additionally a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster. Hyundai’s new tech pièce de résistance is the function it calls Digital Key, which permits homeowners to make use of Hyundai’s app and their smartphone to unlock the automobile utilizing near-field communication (NFC) and function sure car features remotely. This might permit drivers to go away the important thing fob behind if and when their energetic existence made carrying one inconvenient.
Hyundai’s SmartSense package deal of driver-assistance features is customary, and consists of automated high-beam help, adaptive cruise management, and a driver-attention warning that may sense drowsy or distracted driving. The Sonata may even pull out and in of a parking area when you await it from outdoors. Nevertheless, that function is reserved for the top-level Restricted trim. For extra details about the Sonata’s crash-test outcomes, go to the Nationwide Freeway Visitors Security Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance coverage Institute for Freeway Security (IIHS) web sites. Key security options embrace:
Hyundai’s guarantee protection is known, thanks largely to its huge powertrain guarantee. The corporate additionally provides complimentary scheduled upkeep that bests mainstream rivals akin to Toyota.
Specs
2021 Hyundai Sonata N-Line
VEHICLE TYPE
front-engine, front-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door sedan
BASE PRICE
$34,195
ENGINE TYPE
turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 16-valve inline-4, aluminum block and head, port and direct gasoline injection
Displacement
152 in3, 2497 cm3
Energy
290 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque
311 lb-ft @ 1650 rpm
TRANSMISSION
8-speed dual-clutch automated
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 111.8 in
Size: 192.9 in
Width: 73.2 in
Top: 56.9 in
Passenger quantity: 105 ft3
Trunk quantity: 16 ft3
Curb weight (C/D est): 3550 lb
PERFORMANCE (C/D EST)
60 mph: 5.4 sec
100 mph: 18.0 sec
1/4 mile: 13.7 sec
High velocity: 150 mph
EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Mixed/metropolis/freeway: 27/23/33 mpg