The Hyundai Sonata is a midsized sedan that is offered with both gas-powered and hybrid powertrains. We haven’t heard anything directly from Hyundai yet, but we have heard rumors that a redesign could come for the 2023 model year focused largely on styling. The current model has only been around since the 2020 model year, and sales have been lower than expected, but again, this is an unconfirmed rumor that has yet to be substantiated.
The current Sonata’s styling may play a part in that lower-than-expected sales. We find it to be attractive inside and out, but it has proven to be polarizing to some. The Sonata features a highly styled hood, sweeping rooflines, and taillights that encircle the trunk. The interior is trimmed with LED accent lights, high-definition displays, clean lines, and nice materials.
Powerplants are expected to remain the same even if the Sonata gets a full redesign. Base models currently receive a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque. Stepping up to the SEL Plus and Limited trims provides a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 180 HP and 195 lb-ft of torque, while the N-Line trim gets a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 290 HP and 311 lb-ft of torque. There’s also a hybrid available, that combines a 2.0-liter four-cylinder and a 39-kW electric motor with a 1.62 kWh battery pack which gives it up to 52 mpg in the Blue trim level.
All current Sonata models get blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking. Higher trim levels get additional features like rear cross-traffic alert, highway driving assist, and rear automatic braking. In terms of crash tests, the Sonata has been awarded an IIHS Top Safety Pick award and NHTSA has awarded the vehicle with a five-star rating.
