2023 Hyundai Sonata: A Head-Turning, Fun, Practical Daily Driver

Pros

• Beautiful looking car
• Comfortable and roomy interior
• Apple and Andriod Car Play Standard in all models
• Great MPG
  

Cons

• The standard drivetrain is a bit boring
  

The 2023 Hyundai Sonata is just as comfortable driving down the runway at a fashion show in Milan as it is waiting in a McDonald's drive-through. It’s the automotive equivalent of a black tie— stylish, practical, and could be worn by a Cheesecake Factory host or the president of the United States of America.

The Sonata is a superb option for a daily driver, it offers a wide range of standard safety features, a sleek intuitive infotainment system, and a best-in-class warranty. Where the Sonata falters is its fun factor. The standard 2.5L 4-cyl base model engine isn’t very quick which you will notice when you are driving up an on-ramp.

Exterior

Hyundai did not mess around when designing its most recent generation. With its clean, sophisticated, and architectural profile, you won’t be embarrassed walking out of the grocery store when the manager announces that someone’s 2023 Hampton Gray Sonata headlights were left on.

The cascading grille, check mark LED headlights, and sleek profile give it a modern and upscale aesthetic. Everything about the exterior of the Sonata was well thought out, from the design-y taillights to the fun names for their three different shades of gray you can choose from, Hampton Gray? Yes, please.

Interior and Comfort

No matter where you sit, you and your passengers will be pleasantly surprised by how spacious and comfortable your seat is. Hyundai clearly took time to pick quality materials for the dash, center console, and seats. The seating arrangement is thoughtful and generous for both front and rear passengers, making the Sonata a perfect car for your family or your group of friends which is what makes the car perfect as a daily driver or a cross-country road tripper.

Practicality and Utility

The Sonata offers ample space for your cargo as well. Its 16 cubic foot trunk can easily accommodate multiple pieces of luggage which makes you an ideal candidate for an airport drop-off or pick-up, so maybe don’t brag about that to your friends. Its split folding rear seats give you even more room for larger items. There are also several clever storage compartments sprinkled throughout the cabin for your and your passenger's convenience.

Technology and Connectivity

In terms of tech, the Sonata has everything you would expect and more. Both the SE and the SEL come with the standard 8-inch screen and the SEL Convenience Package, SEL Plus, N Line, and Limited get the upgraded 12.3-inch screen. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration are available in all 2023 Hyundai models which gives you a seamless smartphone interface. There is an option to upgrade to a wireless version which would require no USB cable, but you don’t really need that.

Features you can look forward to in your 2023 Hyundai Sonata:

• 12 Bose® premium audio speakers (optional)
• Wireless device charging (optional)
• Color head-up display (optional)
• Hyundai Digital Key (optional)
• Rearview camera (standard)
• Front and Rear camera monitor with parking guidance (optional)
• Forward collision avoidance assists with pedestrian/cyclist/junction-turning detection (standard)
• Lane following assist (standard)
• Driver attention warning (standard)
• Smart cruise control with stop-and-go (standard)
• Reverse Parking collision avoidance assist (standard)
• Remote Smart Parking Assist (optional)

Performance and Handling

The 2023 Sonata offers a range of engine options, including a standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 191 horsepower. For those seeking more power, there is an available turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder producing 180 horsepower. There is an eco-friendly 2.0-liter hybrid option that generates 192 horsepower. And for anyone who wants to add a little pep in their step, the sporty N Line model boasts a potent 290 horsepower turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine.

The base model engine is good enough for all of your daily driving needs, but it is a bit boring. And look, I get it, you aren’t buying a Sonata as a track day car. But after a long day at work when you get behind the wheel you want to feel like you are driving a drug-crazed field mouse, which the N Line provides.

Handling-wise, the Sonata is composed, responsive, and intuitive making it enjoyable and relaxing whether you are driving on winding roads or on the freeway. The suspension strikes a good balance between comfort and sportiness, providing a smooth and controlled ride.

Safety Features

Hyundai has loaded the Sonata with a comprehensive suite of safety features. Standard equipment includes smart cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, High Beam Assist, and a rearview camera. Optional features like blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and rear cross-traffic alert are great additions to amplify the safety of the vehicle. And for peace of mind, the Sonata has a five-star crash rating from NHTSA and won a Top Safety Pick from IIHS.

Cost and Value

If you end up buying the 2023 Sonata, you won’t be sorry. It's a car that gives you a lot of bang for your buck. With its reasonable pricing, exceptional features, and safety it’s a great contender compared to the Toyota Camry or Honda Accord. One more factor you should put into your consideration when deciding what car to purchase is Hyundai’s amazing 5-year/60,000 Mile warranty which provides some serious peace of mind.

Sonata Trim Levels (as of June 2023):

SE

• Total MSRP: $25,250
• MPG: 28 City/38 Highway
• 191 HP 2.5 L MPI/GDI 4-cylinder engine

SEL

• Total MSRP: $27,775
• MPG: 27 City/37 Highway
• 191 HP 2.5 L MPI/GDI 4-cylinder engine

SEL Plus

• Total MSRP: $32,275
• MPG: 27 City/38 Highway
• 180 HP 1.6 L Turbo GDI 4-cylinder engine

N Line

• Total MSRP: $32,625
• MPG: 23 City/33 Highway
• 290 HP 2.5 L Turbo MPI/GDI 4- cylinder engine

Limited

• Total MSRP: $35,125
• MPG: 27 City/35 Highway
• 180 HP 1.6 L Turbo GDI 4-cylinder engine
  

The 2023 Hyundai Sonata is the dark horse of midsize sedans. It’s an interesting car that you simply can’t feel embarrassed driving. No one’s ears perk up when some joe shmoe says they drive a Camry or an Accord, but the second you tell someone you drive a Sonata they’ll look at you a little differently. Pick the Sonata, be interesting.