Is there going to be a 2023 Sonata?

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Is there going to be a 2023 Sonata?

Michael Simari|Car and Driver

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  • Highs Value city, can’t be confused for a Chevy Malibu, impressive fuel economy even from 290-hp N Line version.
  • Lows Somewhat tall driving position, N model’s too-firm ride and lack of sticky standard summer tires.
  • Verdict More than just a striking design, the Sonata delivers plenty of package for the money.

By Austin Irwin and Eric Stafford

Overview

Hyundai gives an otherwise ho-hum segment—mid-size family sedans—some desperately needed flavor with the eye-catching Sonata. The Sonata makes a strong argument with a lineup consisting of a well-equipped base model, a gas-sipping hybrid, and a 290-hp N Line for thrill seekers who are okay with front-wheel drive. A pair of inline-fours round out the rest of the Sonata’s powertrain lineup, with either a 191-hp base engine or a 180-hp turbo for SEL Plus and Limited trims. The Sonata Hybrid uses a gasoline engine with help from an electric motor to power the front wheels for a combined 195 horsepower with an EPA-estimated 51 mpg on the highway. However, even though the Sonata is an impressive bargain when viewed at the intersection of price and equipment, its handling leaves it still a few blocks over from the sharp and exciting Honda Accord.

Where This Vehicle Ranks

What's New for 2023?

The 2023 Hyundai Sonata receives only minor equipment changes and is mostly a carryover model from last year. Sonata SEL and SEL Convenience get the larger 10.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, while the solar roof offered on the Sonata Hybrid Limited has been replaced with a panoramic sunroof.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

    Not only is the SEL Plus model the most affordable way to get the upgraded 180-hp turbo-four engine, it's also the only Sonata that currently comes with 19-inch rims and enhanced all-season tires. It also features a 12.3-inch fully digital gauge cluster, leatherette and microsuede upholstery, back-seat air vents and USB port, and wireless charging. We'd option our preferred Sonata with the Tech package, too. It adds a 12-speaker Bose stereo, a 10.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a panoramic sunroof, and a semi-autonomous drive mode.

    Engine, Transmission, and Performance

    The Sonata is not the sharpest handler in its class—we like the Accord and the Nissan Altima better—but it's still composed and responsive on the road. The ride is a little more unsettled than we'd like and firmer than most cars in this category, but the Sonata is at least reasonably quick with its turbocharged 1.6-liter engine. During our testing, a Sonata with that powertrain made it to 60 mph in 7.3 seconds—an acceptable result in this class. The shifts from the eight-speed automatic are smooth and well-timed. We'd also like to commend Hyundai for continuing to offer a conventional automatic transmission in its family sedan. Much of the class has gone over to droning (but efficient) continuously variable automatic transmissions (CVTs). During our time with the Sonata hybrid, which pairs a turbo 2.0-liter four-cylinder with a motor-generator that combine for 192 horses, we appreciated its fuel-saving efforts but disliked how it didn't smoothly transition between gas and electric power sources. The 290-hp N Line is one of the quickest front-drive cars we've tested, and it provides a satisfying amount of driving verve. The N Line nailed 60 mph in just 5.0 seconds, which is only a tenth slower than the Honda Civic Type R’s time.

      Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

      The Sonata has a selection of highly fuel-efficient powertrains, with the hybrid versions owning the highest estimates. The Blue hybrid is rated at up to 50 mpg in the city and 54 on the highway; other hybrid Sonatas are expected to achieve 45 and 51 mpg, respectively. The hybrid we tested on our 75-mph fuel-economy route, which is part of our extensive testing regimen, matched its 51-mpg-highway rating. We also tested Sonata models with the turbocharged 1.6-liter (36 mpg) and the turbocharged 2.5-liter (33 mpg). For more information about the Sonata's fuel economy, visit the EPA's website.

      Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

      The Sonata's interior is attractive and feels like it's worth more than the sedan's sticker prices suggest. The back seat is comfortable and spacious, the materials look and feel upscale, and the dashboard layout is simple and ergonomic. The Sonata's 16 cubic feet of cargo space is about what we expect from mid-size sedans—neither the best nor the worst in its set. Still, we fit seven of our carry-on suitcases inside its trunk, which is plenty of space for a long road trip with the family.

        Infotainment and Connectivity

        The infotainment system relies on an 8.0-inch center touchscreen. In SEL models with the Convenience package, SEL Plus, and Limited models, there's also a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster. Hyundai's new tech pièce de résistance is the feature it calls Digital Key, which allows owners to use Hyundai's app and their smartphone to unlock the car using near-field communication (NFC) and operate certain vehicle functions remotely. This would allow drivers to leave the key fob behind if and when their active lifestyles made carrying one inconvenient.

          Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

          Hyundai's SmartSense package of driver-assistance features is standard, and includes automatic high-beam assist, adaptive cruise control, and a driver-attention warning that can sense drowsy or distracted driving. The Sonata can even pull in and out of a parking space while you wait for it from outside. However, that feature is reserved for the top-level Limited trim. For more information about the Sonata's crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:

          • Standard forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking
          • Standard lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist
          • Available blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert

          Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

          Hyundai's warranty coverage is legendary, thanks largely to its massive powertrain warranty. The company also offers complimentary scheduled maintenance that bests mainstream rivals such as Toyota.

          • Limited warranty covers five years or 36,000 miles
          • Powertrain warranty covers 10 years or 100,000 miles
          • Complimentary maintenance is covered for three years or 36,000 miles

          Specifications

          Specifications

          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 fuel injection
          Displacement
          152 in3, 2497 cm3
          Power
          290 hp @ 5800 rpm
          Torque
          311 lb-ft @ 1650 rpm

          TRANSMISSION
          8-speed dual-clutch automatic

          DIMENSIONS
          Wheelbase: 111.8 in
          Length: 192.9 in
          Width: 73.2 in
          Height: 56.9 in
          Passenger volume: 105 ft3
          Trunk volume: 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
          Top speed: 150 mph

          EPA FUEL ECONOMY
          Combined/city/highway: 27/23/33 mpg

          More Features and Specs

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          Will there be a 2023 Sonata N line?

          2023 Sonata N Line | Trim Features | Hyundai USA.

          Why is Sonata discontinued?

          The sedan is said to be phased out in favour of EVs by the brand. Hyundai is currently working on introducing the Ioniq 6 EV, which could replace the Sonata in Hyundai's line-up. Reports also suggest that another reason for its discontinuation is its low sales.

          Is there a Sonata n coming?

          2022 Hyundai Sonata N-Line The package: Midsize, four-door, turbocharged four-cylinder, gasoline-powered, front-wheel-drive, five-passenger family sedan. Highlights: Hyundai's popular midsize sedan got a makeover two years ago with new exterior elements and interior features including dashboard.

          What year did Sonata not buy?

          2011, 2012, And 2013 Are The Worst Hyundai Sonata Model Years. According to the CarComplaints website, the 2011 Hyundai Sonata has the highest number of overall complaints and is also dubbed the worst model year factoring in criteria like repair cost and average mileage when the issues present themselves.