The ‘23 Sonata is a front-wheel drive midsized sedan that can be enjoyed in SE, SEL, SEL Plus, N Line, and Limited trim levels. The SE and SEL get a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 191 hp and 181 lb.-ft. of torque. The SEL Plus and Limited share the same turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder that whisks out 180 hp and 195 lb.-ft. of torque. Meanwhile, the N Line is the most audacious of the bunch, with a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder producing 290 hp and 311 lb.-ft. of torque. All trims get an eight-speed automatic transmission; however, the N Line’s is a wet dual clutch. As far as fuel economy, the SE saves its drivers from overspending at the pump with its EPA-estimated 28 mpg city and 38 mpg highway. The SEL, SEL Plus, and Limited return 27 city/37 highway, while the N Line fulfills 22 city/33 highway.
Most default trims are only equipped with the essentials, but the Sonata SE does things a little differently. With it, you’ll have access to a ton of exclusive amenities, like LED headlights and daytime running lights, heated side mirrors, a sound-absorbing windshield, a tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel, and a folding rear seatback that splits 60/40. The infotainment system comes with an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a six-speaker sound system, and Bluetooth hands-free.
Hyundai also equips all 2023 Sonatas with the state-of-the-art SmartSense suite. This premium safety bundle assures you a more confident driving experience with forward collision-avoidance assist (with pedestrian, cyclist, and junction turning detection), automatic high beams, blind-spot collision-avoidance assist, rear cross-traffic collision-avoidance assist, lane-keeping assist, lane-following assist, adaptive cruise control, driver attention monitoring, safe exit warning, and rear occupant alert.
The SEL will indulge you further with a hands-free trunk, sound-deadening front side windows, proximity keyless entry, push-button ignition, heated front seats with driver’s power adjustments, and dual-zone automatic climate control. The multimedia system is improved with a 10.25-inch touchscreen, superior voice recognition, multi-device connection, onboard navigation, and SiriusXM satellite radio, plus you’ll get Hyundai’s Bluelink connected car services.
The optional Convenience Package will make the SEL even more desirable by adding a panoramic sunroof, a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, a wireless phone charger, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, Digital Key (which lets you unlock and start the Sonata using your smartphone), LED interior lights, and a second-row USB charging port. The SEL Plus is essentially a fully optioned SEL with the addition of black exterior elements, microfiber seat inserts, aluminum sport pedals, and a swanky Bose with 12 silky-smooth speakers.
The N Line is the sportiest of the bunch, as it gets more intense exterior detailing, a sport-tuned suspension, a dual exhaust system with quad outlets, a rear spoiler, and front sport seats with trim-specific microfiber inserts. It also has ambient interior lighting and highway driving assist, which allows for semi hands-free driving.
The Limited trim’s upgrades are a heated steering wheel, superior LED headlights and taillights, leather upholstery, a power-adjustable front passenger’s seat, position memory for the driver’s seat, a head-up display, and ambient interior lighting. To top it off, this deluxe trim is treated to a full complement of advanced driving aids: Remote Smart Parking Assist, front and rear parking sensors, reverse parking collision-avoidance assist, a surround-view camera, and a cutting-edge blind-spot view monitor.
