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The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2013 Hyundai Sonata

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Overview

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2013 Hyundai Sonata Review

By KBB.com Editors

KBB Expert Rating: 7.7

In a segment historically defined by everyday practicality and restrained styling, the 2013 Hyundai Sonata breaks the mold with its sculpted exterior design, feature-laden cabin and three efficient yet engaging 4-cylinder engine choices. Add to that an industry-leading 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, and it becomes apparent that the Sonata will continue to seize market share from well-established competitors, such as the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord and Ford Fusion. Both the standard engine and the 274-horsepower turbocharged version employ direct-injection technology to deliver impressive fuel economy figures without sacrificing power, while the 2013 Sonata Hybrid represents the pinnacle of Hyundai fuel efficiency with its 40-mpg highway rating and lifetime-warrantied hybrid battery.

You'll Like This Car If...

If you're in the market for a mid-size sedan and the usual suspects fail to arouse your emotions, the 2013 Hyundai Sonata could be the perfect choice. Given its generous level of standard equipment, its lengthy warranty and rising residual values, the Sonata offers perhaps the best value of the group.

You May Not Like This Car If...

While Hyundai's groundbreaking Fluidic Sculpture design language resonates with many new-car buyers, some might prefer the more subtle looks of the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord or Chevrolet Malibu. When stacked up against the second-generation Camry Hybrid, the Sonata Hybrid suffers from deficiencies in driving dynamics, fuel efficiency and overall ride quality.

KBB Expert Ratings

Overall Rating

7.7
Driving Dynamics

7.1
Comfort & Convenience

7.3
Design: Interior & Exterior

8.1
Value

8.1
Safety

9.9

How It Ranks

#6

out of 18

MPG

#4

out of 19

Horsepower

View all rankings

Consumer Rating

8.6 out of 10

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consumer ratings

2013 Hyundai Sonata Low/wide front photo

What's New for 2013

For the 2013 model year, the Hyundai Sonata receives a handful of minor revisions to its feature content. GLS trims equipped with the Popular Equipment Package now include fog lights and heated front seats, while Limited models get a traditional moonroof in place of the previously-standard dual-panel unit. Standard heated front seats for SE trims round out the changes.

Driving the Sonata

2013 Hyundai Sonata Front angle view photo

Driving Impressions For how quickly and smoothly the 2013 Hyundai Sonata pulls away from a stop, you'd swear there was a V6 engine under its sleek hood. Instead, what resides there...

is a 2.4-liter direct-injection 4-cylinder engine producing 200 horsepower and delivering fuel economy figures of 24 mpg city and 35 mpg highway. If that's not enough power for you, the 2013 Hyundai Sonata 2.0T sedan adds a turbocharger that brings output to a very healthy 274 horsepower. The Sonata excels in virtually every category, with excellent brakes and a suspension that delivers smoothness when the road gets nasty and level cornering when the asphalt starts to curve. Steering feel, however, is somewhat vague, and interior noise levels are a bit higher than those in competitors such as the Chevy Malibu and Honda Accord. From a comfort standpoint, our Limited trim level's seats were very comfortable, the dash and instrumentation were nice to look at and easy to figure out, and all but the tallest test drivers found the rear-seat headroom and legroom to be exceptional.

Favorite Features

HEATED REAR SEATS
While some luxury-oriented sedans and SUVs offer heated rear seats, it isn't something you generally see in a mainstream mid-size sedan. And the fact that they're standard on both the SE and Limited trim makes them even more attractive.

HD RADIO
HD Radio doesn't have the commercial-free appeal of satellite radio, but we have no qualms about a subscription-free radio service that broadcasts your favorite radio stations in CD quality. We wish more automakers offered HD Radio, and we're glad the 2013 Hyundai Sonata offers it on all trims.

2013 Hyundai Sonata Details

2013 Hyundai Sonata Dashboard, center console, gear shifter view photo

Interior

Like its dynamic exterior, the 2013 Hyundai Sonata's interior is a work of art. Following the exterior design theme, the Sonata's interior is a mix of bold shapes, smooth finishes and lots of attractive blue backlighting. The available 2-tone interior package looks particularly inviting in black and wine leather, and features such as the Limited trim's heated rear seat are practically unheard of in other competitors. However, while we do like the look of the rakish rear pillars, the design somewhat cuts into rear seat headroom.

Exterior

The 2013 Hyundai Sonata is truly an original that will be hard to top. From its deeply-sculpted hood to the careful use of chrome trim highlighting the beltline, there is something old-Detroit-classic about this car, a throwback to a time when designers took risks and weren't afraid to produce something unique and dramatic. With its beautifully-detailed grille and swept-back headlights, its high belt line and sharply-raked rear window, the 2013 Sonata sedan projects a formidable presence few cars, let alone mid-size family sedans, possess. The Sonata's wheel and tire sizes vary by trim level and range from 16-inch steel wheels with plastic covers to 19-inch split-spoke alloy wheels. One of the Sonata's more appealing exterior features is the Limited trim's available panoramic moonroof.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

Hyundai is renowned for outfitting its vehicles with a comprehensive serving of standard features, and the 2013 Sonata is no exception. Topping the list is Hyundai's Blue Link infotainment and concierge service, Bluetooth and a USB port with iPod connectivity. Safety equipment includes six airbags, the usual sprinkling of electronic safety aides and active front headrests to help reduce the severity of whiplash-related injuries. Like many competitors in the category, the Hyundai Sonata in base form includes a 6-speed manual transmission and rides on steel wheels with full-size covers.

Optional Equipment

In addition to common equipment upgrades, such as leather seats and a moonroof, the 2013 Hyundai Sonata boasts an alluring list of optional features, which consist of a rear backup camera, a pair of premium audio systems and a navigation system with a 7-inch touch-screen and real-time traffic, weather, sports and stock updates. The once-standard panoramic moonroof is now available as part of the Limited Premium Package.

Under the Hood

Since both the turbocharged 4-cylinder engine and hybrid powertrain are engineered with a specific purpose in mind, the vast majority of Sonata owners will choose the balanced performance of the standard 2.4-liter direct-injected 4-cylinder. Transmission choices include a 6-speed manual (in GLS trim only) or a 6-speed automatic transmission. Although it is Hyundai's first mass-production hybrid vehicle, the Sonata Hybrid is packed with innovative tech bits. Leading the charge (pun intended) is a lithium polymer battery pack that weighs 25 percent less than a conventional nickel-metal hydride system. Moreover, the 2013 Sonata Hybrid is capable of all-electric speeds up to 74 mph – better than most plug-in hybrids. When Hyundai corrects the sluggish throttle response issues and elevates the fuel efficiency to competitive levels, we might be looking at the next leader in hybrid technology.

2.4-liter inline-4
190-200 horsepower @ 6,300 rpm (varies by trim and state emission regulations)
179-186 lb-ft of torque @ 4,250 rpm (varies by trim)
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 24/35 mpg

2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4
274 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm
269 lb-ft of torque between 1,750-4,500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 22/34 mpg

2.4-liter 4-cylinder hybrid
206 net horsepower
154 lb-ft of torque @ 4,500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 35/40 mpg

Pricing Notes

A base 2013 Hyundai Sonata GLS sedan has a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) starting a little over $21,500. The automatic transmission adds $1,000 to the starting price. Opting for the sportier, paddle shifter-equipped SE trim will bring the cost to just above $24,000, while the range-topping Limited 2.0T starts around $27,000. Compared to most of its competitors in the mid-size sedan segment, the Sonata falls on the lower side of the pricing spectrum, right in line with its "value pricing" philosophy. To get the best deal on your 2013 Sonata, be sure to check kbb.com's Fair Purchase Price, which gives you an idea of what others in your area have paid. In terms of projected resale value, the Sonata has climbed its way into the top half of the class, and only a few percentage points shy of the mighty Honda Accord.

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2013 Hyundai Sonata Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

8.6

Out of 10

Based on 497 Ratings for the 2011 - 2013 models.

Review this car

Value

8.9/10

Quality

8.8/10
Reliability

9.0/10

Performance

8.7/10
Comfort

8.8/10

Styling

9.1/10

Two years + owner no issues

By DR14 (WA) on Saturday, July 27, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 27,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 8/10
Performance: 8/10
Styling: 8/10
Comfort: 8/10

Pros: "Good price and MPG and the 100K warranty"

Cons: "No power, cheap plastic interior design"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"I have a 2011 Sonata. I agree with some of the other reviews in that my sonata does not have a lot of power and the transmission does shift hard. In fact, when I first got it, I was back at the dealer within a week asking them to look at the transmission because of the hard shifting and they said it was fine. Two + years later I still have it and have had no problems at all just one recall for a tail light switch or what not. I have kept up with the maintenance as recommended. I would consider buying another sonata. I read many low rating reviews and in all fairness, I believe that it's very possible to get a lemon from the dealer. That can happen with almost any model vehicle. Before my sonata I had Toyota that had many major issues. My point is I hope to not get a lemon on my next car purchase. One major selling point for me was the 100K warranty and the 35 MPG on the highway. I needed to drive long distances once a month to pickup my kids and I wanted a car with good gas mileage. I don't actually get 35 MPG but pretty darn close."

2 people out of 4 found this review helpful

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Rough ride and low passenger seat

By VanessaRS (CA) on Friday, July 19, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 15,000

10 4.0

overall rating 4 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 4/10
Value: 6/10
Reliability: 6/10
Quality: 6/10
Performance: 2/10
Styling: 6/10
Comfort: 5/10

Pros: "Nice interior and sleek look"

Cons: "Poor shifting and the passenger seat is not adjust"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 4

"Our Sonata hybrid has the roughest ride of a hybrid that I have ever had. The gear shifting in the lower gears is awful. We are barely getting more that 25 mpg. Also the passenger seat is so low and is not adjustable."

3 people out of 3 found this review helpful

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great car for the money

By longlslander (NY) on Wednesday, July 17, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 20,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 8/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "mpg, comfort, plenty of power roomy"

Cons: "blindspots"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"great car for the money, I have been driving for little more than a year now and this is great car. have plenty of power and save me lots of money on gas I get about 450miles for full tanks. our family made few long distance trips with this car and it was very comfortable. my only problem is that the car has some blind spots in the front. I guess that is due to side airbags. but other than that the car is very good around."

4 people out of 4 found this review helpful

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Amazing vehicle

By Jim (MD) on Tuesday, July 16, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 31,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "great price, great mileage, excellent appearance"

Cons: "none identified in the first year"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"Purchased this car as a commuter vehicle and have not been in the least dissappointed. I travel 56 miles one way every day and the vehicle is comfortable and rides well. Handling in all weather has been solid, all around gas milage including weekend city driving is 32 to 33 mpg. Long trip to VA I got 37 for the trip. Overall you can spend more for a car but it will be difficult to get a better value."

3 people out of 3 found this review helpful

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one of the worst cars I have ridden in

By terry (NJ) on Sunday, July 14, 2013

I don't own this car

10 5.0

overall rating 5 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 5/10
Value: 6/10
Reliability: Not Rated
Quality: 5/10
Performance: 5/10
Styling: 2/10
Comfort: 2/10

Pros: "none"

Cons: "passenger visibility, lack of support and padding"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 1

"We rented a Sonata for a vacation with family. My husband said it did not handle curves very well, otherwise drives OK. The biggest problem was comfort. The front passenger seat is so low that the passenger (about 5' 3") cannot see well to the front or side. Scenery was what we wanted to see. Visibility out the back side windows was only slightly better and the lack of support and padding on the cloth seats was something else again. It felt like you were sitting in a hole. I cannot imagine why someone thought this was good design."

3 people out of 4 found this review helpful

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Electronics problematic

By Margie (NC) on Wednesday, July 03, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 20,424

10 5.0

overall rating 5 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 5/10
Value: 8/10
Reliability: 8/10
Quality: 6/10
Performance: 8/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "Beauty, mileage, comfort"

Cons: "Electronics drive me nuts"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 1

"The car is beautiful and comfortable but the electronics suck. They work ok for a few days and then won't work correctly. Back-up camera often will not come on. My Iphone pairs intermittently. Each time I get an oil change I complain. I have taken it to trade it twice and backed out. I could wait until I have 36,000 miles and then when I take it in, it can get fixed as I will be paying. I would never recommend this car to anyone."

3 people out of 8 found this review helpful

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See all 497 reviews