2023 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Sedan

　　

2023 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Review

byDan FrioReviews Editor

　　Dan spent many years covering the go-fast, look-good, get-loud corners of the automotive universe. First, he served as editor of enthusiast magazines AutoSound and Honda Tuning, then as executive editor at SEMA News, the publishing arm of the trade group that produces the annual SEMA Show (yes, that show). As a contributor to zzdcar, he now likes to keep the volume low and the speed limit legal, providing expert car-shopping advice to drivers looking for the perfect match.

　　With midsize sedans growing increasingly rare, it follows that midsize hybrids would be rarer still. With only a handful of choices in this class, most made by only a few different automakers, the 2023 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid stands out for its impressive fuel efficiency and bounty of standard features, including a comprehensive set of active driver aids.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2023 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Blue 4dr Sedan w/Prod. End 11/22 (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 6A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.06 per gallon for regular unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$74/mo  for Sonata Hybrid Blue

　　Sonata Hybrid Blue

　　Blue 4dr Sedan w/Prod. End 11/22 (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 6A) - $28,100 MSRPBlue 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 6A) - $28,450 MSRPSEL 4dr Sedan w/Prod. End 11/22 (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 6A) - $31,450 MSRPSEL 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 6A) - $31,800 MSRPLimited 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 6A) (Most Popular) - $36,600 MSRP

　　vs

　　$165/mo

　　Avg. Midsize Car

　　The base Blue trim gets 52 mpg combined (identical to its Toyota Camry rival), while the higher trim levels get 47 mpg combined. For comparison, the non-hybrid Sonata with the base 2.5-liter engine is rated at 32 mpg combined. Like the regular Sonata, the Sonata Hybrid has built a reputation as a sensible, reliable midsize sedan at an attractive price. Its roomy and comfortable interior makes it a smart pick for families and for drivers who like the cabin space of an SUV but not the taller ride height or driving position. Its infotainment system is also one of the more user-friendly out there. Check our test team's Expert Rating below for a more in-depth look at how the Sonata Hybrid might fit your life.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.

　　Good

　　8.0

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

7.5/10

　　How does the Sonata Hybrid drive? The Sonata Hybrid is adequate from a performance perspective. Acceleration feels good off the line but tapers off once you're rolling. Essentially, it feels zippy around town but may take some planning to pass cars at freeway speeds. In zzdcar' testing, our Sonata Hybrid test car covered 0-60 mph in 8.3 seconds. That's about as quick as the Camry Hybrid but a little slower than the Honda Accord Hybrid.

　　Around turns, the Sonata Hybrid feels balanced and controlled. It's also easy to drive around town. The six-speed automatic transmission is quicker to downshift than the continuously variable transmissions in the Accord Hybrid and Camry Hybrid. In general, the Sonata Hybrid drives a lot like a regular car, which could be a high point for some buyers. The brakes also feel pretty natural without any of the hybrid weirdness that can stem from blending regenerative and regular braking processes.

　　

Comfort

7.5/10

　　How comfortable is the Sonata Hybrid? The Sonata Hybrid is a pretty comfortable car, but it isn't perfect. The front seats have a nice shape to them, but we found the padding a bit stiff, which can reduce your comfort on long trips. The outboard rear seats are nice and cushy, but the middle seat is stiff and uncomfortable.

　　Ride comfort is a high point and strikes a good balance between being compliant and controlled. The Sonata Hybrid's suspension absorbs impacts well without being overly floaty or soft when you take on curvy roads. The climate control system blows strong and cold at its max and is very effective at regulating cabin temperature in auto mode.

　　Surprisingly, road and wind noise is higher than average. It's not bothersome or loud, but you know that it's there. There's some engine noise at freeway speeds as well.

　　Continue reading zzdcar Expert Rating below