Returning with only minor changes, the 2023 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid (HEV) continues to be a serious value in the midsize hybrid sedan arena.
The first of two noteworthy enhancements: The SEL grade now gets the 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen and navigation. In 2022, you had to spring for the Hybrid Limited to get the larger display with navigation. Second, Hyundai has replaced the solar roof on the Limited with a panoramic sunroof.
We like the Sonata Hybrid for its comfortable and spacious cabin and wide range of safety technology. Its generous 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty also earns points with us. Oh, and we appreciate the solid fuel-economy numbers, too.
Hyundai separates the Sonata Hybrid into just three trim levels: Hybrid Blue, Hybrid SEL, and Hybrid Limited. We detail the standard gasoline-fueled Hyundai Sonata separately.
Every grade of the 2023 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid receives its go from a powertrain consisting of a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine mated with a 39-kW electric motor. The combined output is 192 horsepower. A 6-speed automatic transmission hustles power to the front wheels.
According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the 2023 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Blue trim is rated at 50 miles per gallon in the city, 54 mpg on the highway, and 52 mpg in combined driving. Those numbers drop to 45 mpg city/51 mpg highway/47 mpg combined for the upper trims.
Let’s see how the three Sonata Hybrid grades shake out.
2023 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Blue (starting at $27,950)
The cornerstone of the hybrid trims, the Hybrid Blue rates as the most fuel-efficient Sonata Hybrid grade. It also boasts a grocery list of standard features. They begin with LED exterior lights (auto on/off headlights, taillights, and daytime running lights) and 16-inch alloy wheels.
Other standard fare includes hill-start assist, proximity keyless entry with push-button start, and dual-zone automatic climate control. The airbag count is nine. Also included are cloth seating, a 60/40-split-folding rear seat, and a tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel with audio and cruise controls.
An 8-inch touchscreen oversees an infotainment system that features a 6-speaker audio system, satellite-radio capability, and Bluetooth. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a USB port are also included.
The Bluelink Connected Car System offers a suite of services to keep the Sonata and driver in good hands, from routine maintenance to emergency assistance.
Hyundai reinforces its safety message with a healthy catalog of standard safety and driver-aid technologies, such as a forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection. Adaptive cruise control with stop and go is included, as are high-beam assist, lane-keeping assist, and lane-following assist. Blind-spot monitoring with braking, rear cross-traffic alert, and driver-alert warning are also standard.
Hyundai doesn’t offer factory-installed options on any 2023 Sonata Hybrid trim levels.
Adding the $1,095 destination fee to the Hybrid Blue base price brings the total to $29,045. With no money down, financing for 60 months at 3% interest works out to about $522 per month. See 2023 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Blue models for sale
2023 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Blue includes:
Proximity keyless entry – If the key fob is on your person, the doors automatically unlock when you approach. Hyundai pairs push-button start with proximity keyless entry.
Dual-zone automatic climate control – A set-and-forget system, it divides the vehicle into left and right regions, providing separate temperature settings for each. Once set, it automatically maintains the preset temperatures.
Bluelink Connected Car – This system keeps you connected with your Hyundai. It rolls technologies like navigation, accident first-responder notification, and so forth into one app on your smart device.
2023 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid SEL (starting at $31,300)
For a little more than $3,300 over the cost of the Hybrid Blue, the 2023 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid SEL really delivers the goods. You gain features like heated front seats, a 12-speaker Bose audio system, and the 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation. That’s why we believe the Hybrid SEL is the best Sonata Hybrid value.
Other Hybrid SEL standard features include 17-inch alloy wheels, heated outboard mirrors with integrated turn signals, and more USB ports. Also included are power-adjustable front seats (8-way driver and 4-way passenger) and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. The Hybrid SEL also has wireless smartphone charging.
If you like the idea of controlling some of your Sonata Hybrid’s functions through your smartphone, you’ll be pleased with the Hyundai Digital Key. It’s also standard.
Adding the destination fee to the Hybrid SEL base price equals $32,395. Financing for 60 months at 3% with no money down works out to a monthly payment of about $582. See 2023 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid SEL models for sale
2023 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid SEL includes:
Bose audio system – This 12-speaker system includes a subwoofer and delivers concert hall-like sound.
10.25-inch touchscreen – This huge display is much more user-friendly for the driver when controlling the audio and climate systems. Navigation is included.
Mirrors with integrated turn signals – These are power outboard mirrors with turn-signal repeaters installed on their outer shell. They are heated.
2023 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Limited
(starting at $36,250)
The Hybrid Limited tops the Sonata Hybrid pecking order, and it is positively brimming with all manner of features and technologies. For instance, leather seating, rain-sensing wipers, a surround-view camera, and reverse automatic emergency braking are standard.
Giving the driver a bit of a break, the Highway Driving Assist is a semi-autonomous driver-assistance system. It can accelerate, steer, and brake the Sonata Hybrid Limited under certain conditions. Need to squeeze into a narrow parking space? The Remote Smart Parking Assist allows the driver to exit the vehicle and then finish the parking process using the Digital Key.
Other features include a panoramic sunroof, upgraded LED headlights, ventilated front seats, a color head-up display, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. Moreover, you can open your garage door from inside the vehicle via the HomeLink transceiver.
Also standard are front/rear park assist, a blind-spot monitor, and a 12.3-inch digital gauge display.
Adding the destination fee to the Hybrid Limited base price totals $37,345. With no money down, financing for 60 months at 3% interest works out a monthly payment of about $671. See 2023 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Limited models for sale
2023 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Limited includes:
Rain-sensing wipers – When the system senses moisture on the windshield, it automatically engages the wipers. The wiper speed adjusts according to the volume of the rain.
Surround-view camera – It provides a 360-degree bird’s-eye view around the Sonata Hybrid, which is quite helpful when parking.
Front/rear park assist – Sensors in the front and rear bumpers detect objects in the vehicle’s path when it’s moving forward or backward at low speeds. An alert will sound if necessary.
