Sonata continues hitting the right notes for South Korea's largest automaker.
Totally redesigned a couple of years ago in the 2011 model year, this sixth-generation mid-size sedan commands attention thanks to handsome good looks. In a crowded, highly competitive segment, Sonata stands out thanks to ultra-competitive pricing and long-term engine warranty. Resale value continues improving thanks to a solid factory build and fewer rebate-type incentives which historically deflate trade-in numbers. Except for a smattering of added content in select trims, the 2013 Sonata remains largely a carryover from 2012; not a bad turn of events in this particular case.
During its recent redesign, Sonata added an inch in length with a wheelbase (distance between front and rear axle) stretched 2.6 inches for improved handling and additional interior room. Built at the company's sole U.S. assembly plant in Montgomery Alabama (operational since 2005), Sonata continually ranks as Hyundai's best-selling vehicle accounting for approximately 30 percent of the automaker's U.S. sales. The Alabama plant added a third shift in September of 2012 to accommodate increased production for the Sonata and compact Elantra, also calling Alabama its production home. In 2012 both vehicles exceeded 200,000 units built, necessitating the added shift; a welcome conundrum in this day and age. Total U.S. Hyundai sales in 2012 reached 703,007 units, a new high benchmark. By comparison a decade earlier, total U.S. sales in 2002 limped in at 375,119 units. In 2012, Sonata ranked in the top five most-popular mid-size sedans sold in the U.S.
Strictly front-wheel drive, Sonata offers three trim levels: GLS, SE and top-level Limited. A six-speed automatic transmission comes standard in every trim, a change from 2012 when the entry GLS offered a manual. SE is the only one of the three providing sports-tuned nuances including steering wheel paddle shifters, bolster inserts inside front buckets, dual exhausts and larger 18-inch tires. GLS accounted for more than 50 percent of sales in 2012.
All three trims come nicely equipped with basics American consumers have come to expect standard, and a few upgrades including heated outside folding side mirrors, chrome side window molding, secondary steering wheel mounted audio controls, cruise control, front passenger side impact air bags and curtain air bags covering both rows. Push button start comes standard in SE and Limited.
Keeping the transaction process relatively straight forward, each of the three trims offers one option package. Base GLS has the 'popular equipment package' including front fog lamps, 16-inch alloy wheels and chrome interior door handles. Mid-level SE adds a 'navigation and sunroof package' with seven-inch touchscreen and rearview backup camera. The Limited's 'premium package' adds a panoramic sunroof, in-dash navigation and upgraded stereo. Audiophiles of all ages will appreciate the standard iPod and USB ports, hands-free Bluetooth phone connectivity and three months of Satellite radio all standard.
While many mid-size competitors offer the choice of four or six-cylinder engines, Sonata charges forward with a variety of four-cylinder options. A 2.4-liter, naturally aspirated, gasoline direct injection four cylinder generates 198 horsepower (better-than-average in this segment) and is available in all trims. In addition, a 2.0-liter turbo-charged variant cranking out 274 horses is available in SE and Limited. Also available is a gas-electric hybrid (no plug-in needed) generating 206 net horsepower. The lithium polymer battery pack adds an impressive 12 miles to city travel and five highway compared to the naturally-aspirated four.
Both Sonata and its platform cousin, the Kia Optima boast the industry's most stylish mid-size sedan exteriors. Prior to the 2011 next-generation stylish redo, Sonata oozed bland, not bling. Give Hyundai credit for taking a dare on a design generated from its southern California studios. It was a huge leap of faith from a conservative-minded, committee-think company culture. Sonata's thin rear 'C" pillars merge with a short, slightly angled trunk lid. The elongated cabin region incorporates short side windows. A smiley faced chrome-laden front grille sports the round Hyundai logo front and center flanked by narrow headlight housing.
Late in 2012, Hyundai and Kia found themselves embroiled in a messy class action suit involving inflated fuel economy claims. While the naturally aspirated four-cylinder Sonata was not one of the 13 vehicles found overstating mileage estimates, damage control was set in motion. The two Korean automakers responded lighting fast with pre-loaded debit cards to many of the 900,000 affected customers. The incident didn't seem to inhibit or slow the sales tide as both automakers have experienced a strong spring.
Despite the brouhaha, both automakers enjoy better-than-average fuel economy estimates with recalibrated numbers. Estimated mileage figures for Sonata's naturally-aspirated four cylinder check in at 24 mpg city and 35 highway, near or at the top of the mid-size class.
Our Limited test trim sported a starting price of $25,845. With $2,900 Premium package, $100 floor mats and $35 iPod cable, the bottom line ended at $29,665 with $775 destination charge. The lowest-priced 2013 Sonata, a GLS with standard six-speed automatic transmission starts at $20,999. By contrast the lowest priced 2013 Toyota Camry (America's best-selling mid-size sedan) checks in at $22,235 while Ford Fusion for 2013 starts at $21,700.
Heated front seats are standard in SE and Limited. Cloth surfaces adorn GLS while SE and Limited enjoy leather-like surfaces. While marketed as a mid-size, Sonata tilts towards the larger end of the spectrum, helping row two accommodate three adults in most circumstances. Headroom measures in as average, not spectacular.
Inside, the instrument panel's dual, deep-set circular analog gauges each include their own center bull's eyes doubling as a digital fuel gauge (right-side speedometer) and engine temperature (left circle tachometer). Overall, the interior is well laid out, intuitive and user friendly. Fuel and trunk release levers reside on the dash left of the manually tilt-and-telescoping steering column; a more convenient location than floor-bound left of the driver's seat. Power windows, mirror and door lock controls are found on the driver's door arm rest. Gray interiors remain the most prevalent choice. Camel, black and wine schemes are available depending on the specific, dedicated matching mates from eight exterior colors.
Below the optional in-dash navigation screen resides the ventilation system with dials for our Limited's dual temperature front zones and a rectangular toggle button for fan speed. Three fan directional selections incorporate an artistic flair with anatomy-shaped profiles of a head, torso, and legs designating the areas. Towards the bottom of the dash's flared out center stack is a retracing storage bin and dual 12-volt power sources and a portable electronics plug-in port. The foot-operated parking brake opens space between front buckets for inline beverage holders and heated seat switches.
The fuel tank holds 18.5 gallons of regular, 87-octane unleaded fuel. The trunk's cargo capacity is a mid-size-impressive 16.4 cubic feet. The region is home to dual pull latches releasing the 60/40 fold-down backrests.
On the highway, a bit more road and wind noise enters the cabin then some rivals and suspension remains un-crisp. Quick turns are aided by a short turning radius.
At a Glance
2013 Hyundai Sonata
Price as tested: $29,665
Wheelbase: 110 inches
Length: 189.8 inches
Width: 72.2 inches
Engine: 2.4-liter four-cylinder
Horsepower: 198
Curb weight: 3,316 pounds
Powertrain warranty: 10 year/100,000-miles
City/Highway economy: 24/35 mpg
Assembly: Montgomery, Alabama
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