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2013 Hyundai Sonata Pros, Cons, Prices
And How To Get The Best
Out-The-Door Deal
(See Also: "The Ultimate Hyundai Sonata Negotiation Secret")
The 2013 Hyundai Sonata is once again a serious contender among midsize sedans thanks to a major redesign for the 2011 model year. With its sleek looks, lively engines and upgraded cabin, the Sonata has comfortably settled in with the segment's best.
And that's saying a lot since this segment sports a bevy of solid choices also worthy of serious consideration, including the Honda Accord, the Mazda 6, the Volkswagen Passat, the Toyota Camry, the Chevy Malibu and its sibling the Kia Optima.
2013 Hyundai Sonata SE
Still, it's always best to review both a vehicle's strong qualities as well as its weaker, potential problem areas before making a final buying decision. In addition, if someone then decides to proceed with a purchase, it's also best to have a rock-solid plan for getting the absolute lowest price possible, so we'll lead you to that information as well.
Before going into more detail below, the Sonata's overall positives can be summarized to include its abundance of features for the dollar, lively engines, excellent fuel economy, comfortable and attractive interior, excellent safety scores and long warranty. On the downside, its overall negatives would include its limited rear headroom and harsher ride quality in the SE model.
Pros:
Abundance of Features for the Dollar:
The 2013 Sonata is simply less expensive than its rivals, while even the base GLS model comes standard with features such as remote power door locks, power mirrors, heated mirrors, one-touch power windows, air-conditioning, cruise control, keyless entry, Bluetooth, steering-wheel mounted audio controls, wheel locks, a trip computer, a 60/40-split rear seatback, four-wheel antilock brakes (ABS), stability control, traction control, front and rear head airbags, dual front side-mounted airbags, a remote anti-theft alarm system, an emergency braking assist system, three rear headrests, a tire pressure monitor and a 6-speaker audio system with a CD player, satellite radio, an auxiliary audio jack and an iPod/USB audio interface.
Other available features depending on the model include leather upholstery, 18-inch alloy wheels with performance tires, a sport-tuned suspension, foglights, a dark chrome grille, keyless ignition/entry, dual-zone automatic climate control and steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters.
Available options make it possible to outfit a Sonata like a full luxury sedan with features such as a navigation system with a touchscreen display, a rearview camera, premium Infinity speakers, a sunroof, a panoramic sunroof, side mirror turn signal repeaters, front and rear heated seats, an auto-dimming rearview mirror and an upgraded stereo system with HD radio.
Lively Engines:
The new Sonata comes with a choice of two very competent engines. The base engine is a powerful 2.4-liter four-cylinder that should satisfy most drivers with its output of a healthy 198 horsepower (200 in the SE model) while still getting an impressive 28 mpg in combined driving (see more on gas mileage below). For those seeking still more power, the turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder pumps out a robust 274 horsepower with no noticeable turbo lag while still nearly matching the less powerful engine's fuel efficiency.
In performance tests, the 2.4-liter GLS with an automatic transmission was timed from a standstill to 60 mph in just 7.9 seconds. This is a full second faster than the average car in the segment. And the 2.0-liter turbo with an automatic transmission was timed in the same sprint in a still quicker 6.7 seconds.
Excellent Fuel Economy:
Fuel economy for the Sonata is another big plus. The 2.4-liter engine, coupled with either the automatic or manual transmission, is EPA-rated at an impressive 24 mpg city and 35 mpg on the highway. And even with the 2.0-liter turbo's added power, it comes at a very pump-friendly 22 mpg city and 34 highway.
2013 Hyundai Sonata SE interior
Comfortable and Attractive Interior:
Even though the Sonata is a midsize sedan, its interior is so big that the EPA classifies it as a "large" car. Its generous passenger space puts it second in the class to only the Honda Accord, while its seats are also comfortable and supportive. Its large trunk has a cargo capacity of 16.4 cubic feet, making it another convenient plus.
The cabin's actual design also compares very well for the class with its modern and attractive looks combined with upscale and user-friendly features. Build and materials quality is also impressive with an overall look and feel one would expect from a more expensive car.
Excellent Safety Scores and Long Warranty:
In government crash tests, the Sonata was awarded a top five-star rating for overall crash protection, consisting of four stars for front-impact occupant protection and five for side-impact protection.
The Sonata's warranty is also one of the best in the business. The standard warrranty covers 5 years/60,000 miles, while the Drivetrain warranty extends to 10 years/100,000 miles. Their Roadside Assistance coverage is also 5 years/60,000 miles and their Rust warranty is for 5 years/100,000 miles.
Cons:
Limited Rear Headroom:
While the new Sonata offers generally roomy passenger accommodations and the ability to stretch out on longer trips, the car's handsome and sleek exterior design does come with a possible comfort sacrifice for some occupants. It's the attractive but sloping roof line that results in only an adequate amount of headroom, both front and rear. Six-foot-plusers in back will be especially challenged.
Harsher SE Model Ride:
The sporty SE model offers more agile handling abilities and driver engagement along with its 18-inch alloy wheels, performance tires and sport-tuned suspension. Those potentially interested in this model, however, should be aware that the increased performance comes at the price of a harsher and bumpier ride quality.
Overall:
The new Hyundai Sonata offers an appealling combination of comfort, design, features, performance and price, while its positive qualities significantly outnumber its drawbacks. Now clearly positioned among the leaders in the midsize sedan class, it is well worth serious consideration.
How To Get The Lowest Price:
Well, there's definitely a 'best way' when it comes to new car buying. If you want to get the best bottomline, out-the-door price you need to know exactly who to talk to at the dealership, how to make the contact and how to make this person eager to quickly drop prices as low as possible to get your sale.
Here's the details on exactly how to get the best price on a new Hyundai Sonata.
Good luck and all the best,
Josh
