The Best Midsize Hyundai Cars
The Hyundai Sonata is Hyundai’s only current midsize car, soon to be joined by the all-electric Ioniq 6—but where do they stand among competitors?
Written by Cameron Thiessen
Reviewed by Jessica Barrett
Table of Contents
Hyundai currently only offers one midsize car—the
Hyundai Sonata
. However, the 2023 Ioniq 6 is expected to make its model debut in early 2023 and will provide a fully-electric midsize sedan option.Midsize cars aren’t the most popular vehicles these days, but that hasn’t stopped Hyundai from making a good one. Here to give you a look at the Sonata and the upcoming Ioniq 6 is
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, the car insurance
comparison shopping super app. We’ll talk about how the Sonata measures up to its competition as well as an easy way to find the cheapest Hyundai insurance
around.Find out if you can reduce your monthly car payments in minutes
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2023 Hyundai Sonata
The midsize family car segment has long been dominated by the
Honda Accord
, but the Hyundai Sonata has been giving it a run for its money and leaving the Toyota Camry
in the dust along the way. If the more affordable, compact Elantra doesn’t offer the space you need, the Hyundai Sonata is the sedan for you.The Sonata has come a long way since its debut in 1985 when it was developed on the base of the long-defunct Hyundai Stellar. It’s stylish with a generous suite of standard tech, a pleasure to drive, and offers a great list of powertrain options—including an efficient traditional hybrid.
Pricing
Hyundai has always managed competitive price points, and the Sonata is no exception—it starts at $24,950. Upgrading to the top Limited trim with the hybrid powertrain brings this number up to $35,700, and adding extra goodies maxes pricing out around $38,000.
Trim levels
The 2023 Hyundai Sonata is available in eight distinct trims: Gas SE, Gas SEL, Hybrid Blue, Hybrid SEL, Gas SEL Plus, Gas N Line, Gas Limited, and Hybrid Limited.
Limited trims have the most complete array of SmartSense driver assistance technology, but even the base SE models get essentials like forward collision avoidance, pedestrian and cyclist detection, lane assist, and adaptive cruise control.
The N Line gets a rear spoiler, along with unique exterior styling and a twin-tip dual exhaust. Limited models pack the most interior comfort features, such as leather seats, power front seats for both driver and passenger, ventilated front seats, and integrated memory for seats and side mirrors.
Performance
The trim you choose will heavily affect your Sonata’s performance since there are a total of four available powertrains.
The base SE trim comes with a 191-horsepower 2.5-liter 4-cylinder. This—along with the rest of the non-hybrid powertrains—is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive (FWD). It isn’t much of a performer and gets slightly worse gas mileage than the Toyota Camry’s base 2.5-liter.
The SEL is the first trim upgrade that comes available as a hybrid. The hybrid powertrain uses a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor for a total power output of 192 horses. This is also nothing to write home about in terms of performance, but the improved fuel efficiency may be worth it!
The Sonata Gas SEL Plus introduces the more exciting 1.6-liter turbo-4, which gets less maximum horsepower but offers more torque and better acceleration. Car and Driver recorded its 0-60 time at 7.3 seconds.
If you’re willing to invest in a performance upgrade, you have the option of the N Line’s 2.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder. It competes with other sport-focused FWD family sedan variants like the Honda Accord 2.0T and the Toyota Camry TRD and manages a 5.0-second 0-60 time thanks to 290 horsepower. The N Line also receives a firmer sport-tuned suspension, allowing for serious fun once the kids are dropped off at school.
Fuel economy
The most efficient gas-only Sonata is the SE. It gets 28/38 mpg (city/hwy). That being said, even the SEL, SEL Plus, and Limited trims manage only 1 mpg less, and the N Line gets 23/33 mpg (city/hwy).
If you don’t need sporty performance and have the extra money to invest in a Sonata Hybrid Blue, do it—the fuel economy will be worth it at 50 mpg in the city and 54 mpg on the highway.
The Blue trim is the most affordable hybrid Sonata—about the same price as the Sonata Gas SEL. If you want the more premium amenities of the SEL or Limited Hybrid trims, you’ll still get 45/51 mpg (city/hwy).
Interior and tech
The 2023 Hyundai Sonata’s cabin is not quite as spacious as the Honda Accord’s, but Hyundai does manage to provide an upscale interior even at the lowest trim levels. The base model gets an 8-inch touchscreen, but upgrading to the SEL or higher gets you a 10.25-inch infotainment setup. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity come standard, along with HD Radio.
The most lauded piece of tech is the new Hyundai Digital Key, which allows you to use your smartphone to unlock your car. It’s available with the SEL Convenience Package and included with SEL Plus and higher trims. Also available is a panoramic sunroof and a 12-speaker premium Bose audio system.
Also of note is the semi-autonomous driving mode—Highway Driver Assist—available with Limited and N Line Sonata models.
Safety and reliability
The 2023 Hyundai Sonata has yet to be reviewed by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), but the 2022 model received a prestigious 2022 Top Safety Pick designation thanks in part to the generous standard crash avoidance and mitigation technologies. Even the entry-level Sonata trim is equipped with excellent standard vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-pedestrian front crash prevention technology
The last Sonata crash test performed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) was the 2019 model and resulted in perfect five-star ratings nearly all across the board. The one exception was its rollover rating which only received four stars.
In terms of reliability, the Sonata continues to impress. RepairPal gives the 2022 Hyundai Sonata an above-average 4.0/5.0 reliability rating, ranking it 5th among 24 midsize cars. J.D. Power gives it a similar rating—82/100 for quality and reliability.
Competitors
So how do the
top Hyundai Sonata competitors
compare? Here’s a table comparing it to three of its leading competitors in the midsize sedan class.Model | MSRP range | Base powertrain | Fuel economy | Safety ratings (2022) | Reliability ratings (2022) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2023 Hyundai Sonata | $24,950 to 35,700 | 191-hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder w/eight-speed automatic transmission and standard FWD | 23-50 mpg city/ 33-54 mpg hwy | 5 stars (NHTSA), Top Safety Pick (IIHS) | 4.0/5.0 (RepairPal), 4/5 (Consumer Reports), 82/100 (J.D. Power) |
2022 Honda Accord | $26,520 to $38,450 | 192-hp 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder w/CVT and standard FWD | 23-28 mpg city/33-38 mpg hwy | 5 stars (NHTSA), Top Safety Pick+ (IIHS) | 4.5/5.0 (RepairPal), 4/5 (Consumer Reports), 83/100 (J.D Power) |
2023 Toyota Camry | $25,945 to $36,370 | 202-hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder w/eight-speed automatic transmission and FWD | 22-51 mpg city/31-53 mpg hwy | 5 stars (NHTSA), Top Safety Pick+ (IIHS) | 4.0/5.0 (RepairPal), 4/5 (Consumer Reports), 84/100 (J.D. Power) |
2023 Kia K5 | $25,090 to $31,490 | 180-hp 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder w/eight-speed automatic transmission and FWD | 24-27 mpg city/32-37 mpg hwy | 5 stars (NHTSA), Top Safety Pick+ (IIHS) | 4.0/5.0 (RepairPal), 3/5 (Consumer Reports), 84/100 (J.D. Power) |
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MORE: Are Hyundais expensive to maintain?
Hyundai Ioniq 6
Hyundai is expected to unveil the Ioniq 6 in early 2023 to compete with the likes of the Tesla Model 3. It will share internals with the
Hyundai Ioniq
5 SUV—one of the top-rated electric SUVs available and MotorTrend’s 2023 SUV of the Year. There are some things we don’t know about the new Ioniq 6 yet, but let’s take a look at what we do know.Pricing
The 2023 Ioniq 5 has a starting MSRP of $41,450, and it’s expected that the Ioniq 6 will be closely priced, starting at around $45,000. The top trim will likely cost somewhere around $55,000.
Trim levels
The Ioniq 5 is offered in four trims—SE Standard Range, SE, SEL, and Limited—and it’s expected that the Ioniq 6 will likely be the same. But even the base trim will likely come with the most important SmartSense features and a comfortable, upscale interior.
SE Standard Range will likely be outfitted with a smaller battery—the same one found in the Ioniq 5 Standard Range—and a single-motor configuration. The SE should be outfitted with a larger battery for more range, more horsepower, and available all-wheel drive (AWD).
The SEL trim will likely prioritize extras like wireless charging, upgraded seating surfaces, and Highway Driving Assist. The top Limited trim should include the same Augmented Reality Head-up Display and Remote Smart Parking Assist.
Performance
It’s no secret that electric vehicles are outperforming their gas-powered counterparts in a variety of ways. The Ioniq 6 is built on the same platform as the Ioniq 5, which gets 168 horsepower with the single-motor configuration. But the dual-motor Ioniq 6 has made its rounds, and the reviews are in.
The dual-motor Ioniq 6 gets 320 horsepower and a manufacturer-claimed 0-60 mph time of 5.1 seconds. Car and Driver recorded a 0-60 time of 4.5 seconds for the Ioniq 5, suggesting that the 6 has even more to offer than Hyundai is letting on. Cornering is enhanced by its low center of gravity, and the ride is smooth and comfortable.
Fuel Economy, Range, and Charging
There aren’t any EPA ratings available for the Ioniq 6 yet, but we can expect numbers slightly better than its boxier SUV cousin. The Standard Range Ioniq 5 gets 132 MPGe in the city and 98 MPGe on the highway. The AWD dual-motor powertrain is rated for 110/87 MPGe (city/hwy).
The maximum range for the Ioniq 6 should be about 320 miles with the 77.4-kWh battery and a single motor, while the standard 58.0-kWh battery is expected to only offer about 220 miles.
Charging times for Hyundai’s Ioniq batteries are beyond impressive—the upgraded battery can be charged from 10 to 80 percent in less than 20 minutes on a DC fast charger, and only five minutes of charging time adds 68 miles of range.
Interior and tech
If the current Ioniq models are any indication, the interior of the Ioniq 6 should be nothing short of comfortable. The Ioniq 5’s interior is simple and classy, with a quiet and serene ambience that will likely be matched or enhanced for the Ioniq 6.
The Ioniq 6 has a 12-inch infotainment touchscreen as well as a 12-inch digital gauge cluster. Expect standard cloth seats in lower trims and H-Tex for SEL and Limited trims. Power-adjustable, ventilated/heated seats for driver and passenger will likely be available as well.
Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity is sure to come standard. All models should come with proximity key entry and push button start, while the higher trims should feature the Hyundai Digital Key. Expect a premium Bose speaker system on Limited trims.
Safety and reliability
There aren’t any safety ratings available for the Ioniq 6 yet, but if the 5’s ratings—and Hyundai’s general reputation—are any indication, we can expect good things.
Automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection are expected to come standard, along with lane-assist capabilities and navigation-based adaptive cruise control. Upgrade to a higher trim, and the Hyundai Ioniq 6 should be able to practically drive itself, thanks to the Highway Driving Assist II. HDA I will likely be standard issue for even the most affordable models.
Unfortunately, reliability is always the wildcard when it comes to new EVs. Companies are trying to push these electric models quickly, but it’s not an easy manufacturing landscape with backed-up supply chains and brand-new technologies being involved.
Competitors
Let’s look at how the Hyundai Ioniq 6 should measure up to competitors based on everything we know.
Model | MSRP range | Base powertrain | Fuel economy | Safety ratings | Max EV range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Hyundai Ioniq 6 | Around $45,000 to $55,000 | 168-hp 53.0-kWh battery w/single RWD electric motor | 110 to 132 MPGe city/87 to 98 MPGe hwy | N/A | Around 320 miles |
$48,490 to $61,990 | 340-hp 54-kWh battery w/single RWD electric motor | 118 to 138 MPGe city/107 to 126 MPGe hwy | 5 stars (NHTSA), Top Safety Pick+ (IIHS) | 315 miles | |
2023 Polestar 2 | $48,400 to $75,500 | 231-hp 75.0-kWh battery w/single FWD electric motor | 105 to 113 MPGe city/96 to 100 MPGe hwy | N/A | 265 miles |
$25,600 to $28,800 | 200-hp 65-kWh battery w/single FWD electric motor | 131 MPGe city/109 MPGe hwy | N/A | 259 miles |
How to save on Hyundai insurance
With budget-friendly prices and generous safety technology, Hyundai’s current models are fairly cheap to insure—but it’s still easy to end up overpaying for your car insurance. That’s why it’s a great idea to shop for your new insurance policy with the
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Is a Hyundai Elantra a midsize car?
No. The Hyundai Elantra is classified as a compact car. However, it certainly offers many of the things we love most about family sedans—including a solid amount of interior space—at an attractively low price.
Does Hyundai have a mid-size SUV?
Yes. The Hyundai Santa Fe and Hyundai Palisade are both classified as midsize SUVs. The 2024 Hyundai Ioniq 7 EV SUV will also likely be classified as a midsize SUV.
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