only costs about $1,000 to $2,000 more than the 2011 model—but before you decide between these two reliable family sedans, there are a few differences you should know about.

The Hyundai Sonata has been around for nearly four decades, and though it’s had several redesigns over the years which saw varying degrees of success, this midsize sedan remains a popular pick among car buyers who need a reliable family car. Models from the early 2010s are particularly appealing due to their impressive safety ratings, affordability, and reasonably modern tech.

Trying to decide between the 2011 and 2013 Hyundai Sonata? Here’s a rundown of how these two vehicles compare in terms of price, specs, fuel efficiency, safety ratings, and more—everything you need to know to make an informed decision about your car and

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2011 Hyundai Sonata vs. 2013 Hyundai Sonata: what’s the difference?

Best-suited for drivers who prefer a smaller vehicle but still want a decently sized trunk and back seat, the Hyundai Sonata is a midsize sedan that competes with the likes of the

, and

So what’s the difference between the 2011 and 2013 models of this popular family car? It mainly comes down to some minor differences in technology—but these two vehicles are ultimately pretty similar.

Let’s break it all down.

Pricing

The exact price you’ll pay for a used Hyundai Sonata usually depends on things like the car’s condition, trim level, accident history, mileage, and where you live—but in general, the 2013 Sonata costs between $1,000 and $2,000 more than the 2011 version of the same car.

Here’s the typical list price for each trim level of the 2011 and 2013 Hyundai Sonata based on estimates from Kelley Blue Book.

Model	2011 typical list price	2013 typical list price
Hyundai Sonata GLS	$7,400	$8,900
Hyundai Sonata SE	$7,600	$9,500
Hyundai Sonata Limited	$7,900	$10,000
Hyundai Sonata Hybrid	$7,000	$9,600

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General specs

Despite their price difference, the 2011 and 2013 Hyundai Sonata models are pretty similar when it comes to power and performance. The only real difference is in the vehicle's transmission system. The 2011 Hyundai Sonata came standard with a six-speed manual transmission—although the

and

Limited

models could be optioned with a six-speed automatic—while the 2013 model was only offered as a six-speed automatic.

Here’s how these two models stack up in terms of specs.

	2011 Hyundai Sonata	2013 Hyundai Sonata
Base engine (GLS)	2.4-liter four-cylinder engine (198 horsepower)	2.4-liter four-cylinder engine (198 horsepower)
Upgrade engine (SE)	2.4-liter four-cylinder engine (200 horsepower)	2.4-liter four-cylinder engine (200 horsepower)
Upgrade engine (SE and Limited)	2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine (274 horsepower)	2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine (274 horsepower)
Hybrid engine	2.4-liter four-cylinder engine and 35 kWh electric motor (199 horsepower)	2.4-liter four-cylinder engine and 35 kWh electric motor (199 horsepower)
Transmission	Front-wheel drive	Front-wheel drive
Drivetrain	Manual (GLS, SE, and Limited) or automatic (SE, Limited, and Hybrid)	Automatic

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Fuel economy

Since the 2011 and 2013 Hyundai Sonata models are almost identical in size and weight, and because both vehicles were available with the same powertrain options, they also get similar gas mileage.

2.4-liter 198-hp engine w/manual: 24 mpg city / 35 mpg highway / 27 mpg combined

2.4-liter 198-hp engine w/automatic: 24 mpg city / 34 mpg highway / 27 mpg combined

2.4-liter, 200-hp engine w/automatic: 22 mpg city / 34 mpg highway / 26 mpg combined

2.0-liter, 274-hp w/automatic: 22 mpg city / 32 mpg highway / 26 mpg combined

Hybrid engine: 34 mpg city / 39 mpg highway / 36 mpg combined

As you can see, there are slight variations in fuel economy between the gasoline-powered engines, but the only notable mileage upgrade comes from the

Hyundai Sonata Hybrid

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Safety ratings

Long considered a “family car,” it should be no surprise that both the 2011 and 2013 Hyundai Sonata model years get high safety scores. Both vehicles performed well enough on crash tests to be named Top Safety Picks by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and earn five-star ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Both vehicles come standard with important safety features like front, side, and side-curtain airbags; front head restraints; traction and stability control; and antilock disc brakes. The 2013 model adds Hyundai BlueLink, a telematics system that provides access to emergency services, roadside assistance, and theft recovery services.

Perhaps the only drawback to the 2011 and 2013 Hyundai Sonata is that they lack the convenience of modern driver-assistance tech such as blind-spot monitoring and collision avoidance. The sole option for safety tech is a backup camera, which you’ll only find on the

Hyundai Sonata Limited

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Styling and interior

The 2011 and 2013 Hyundai Sonatas offer similar cabin comforts, style, convenience, and tech—and both versions of the vehicle come with the following standard features:

Keyless entry

Cruise control

Power accessories

Heated side-view mirrors

Adjustable steering wheel column

Six-speaker stereo with CD/MP3 player, auxiliary ports, and Bluetooth compatibility

Some of the optional upgrades that were available for both models include:

Automatic headlights

Dual-zone climate control

Power-adjustable driver’s seat

Navigation system

Sunroof

Leather upholstery

Heated seats

Back-up camera

Premium speakers

One feature that was only available for the 2013 Hyundai Sonata was the optional touchscreen display. You’ll find it on the 2013 Hyundai Sonata Limited if it was optioned with the Premium Package.

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2011 Hyundai Sonata vs. 2013 Hyundai Sonata: which should you buy?

We suggest opting for the 2011 Hyundai Sonata. You’ll get a solid vehicle with nearly all of the same features as the 2013 model has for around $1,000 to $2,000 less. Unless you have strong feelings about a Sonata with a touchscreen display or BlueLink, the 2011 model is the better deal overall.

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