2023 Hyundai Sonata N Line

　　

2023 Hyundai Sonata N Line Review

byKurt NiebuhrSenior Vehicle Test Editor

　　Kurt Niebuhr has worked in the automotive industry since 2005. A automotive photographer by trade, Kurt is now one of zzdcar' high-performance test drivers. He's driven and photographed hundreds, if not thousands, of vehicles all over the world, so Kurt's library of automotive experiences would certainly make for a good book. When not dreaming about getting his racing license or trying to buy out-of-date film for his cameras, Kurt can usually be found cursing at his 1966 Mustang.

　　, rating written byKurt NiebuhrManager, News

　　Cameron Rogers has worked in the automotive industry since 2013. He has tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Today, he leads the news team in developing cutting-edge news articles, opinion pieces and sneak peeks at upcoming vehicles. Favorite cars that he's driven during his tenure at zzdcar include the 991-era Porsche 911 Turbo S, Rolls-Royce Ghost and several generations of Honda Odyssey (really).

　　The 2023 Hyundai Sonata is a midsize sedan chock full of style and value. This latest generation debuted for 2020, and the car's sleek styling still stands out on the road. Hyundai also offers enough versions to suit just about anyone. The lineup starts with the basic and spacious SE trim and tops out with the loaded-up N Line sport sedan that's genuinely fun to drive. Buying a Sonata means you also get easy-to-use technology features and peace of mind from Hyundai's long warranty.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2023 Hyundai Sonata N Line 4dr Sedan w/Prod. End 11/22 (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 8AM) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.06 per gallon for regular unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$139/mo  for Sonata N Line

　　Sonata N Line

　　N Line 4dr Sedan w/Prod. End 11/22 (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 8AM) (Most Popular) - $34,475 MSRPN Line 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 8AM) - $34,825 MSRP

　　vs

　　$165/mo

　　Avg. Midsize Car

　　For 2023, Hyundai carries over most everything from the 2022 Sonata, which is fine by us because it's currently one of our favorite sedans. Other top picks in the class include the Honda Accord, Toyota Camry and Nissan Altima. Kia's K5 is also worth a look since it is mechanically similar to the Sonata. Check out our test team's Expert Rating below for a full report on the Sonata's comfort, fuel economy and more.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.

　　Great

　　8.3

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

8.5/10

　　How does the Sonata N Line drive? The N Line's turbocharged 2.5-liter engine rips. At the zzdcar test track, our N Line test car accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.6 seconds. That's significantly quicker than rival sedans such as the Accord with its turbocharged 2.0-liter engine or the Camry with its V6. Line it up against the BMW 330i and it'll be a pretty even fight.

　　But Hyundai did more than just drop in a stronger engine. It also beefed up the suspension, which reduces the Sonata's body roll and makes it more fun to drive on the road. The steering is noticeably sharper as well, which plays into the sporty theming. The front-wheel-drive layout can only go so far, but our test car, equipped with from-the-factory summer tires, posted an astounding 0.96 g on our skidpad and best-in-class stopping distances in our panic-braking test.

　　The only real downsides are steering that could be a bit heavier in feel to better suit the car's sporty nature and mild chugs every time the dual-clutch transmission downshifts as you slow down.

　　

Comfort

8.0/10

　　How comfortable is the Sonata N Line? The Sonata N Line may be the performance-oriented model in the lineup, but it doesn't sacrifice passenger comfort. It has a stiffer ride than many competing cars, but it's far from harsh. And it isn't just supple. Most road irregularities are dealt with a mild jolt, and there are no residual bouncing motions. Expect a sporty sedan going in and the N Line won't surprise you, at least when it comes to the ride.

　　The same cannot be said of the seats. While the N Line's front sport seats feature more adjustments than the standard ones, they feel a bit narrow, and pressure points reveal themselves in the lower back after a few hours of driving. The seat cushioning in both rows is pretty stiff.

　　Thankfully, the Sonata redeems itself with an effective climate control system (with three settings for maximum fan speed when set to auto) and a pleasant growl from the exhaust that quiets down at highway speeds.

　　Continue reading zzdcar Expert Rating below