There are a total of six gas-only Sonata trims and three hybrid models on offer for 2022, and there's something for every taste and budget. The lineup starts with the SE, which is powered by a naturally-aspirated 2.5-liter engine producing 191 hp and 181 lb-ft of torque. Power is sent to the front wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission. The base model includes standard driver assistance tech such as forward collision avoidance assist with pedestrian detection, lane-keeping assist, and lane following assist. The SEL adds heated front seats, a power driver's seat, and extra safety tech, including blind-spot collision-avoidance assist, rear cross-traffic collision avoidance assist, and safe exit warning.
The SEL Plus comes standard with the turbocharged 1.6-liter engine producing 180 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque and adds luxuries such as a panoramic sunroof and wireless phone charging. The N Line gets a 290-hp 2.5-liter turbocharged engine and an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. Inside, N Line models get unique seats and other interior features. The Limited gets all the goodies, including leather seats with ventilation in front, a head-up display, and a surround-view monitor. The N Line Night Edition adds visual appeal thanks to a set of unique wheels and sporty exterior trim.
Hybrid models are powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine which makes a combined 192 hp and 139 lb-ft. The base Blue is similarly specced to the SE, but with dual-zone climate control additionally. SEL and Limited models gain more features, such as premium sound and leather upholstery.
The Hyundai Sonata's prices will be good news for customers seeking a high-value family sedan. The base SE starts with an MSRP of $24,350, excluding tax, registration, and a destination fee of $1,045. That's nearly two grand cheaper than the 2022 Honda Accord. The SEL goes for $26,100, and the SEL Plus crosses the $30k mark with a price tag of $31,300. The sporty N Line hikes that price up to $33,600, the Limited costs $34,250, and the N Line Night is $34,750. The Hyundai Sonata's USA pricing remains one of the sedan's top selling points. Competitors for sale in the USA include the Honda Accord which starts at $26,120.
The Sonata Hybrid costs $27,200 for the Blue, $29,950 for the SEL, and $35,550 for the Limited.
With most features baked into the trims, the Hyundai Sonata's cost won't change dramatically by adding options. There are no optional packages available for the base model, and the SEL is the first to be offered with the $2,200 Convenience package, which adds premium features such as a panoramic sunroof, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, wireless phone charging, and a Hyundai digital key. N Line models are offered with optional summer tires for $200, and there are tons of smaller accessories available across the board, including cargo nets, wheel locks, and mudguards.
There are three ways you can go when buying a new Hyundai Sonata. The first way is to go for a sensible, fuel-saving economy sedan, the second is to go for the high-performance N Line, and the third is to meet somewhere in the middle. We'd recommend going for the SEL Plus, which strikes a good balance between cost, standard features, and performance. The SEL Plus is the first in the range to be offered with the feisty 1.6-liter turbocharged engine and also adds a solid amount of standard features, including a panoramic sunroof, wireless phone charging, and a 12.3-inch LCD cluster.
If you care about running costs, there's no beating the Sonata Hybrid's superb efficiency, although it does initially cost a bit more to buy than the equivalent gas-only model.
Hyundai Sonata SE vs SEL
Hyundai Sonata SE vs SEL Plus
Hyundai Sonata SE vs N Line
Hyundai Sonata SE vs Limited
Hyundai Sonata SE vs N Line Night Edition
Hyundai Sonata SEL vs SEL Plus
Hyundai Sonata SEL vs N Line
Hyundai Sonata SEL vs Limited
Hyundai Sonata SEL vs N Line Night Edition
Hyundai Sonata SEL Plus vs N Line
Hyundai Sonata SEL Plus vs Limited
Hyundai Sonata SEL Plus vs N Line Night Edition
Hyundai Sonata N Line vs Limited
Hyundai Sonata N Line vs N Line Night Edition
Hyundai Sonata Limited vs N Line Night Edition