2013 Hyundai Sonata Review
2013 Hyundai Sonata Review





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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Lots of standard and optional features for the money
- stylish and comfortable cabin
- strong acceleration
- top fuel economy
- lengthy warranty.
Cons
- Distinctive styling affects rear headroom
- rough ride in SE trim.
What’s new
The 2013 Hyundai Sonata receives a minor shuffling of features among trim levels. Most notably, the base GLS model's manual transmission is no longer available, as a six-speed automatic is now standard throughout the lineup.
Edmunds says
Despite the newer midsize sedan rivals that have hit the market, the 2013 Hyundai Sonata remains a top pick in a very competitive set.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2013 Hyundai Sonata GLS 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 6A) 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 $3.32 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
$143/mo
Sonata GLS
vs
$175/mo
Avg. Midsize Car
Vehicle overview
It seems like only yesterday that the Hyundai Sonata set the midsize family sedan market ablaze with sharp styling, class-leading comfort, generous feature offerings and overall value. Now, just two years on, the pressure is mounting from newly redesigned competitors made by Chevrolet, Ford, Honda, Nissan and Toyota.
To its credit, the 2013 Hyundai Sonata remains an excellent choice. With a long list of standard features -- some of which are options on other sedans -- the Sonata provides a lot of bang for the buck. Add to this the availability of two strong engine choices (along with a Sonata hybrid model that is covered in a separate review), admirable fuel economy, top safety scores and a lengthy warranty and it becomes clear why the Sonata is far from becoming yesterday's news.
Still, recent redesigns to the 2013 Ford Fusion and 2013 Honda Accord mean that the Sonata now has some company at the top. We would suggest that potential buyers take a look at all three of these midsize sedans, as the advantages among them are slight. By the same token we'd recommend the Kia Optima, which shares much of the Hyundai's underpinnings wrapped in an evocative exterior. Though not quite as impressive as these others, the Toyota Camry also earns our recommendation, buoyed by its reputation for bulletproof reliability.
The good news is that among these choices, there's really no loser in the bunch. The 2013 Hyundai Sonata may not enjoy the sizable lead it recently had, but the standard it set is still very much a bright spot in what used to be a bland and uninspiring class of cars.
Performance & mpg
Powering the 2013 Hyundai Sonata GLS is a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 198 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. Sonatas sold in states that utilize California emissions standards can have PZEV emissions certification, though output drops slightly to 190 hp. A six-speed automatic is the sole transmission offered on all trims. In Edmunds performance testing, the GLS accelerated from zero to 60 mph in 7.9 seconds, which is quick for a base-model sedan.
The dual-exhaust SE makes slightly more power at 200 hp and 186 lb-ft. Both the GLS and SE engines have an EPA-estimated fuel economy rating of 24 mpg city/35 mpg highway and 28 mpg in combined driving.
A powerful turbocharged 2.0-liter engine generating 274 hp and 269 lb-ft of torque is available on SE and Limited models. This added boost in power gets the Sonata to 60 mph in 6.7 seconds, which is about average for midsize sedans with an engine upgrade. The EPA estimates fuel economy at a still favorable 22/34/26 mpg.
Safety
Standard safety features on all 2013 Hyundai Sonatas include antilock disc brakes, traction control, stability control, front seat side-impact airbags, full-length side curtain airbags and active front head restraints. Also standard is BlueLink, Hyundai's emergency telematics system, which provides services such as remote access, emergency assistance, theft recovery and teen-driver-oriented geo-fencing.
In government testing, the Sonata earned a top five-star rating for overall crash protection, with four out of five stars for total front-impact protection and five stars for total side-impact protection. In Insurance Institute for Highway Safety testing, the Hyundai Sonata earned a top rating of "Good" for frontal-offset, side-impact and roof-strength protection.
In Edmunds brake testing, both a Sonata GLS and SE turbo came to a stop from 60 mph in about 120 feet, which is slightly better than average for the class.
Driving
As far as driving dynamics are concerned, the 2013 Hyundai Sonata strikes a perfectly acceptable balance between comfort and confidence. Its chassis and suspension are taut, but not so taut that they transmit the road's every bump and rumble. Drivers seeking a measure of sport can opt for the SE, although its sharper handling capabilities don't really justify its rougher, bumpier ride. The Sonata's steering is OK but doesn't transmit much road feel, and the effort is artificially heavy.
On the move, the 2.4-liter engine provides thoroughly respectable acceleration for a four-cylinder midsize sedan. Gearshifts from the automatic transmission are seamless and drama-free. Power delivery from the turbocharged engine is smooth and linear, with no detectable turbo lag. Its excellent fuel economy is icing on the cake.
Interior
The Sonata feels as well built inside as it does out. The dash and center stack meld together in a seamless flow, while trapezoidal vents, sharp blue backlighting and, on some models, brushed-metal-style trim pieces create an environment that looks both modern and upscale. While overall interior materials quality is merely average, the knobs, switches and controls operate with a feel and precision befitting a more expensive car, and the Limited trim -- with its available two-tone color schemes, piano-black trim and padded door panels -- is particularly appealing.
The optional touchscreen adds clarity and vibrancy to an already intuitive system for operating and viewing climate control, navigation, audio and phone functions. Similar to OnStar, Hyundai's BlueLink telematics offers services like emergency crash response, remote opening of door locks, turn-by-turn navigation, and speed and curfew limits for younger drivers.
The Sonata offers enough room for four adults to stretch out. Five can make do on shorter trips. But in our experience, headroom both front and rear is merely adequate, and 6-foot-tall passengers in back may find their heads bumping the ceiling due to the Sonata's sloped roof line.
2013 Hyundai Sonata models
The 2013 Hyundai Sonata is available in GLS, SE and Limited trim levels.
Standard equipment on the GLS includes 16-inch steel wheels, keyless entry, air-conditioning, cruise control, full power accessories, heated mirrors, a tilt-and-telescoping steering column, a 60/40-split rear seatback, a trip computer, Bluetooth and a six-speaker sound system with a CD player, satellite radio, an iPod/USB audio interface and an auxiliary audio jack. An optional Popular Equipment package adds alloy wheels, foglights, automatic headlights, heated front seats and an eight-way power driver seat.
The sporty SE includes all of the above and adds 18-inch alloy wheels with performance tires, a dark chrome grille, a sport-tuned suspension, keyless ignition/entry and leather/cloth upholstery. Opting for the SE with the turbocharged engine also adds dual-zone automatic climate control and steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters. An optional Navigation and Sunroof package bundles (you guessed it) a navigation system with touchscreen display, a rearview camera, premium Infinity speakers and a sunroof.
The plush Sonata Limited has all the SE's features, but it offers 17-inch alloy wheels, a cushier suspension and full leather upholstery. It also gains turn-signal repeaters in the outside mirrors, a sunroof, heated rear seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, an upgraded audio system (with HD radio) and unique interior accents. The turbocharged Limited variant adds 18-inch wheels, dual exhaust tips and shift paddles on the steering wheel. The optional Limited Premium package adds a panoramic sunroof, the navigation system with the touchscreen display, a back-up camera and premium Infinity speakers.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2013 Hyundai Sonata.
5 star(51%)
4 star(22%)
3 star(9%)
2 star(12%)
1 star(6%)
112 reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
5 out of 5 stars
One terrific car
peter95949, 04/20/2013
2013 Hyundai Sonata GLS 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 6A)
This is one great car.
Hyundai has gotten everything right. I have owned 28 cars in my life including Mercedes (awful), Audi, Lincoln, Avalon, etc., and this Sonata does not disappoint.
This my second Sonata.....the first being a 2011. The most noticeable improvement is the increased level of quietness.
The 2011 had an unacceptable level of tire noise intruding into the cabin on coarse … roads.
The 2013 is almost silent on most city streets and measurably quieter at speed.
Wind noise is non existent.
UPDATE: The car is now 3.5 years old (I will very likely get a 2017 in December).
The passenger seat on this one as well as my 2011 sits far too low. I give an extra seat cushion to female friends so that can see out! Car does not have electric seats, and no manual raise/lower.
The Bluetooth has been the only weak spot. It often cannot understand my dialing instructions. Incoming calls are fine (and no, I am not driving when I speak on the phone!) It will play music from my iPhone if it feels like it. Hyundai dealer has replaced the radio system twice with no improvement. They say the fault has been with the manufacturer of the system.
I continue to love this car and "they and thought of everything" plays through my head every time I drive it.
5 out of 5 stars
Hot & Sexy
Wilbur Mckee, 04/15/2016
2013 Hyundai Sonata GLS 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 6A)
It is a great car . At one time or another I have owned just about aver brand in the same class and non on them compare with the sonata. I love this car!!!!!
5 out of 5 stars
Bought used, not disappointed
Peter vadopalas, 05/06/2016
2013 Hyundai Sonata GLS 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 6A)
Has some issues with the sales team at the local dealership (but that's not the car's fault). I struggled with the idea of buying a Hyundai but after lots of researching and test drives, it was hard to deny the value. You get a lot of car for the price. I'm 6'2" so the Elantra was a bit tight for me, but the Sonata is a really comfortable ride. It's not built for drag racing, could be … peppier off the line but beyond that it can move and the steering is really responsive. The finishes, exterior and interior, are really nice. I've had it for 2 months now and am very happy with the car!
4.88 out of 5 stars
Sonata keeps getting better
fokker45, 09/15/2012
2013 Hyundai Sonata SE 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
This is my third Sonata, a 2007, 2010, now a 2013.
Each is better than the last.
I have the Limited with the 2.0 Turbo. It is as fast as the old muscle cars, but smoother and more conomical.
Interior is nicer than in the past, dash layout is good and the instrument panel lighting is very sharp.
Seats are comfortable and both front and back are heated.
Compared to my V-6 Sonata, I'm … getting 3 to 4 mpg better milage and with better performance.
As for reliability, none of my Sonatas ever needed warranty service.
The style is better than cars costing twice as much.
Every time I park next to a luxury car, I still prefer the Sonata styling and the high quality of the pain
Features & Specs
- Base MSRP
- $21,195
- MPG & Fuel
- 24 City / 35 Hwy / 28 Combined
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 18.5 gal. capacity
- Seating
- 5 seats
- Drivetrain
- Type: front wheel drive
- Transmission: 6-speed shiftable automatic
- Engine
- Inline 4 cylinder
- Horsepower: 190 hp @ 6,300 rpm
- Torque: 179 lb-ft @ 4,250 rpm
- Basic Warranty
- 5 yr./ 60,000 mi.
- Dimensions
- Length: 189.8 in. / Height: 57.9 in.
- Overall Width without Mirrors: 72.2 in.
- Curb Weight: 3,199 lbs.
- Cargo Capacity, All Seats In Place: 16.4 cu.ft.
Safety
NHTSA Overall Rating
5 out of 5 starsThe National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverall4 / 5Driver5 / 5Passenger4 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverall5 / 5
- Side Barrier RatingOverall5 / 5Driver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront Seat5 / 5Back Seat5 / 5
- RolloverRollover5 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of Rollover9.7%
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Side Impact TestGood
- Roof Strength TestGood
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintGood
- IIHS Small Overlap Front TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front TestGood
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More about the 2013 Hyundai Sonata
Used 2013 Hyundai Sonata Overview
The Used 2013 Hyundai Sonata is offered in the following submodels: Sonata Sedan. Available styles include GLS 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 6A), SE 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 6A), GLS PZEV 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 6A), Limited 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 6A), Limited 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A), Limited PZEV 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 6A), SE 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A), Limited 4dr Sedan w/Wine Interior (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A), Limited 4dr Sedan w/Wine Interior (2.4L 4cyl 6A), and Limited PZEV 4dr Sedan w/Wine Interior (2.4L 4cyl 6A). Pre-owned Hyundai Sonata models are available with a 2.4 L-liter gas engine, with output up to 200 hp, depending on engine type. The Used 2013 Hyundai Sonata comes with front wheel drive. Available transmissions include: 6-speed shiftable automatic.
What's a good price on a Used 2013 Hyundai Sonata?
Price comparisons for Used 2013 Hyundai Sonata trim styles:
- The Used 2013 Hyundai Sonata GLS is priced between $8,999 and$16,998 with odometer readings between 29654 and120268 miles.
- The Used 2013 Hyundai Sonata GLS PZEV is priced between $8,900 and$16,589 with odometer readings between 55444 and136197 miles.
- The Used 2013 Hyundai Sonata SE is priced between $8,295 and$17,998 with odometer readings between 30675 and137349 miles.
- The Used 2013 Hyundai Sonata Limited is priced between $11,996 and$18,998 with odometer readings between 31556 and128049 miles.
- The Used 2013 Hyundai Sonata Limited PZEV is priced between $12,998 and$17,998 with odometer readings between 54959 and114996 miles.
Shop with Edmunds for perks and special offers on used cars, trucks, and SUVs near Ashburn, VA. Doing so could save you hundreds or thousands of dollars. Edmunds also provides consumer-driven dealership sales and service reviews to help you make informed decisions about what cars to buy and where to buy them.
Which used 2013 Hyundai Sonatas are available in my area?
Shop Edmunds' car, SUV, and truck listings of over 6 million vehicles to find a cheap new, used, or certified pre-owned (CPO) 2013 Hyundai Sonata for sale near. There are currently 72 used and CPO 2013 Sonatas listed for sale in your area, with list prices as low as $8,295 and mileage as low as 29654 miles. Simply research the type of car you're interested in and then select a used car from our massive database to find cheap prew-owned vehicles for sale near you. Once you have identified a used vehicle you're interested in, check the AutoCheck vehicle history reports, read dealer reviews, and find out what other owners paid for the Used 2013 Hyundai Sonata.
Can't find a used 2013 Hyundai Sonatas you want in your area? Consider a broader search.
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Should I lease or buy a 2013 Hyundai Sonata?
Is it better to lease or buy a car? Ask most people and they'll probably tell you that car buying is the way to go. And from a financial perspective, it's true, provided you're willing to make higher monthly payments, pay off the loan in full and keep the car for a few years. Leasing, on the other hand, can be a less expensive option on a month-to-month basis. It's also good if you're someone who likes to drive a new car every three years or so.
Check out Hyundai lease specials
Check out Hyundai Sonata lease specials
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