Hyundai unveils 2023 Sonata; to showcase at Seoul Mobility Show
The new Sonata follows the footsteps of other Hyundai models, which carry a more radical interpretation of the brand’s Sensuous Sportiness design language.
Key Takeaways
- Facelifted Hyundai Sonata unveiled ahead of its official debut at the Seoul Mobility Show, South Korea, on March 30.
- To be offered in both standard and N-line derivatives.
- Launch in India unlikely due to sedans going out of favour in recent years,
Hyundai has taken the covers off its new facelifted Sonata. The saloon will officially make its first public appearance at the Seoul Mobility Show in South Korea on March 30. This is the first major update provided to Sonata ever since the eighth-generation model of the sedan made its debut back in 2019.
In its latest avatar, the premium executive sedan has undergone major transformations in terms of styling, resembling the brand’s flagship luxury sedan—Grandeur and its smaller sibling—Verna, which was recently launched in India. The new Sonata will be available in standard and the sportier N-line variants.
2023 Hyundai Sonata N-Line
Updated exterior styling
The exterior of the new Sonata has had a significant styling overhaul based on a more radical interpretation of Hyundai’s ‘Sensuous Sportiness’ design philosophy. It receives the brand’s seamless horizon lamp design, lending the car a more aggressive front fascia.
Besides the full-width LED DRL at the front, the face features a wider parametric grille and air intake engulfed between a split headlamp setup at both ends. The South Korean brand has retained the side profile that conveys a four-door sports coupe style with a long hood, low front-end and fastback roof line. A distinct shoulder line running from the fender to the taillamps further amplifies the car’s sporty character.
2023 Hyundai Sonata in standard variants
The rear end of Sonata is glorified by a new ‘H’ element tail light with a connecting light bar. The spoiler-shaped boot lid blends seamlessly into the all-black panel that houses the taillamp setup. The sportiness in the N-line variant is enhanced by a quad-exhaust setup, subtle N-Line badging, 19-inch alloy wheels, a boot-lid spoiler, and black-out wing mirrors.
Refreshed interiors and features
The interiors of the new Sonata are refurbished and boast a new driver-centric layout for its dashboard, featuring a twin-screen setup—a 12.3-inch instrument console and a 12.3-inch AVN infotainment system—reminiscent of new BMW models. The multi-layered dash comprises soft-touch material, a faux wooden texture, and a sleek AC vent across the width of the dashboard with chrome linings, adding a premium appeal.
2023 Hyundai Sonata interiors
The gear selector is repositioned behind the three-spoke steering wheel, making more room at the central tunnel. Other notable features include touch-based climate control, a Bose-branded audio system, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.
Expected powertrain
Hyundai hasn’t officially revealed the powertrain specs of the facelifted Sonata, but it is expected to retain the options, including multiple petrol units and a hybrid powertrain. The most powerful of the lot is a 2.5-litre GDI turbocharged petrol engine that pumps out 286 bhp and 422 Nm of peak torque while mated to an 8-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox.
This unit propelled the N-line variants of the outgoing Sonata, which powered all four wheels for a sportier driving experience. The hybrid powertrain consists of a 2.0-litre Smartstream GDI HEV petrol engine paired with an electric motor that churns out a combined output of 192 bhp.
2023 Hyundai Sonata N-Line with boot lid spoiler and quad-tip exhausts
Sonata was first launched in India in its second-generation avatar in 2001 and received a generation upgrade in 2012. It was eventually discontinued in 2015 due to a decline in sales of the D-segment sedans, which comprised models like the Honda Accord and Skoda Superb. Sonata is unlikely to return to India, considering the selective response to sedans in the country.
(Images courtesy: Hyundai)
Edited by Suman Singh