Seoul 2023: Sharper-looking Hyundai Sonata makes first public debut
2023 Hyundai Sonata also has HEV and N-Line variants
After four years, Hyundai’s executive sedan is getting a comprehensive makeover. It will now sport the brand’s latest design language, including the debut of several new features that will become standard equipment on various future models.
Occupying prime real estate at the cavernous KINTEX (Korea International Exhibition Center), no less than Hyundai president Jay Chang welcomed the media before officially unveiling the 2023 Sonata to the public.
Its most obvious change is the ‘almost complete design overhaul’, front and back. While it still has a low-slung exterior, the implementation of the marque’s ‘Sensuous Sportiness’ is evident in changes on the front fascia and tail. The nose gets the signature Seamless Horizon Lamp seen on the Staria and Stargazer, among others. In addition, it gets wide-set hidden headlamps with integrated daytime running lamps on either side of the wide grille. At the back are the new H-lights connected by a light bar, a spoiler-shaped trunk lid, and a muffled-type rear garnish. The sharper and sportier features of the 2023 Sonata is why it is dubbed ‘The Edge.’
The cabin premieres the driver display system that will trickle down to other Hyundai models in the future, a panoramic curved monitor composed of two 12.3-inch screens (a driver information display and an audio-video navigation system. On top of that is a heads-up 12-inch projection on the windshield so drivers can access information more quickly. All Sonatas also have next-level continuous over-the-air software updates.
Aside from its sleek looks and impressive lineup of creature comfort equipment, the 2023 Sonata has an array of advanced driver assist systems and safety features that include Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist, Blind-spot Collision Assist, Safe Exit Warning, Safe Exit Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Lane Following Assist, Highway Driving Assist, and Smart Cruise Control using a navigation-based system with Stop & Go feature. Drivers can now park their vehicles and exit parking spots remotely by controlling them with the smart key.
Four powertrain options are available, a 2.5-liter turbo engine, a 1.6-liter turbo engine, a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated engine, a 2.0-liter hybrid engine (HEV model), a 2.0-liter LPG engine, and a different 2.5-liter turbo engine specifically for the N Line variant.
To enhance the efficiency of the HEV model, it has an e-Motion Drive with a paddle shifter and regenerative braking.
Owners looking for adding tech features can opt for the Digital Key 2 system (allows drivers to open doors and start the engine with a smartphone), Built-in Cam 2, After-Blow (dries the inside of the aircon after the engine is off), Active Air Purifying system, Rear Occupant Alert, Driver Position Memory, Relaxation Comfort Seat, a 12-speaker Bose system with new CenterPoint 360 technology that targets each seat to ensure all passengers get high-quality audio, and a first-in-class power trunk.
The 2023 Sonata N-Line will be the choice for the younger market looking for a more aggressive design. It has a larger front bumper grille area, exclusive 19-inch wheels, a rear spoiler, and dual twin-tip mufflers.
In the cabin is red accent stitching and several other features to enhance performance. These include Active Sound Design, Launch Control, N Powershift, and rev matching (only in the 2.5-liter turbo engine).
Under the hood are three engine options, a 2.0-liter gas engine, a 1.6-liter turbo engine, and the same 2.5-liter engine in the regular Sonata.
Pre-orders of the 2023 Sonata in the Korean market will start on April 20. As for the Philippine market, however, there's no word yet if the Sonata will be brought here. Given that midsize sedans are sold in low volumes in the country, it may be a bit of a stretch. But then again, who knows? Your guess is as good as ours.
