SUVs have become fan-favorite vehicles. But despite Americans’ mass adoption of SUVs, sedans continue to sell well, too. Hyundai sedans, in particular, have made massive gains this year. The numbers are in for the first quarter of 2023, and the Sonata and Elantra are top performers. See sales figures for these popular Hyundai sedans, and discover why consumers still flock to these cars.

Hyundai sedans saw the biggest percentage gains

Quarterly and throughout the year, automakers share their sales data. With April in the rearview mirror, many of the best-selling vehicles are coming to light. 

Hyundai Motor America recently released its official numbers through Q1 2023. And the April figures are impressive, boasting an overall 15% increase in total vehicles sold. April retail sales were up 5%, too.

And Hyundai’s best-selling models are the Elantra HEV, Elantra N, Santa Fe HEV, Tucson PHEV, Tucson HEV, and Santa Cruz.

Officially, Hyundai sold 70,812 vehicles in April 2023, surpassing April 2022 sales numbers and establishing the brand’s best April in history.

Two of Hyundai’s most popular sedans are the Elantra and Sonata. The company sold 13,236 Elantra models this past April, a 24% increase over April 2022’s 10,669 units. And year to date, Elantra sales are up 40% (45,709 units sold this year through April versus 32,741 last year through April).

In addition, the Sonata more than doubled sales this past April, with 4,689 units sold, compared to 2,062 in April 2022. That’s a 127% gain. Year-to-date Sonata numbers show 19,179 units sold in April 2023 versus 9,806 sold in April 2022, for a 96% gain.

Hyundai sedans still don’t outsell the brand’s SUVs

Although the Hyundai Elantra and Sonata sedans are enjoying higher sales this year than last, don’t discount the popularity of the automaker’s SUVs. Consumers are still purchasing cost-effective sedans, most likely due to economic uncertainty and a need for smarter spending. But the Hyundai Tucson compact SUV and Santa Fe midsize SUV remain popular in their segments.

Hyundai sold 18,676 Tucsons in April 2023 versus 14,616 in April 2022, a 28% increase. And year-to-date numbers as of April were 64,846 in 2023 versus 54,271 in 2022. That’s a 19% rise.

As for the Santa Fe, it sold 10,953 units in April 2023 and 11,074 in April 2022 for a 1% boost. And year-to-date figures are 39,479 in 2023 versus 36,656 in 2022, for a modest 8% increase.

Hyundai lists the 2023 Tucson with a starting MSRP of $26,900, and the 2023 Santa Fe starts at $28,750. Though those are affordable prices for capable and convenient SUVs, they’re still higher than the Sonata’s and Elantra’s starting MSRPs.

The 2023 Elantra and Sonata provide plenty of value for the price

If you’re considering a Hyundai model, the purchase price might affect your decision. The Tucson and Santa Fe are more expensive than the Elantra and Sonata. That could explain why consumers haven’t completely abanded sedans.

Hyundai starts the 2023 Elantra SE base trim at $20,950. That’s $5,950 cheaper than the Tucson and $7,800 less than the Santa Fe.

The 2023 Sonata SE starts at $25,250 — $1,650 under the Tucson and $3,500 cheaper than the Santa Fe.

The Elantra offers four trims, including the base-level SE, which gets 37 mpg combined. It provides plenty of value for its low starting MSRP. It’s an excellent choice for anyone wanting a fuel-efficient compact car with plenty of bells and whistles. Other trims provide more or upgraded features. The SEL starts at $22,200, the Limited starts at $26,800, and the N Line starts at $27,500.

Furthermore, the 2023 Elantra comes in a fuel-sipping hybrid version. The standard Hybrid Blue trim starts at $24,550, and the Hybrid Limited starts at $29,150. They get 54 and 50 mpg combined, respectively.

The 2023 Sonata is available in five trims, including the SE. Higher levels provide more comfort, convenience, and tech features. Starting prices are $27,775 for the SEL, $32,275 for the SEL Plus, $34,625 for the N Line, and $35,125 for the Limited.

The SEL Plus is the cheapest way to get the Sonata’s more potent 180-hp 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. It also has a larger 12.3-inch fully digital gauge cluster, wireless device charging,⁠ Hyundai Digital Key⁠, and 19-inch alloy wheels. However, leveling up to the Sonata N Line adds performance upgrades such as a 290-hp 2.5-liter turbo-four and an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission with paddle shifters⁠.

Like the Elantra, the Sonata also offers a hybrid version. The Hybrid Blue, which gets an impressive 52 mpg combined, starts at $28,250. The Hybrid SEL starts at $31,600, and the Hybrid Limited starts at $36,400.

With attractive sticker prices and excellent gas mileage, the Elantra and Sonata remain popular sedans. And if year-to-date sales figures are any indication, they’ll be fierce competitors in an SUV-dominated market.