The Hyundai Sonata Hybrid’s engine was first showcased at the Los Angeles Auto Show in 2008. Then, in 2011, the lithium polymer battery powertrain was brought to life for the 2011 model year. At the time, hybrid drivetrains were not a widely implemented technology. To see Hyundai, a brand known for its basic low-cost economy cars, implement this fuel-saving technology was exciting for many. Now, the 2023 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid is back and better than ever. Expected to arrive this fall, and with three different trim levels to choose from, there’s no better time than the present to determine which trim level is right for you. 

What are the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid trim levels?

According to Hyundai, the 2023 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid is a carryover model, so it shouldn’t be drastically different from the 2022 Sonata. In terms of trim levels, we can expect the new Hyundai Sonata Hybrid to come in three different trim levels for the 2023 model year.

First is the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Blue, which is the base model. Along with a solid set of standard features, the Sonata Hybrid Blue also has the best fuel economy of all the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid trim levels, returning 50 MPG in the city and 54 MPG on the highway. 

The Hyundai Sonata Hybrid SEL is the mid-range model. It’s very similar to the Hybrid Blue base model. However, this Hyundai Sonata Hybrid trim adds heated seats, a larger infotainment screen, a 12-speaker Bose sound system, and wireless smartphone charging.

The Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Limited is the highest trim of the Sonata Hybrid. It adds a huge list of features on top of the already loaded Hybrid SEL. These features include leather seats, automatic windshield wipers, and a surround-view camera. It also adds Highway Driving Assist, which can fully control the car under the correct conditions.

How much does a new Hyundai Sonata Hybrid cost?

The 2023 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid trim levels are priced as follows, according to Autotrader:

• Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Blue – $27,950 MSRP
• Hyundai Sonata Hybrid SEL – $31,300 MSRP
• Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Limited – $36,250 MSRP

Compared to the base Hyundai Sonata without a hybrid drivetrain, each hybrid model is around $3,000 more than its combustion-powered counterpart.

Which is the best Hyundai Sonata Hybrid trim?

According to Autotrader, the best value trim level is the 2023 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid SEL. The SEL gains a huge list of luxury features over the base model. It doesn’t cost significantly more than the base model, either. 

That said, if you’re absolutely set on buying a Hyundai Sonata Hybrid at any cost? Really any trim level is a winner. The low-cost base model gets wonderful fuel economy at a very low price. Meanwhile, the fully-loaded Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Limited trim model gives you all the fuel economy of the base model and a luxurious interior for the price range.

Is this new hybrid car worth the cost?

Because the Sonata Hybrid lineup is only moderately more expensive than the gas-powered Sonata, this is a hybrid car that will likely pay for itself without much time invested at all. The gas-powered Sonata gets an impressive 28 MPG and 38 MPG highway. However, that pales in comparison to the hybrid models’ impressive 50 MPG city and 54 MPG highway.

If you are looking for a safe, cheap, and quality hybrid to save some gas on your commute? Look no further than the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid lineup.