The Sonata is Hyundai’s only offering in the midsize sedan segment, and as solid an option as the vehicle is, it hasn’t been doing well. The 2023 Hyundai Sonata sales reveal that consumers aren’t necessarily rushing to purchase the car. However, the vehicle deserves more attention than it is getting now. Here’s why consumers have the wrong idea about the Hyundai Sonata.

Hyundai Sonata sales are worrying

According to GoodCarBadCar, Hyundai Sonata sales reached 3,209 units in July 2023. This sharply declined from the 4,633 units sold in July 2022, indicating a 30.74% decline in sales. Looking at the Q2 sales for 2022 and 2023 reveals a similar situation. The Sonata had a relatively good Q2 2022, selling 11,851 units during that period.

However, the number dropped significantly by 3,969 units, selling 8,155 units. This indicates a 31.18% decrease in sales between Q2 2022 and Q2 2023. The Sonata started the year with 4,387 unit sales and experienced a slight decline in sales in February, selling only 4,307 units. The model’s luck improved in March, selling 5,310 units, but this would be the highest number of units the Sonata would sell for the following months.

Since its peak in March, the model sales have been on a steady decline, and if it continues on this trajectory, the Sonata may have bleak sales at the close of the year. However, the year-to-date sales offer some hope as the Sonata sold 21,237 units YTD in 2022 and 22,541 units YTD in 2023, indicating a 21.74% growth.

The Hyundai Sonata deserves more attention

The midsize family sedan segment is usually somewhat dull, but the Hyundai Sonata offers some desperately needed flavor with its eye-catching design. It has a modern aesthetic and sleek lines, which give it an upscale appearance. It is also highly fuel efficient, with the base hybrid version achieving an estimated fuel economy of 50 mpg on city roads and 54 mpg on the highway.

The vehicle has an elegant interior with high-quality upscale materials. The back seat is spacious and comfortable, and you get 16 cubic feet of cargo space. The Sonata relies on an 8.0-inch touchscreen and features Hyundai’s top-of-the-line tech feature, Digital Key.

Digital Key is a feature that allows Hyundai vehicle owners to use the carmaker’s app to unlock the car and operate some vehicle functions without using a key fob, using near-field communication. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also standard on the vehicle. With technology like this, Hyundai Sonata sales really should be more than what they are.

Hyundai Sonata trim levels and pricing

The Hyundai Sonata is available in five trim levels: SE, the base trim, SEL, SEL Plus, N Line, and Limited. Three more hybrid trims add efficiency to the Sonata: the Blue Hybrid, SEL Hybrid, and Limited Hybrid. The Sonata offers three engines depending on the trim level.

A 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine powers the SE and SEL trims, while the SEL Plus and Limited have a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine under the hood, which takes 7.1 seconds to go from 0 to 60 mph. A 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine powers the N Line and takes 5.0 seconds to hit 60 mph.

The SE trim has a starting MSRP of $26,215, while the SEL costs $28,740. Car and Driver recommend the SEL Plus for its slew of desirable features, including 19-inch rims and all-season tires, a 12.3-inch fully digital gauge cluster, back seat air vents, wireless charging, and leatherette and micro suede material. You’d only need to pay $4,500 more for the trim, which starts at $33,240.

The N Line and Limited trims cost $35,590 and $36,440 and are almost similar in their features except for the Driver Mode select system, Sport+ mode, leather-trimmed upholstery, and memory settings on the driver’s seat for the Limited trim. The hybrid levels cost $29,215, $32,565, and $37,715 for the Blue, SEL, and Limited hybrid options.

At a competitive price, the Korean automaker is hoping that Hyundai Sonata sales start to pick up the pace.