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Independent review & score by Carivo
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
|---|---|
| Body Style | Sedan |
| Base Price | $36,253–$42,413 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
Our scoring places the 2023 Hyundai Sonata SL at 7.8/10 overall, which translates to a Recommended rating for this sedan. Its strongest dimension is Safety at 8.5/10, while Performance at 6.9/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a solid all-rounder that delivers across most dimensions without obvious deal-breakers.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. We score reliability at 8.0/10 — better than most direct rivals, if short of the segment's best. The 8.5/10 safety score puts it near the top of the class on this dimension; the official trim-level results at nhtsa.gov are worth a final check.
Performance at 6.9/10 is a genuine liability and a score that should factor heavily into any buying decision. The powertrain and chassis dynamics trail class rivals by a meaningful margin — don't overlook it. Tech rates a reasonable 7.8/10: the essentials are covered and well executed, but rivals at the same price often include more as standard.
Priced from $36,253–$42,413, 31 MPG, seating 5, the Hyundai Sonata SL sits in the mid-market bracket of the sedan segment. The 7.8/10 value score says the pricing is fair rather than generous; cross-shop the segment before signing anything. At 3 years old, it's worth checking whether a newer generation or refresh has addressed any weaker dimensions — compare it to the current model year before buying.
Our take: The 2023 Hyundai Sonata SL is a solid, well-rounded sedan that covers the essentials without obvious deal-breakers. The main caveat is performance — worth checking if those dimensions are priorities for you. For most buyers in this segment, it's a safe, dependable choice.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
The 2023 Hyundai Sonata SL ranks #347 of 1310 sedans in the Carivo database — better than 74% of the segment. Its 7.8/10 overall score is 0.3 points above the segment average of 7.5/10. Its $36,253 starting price is about 31% above the segment's median of $27,664.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full Sedan ranking →
Smart-money pick: the 2020 Hyundai Sonata SL scores 7.7/10 — within striking distance of the 2023's 7.8 — and starts roughly $3,500 lower. If you don't need the newest model year, that's money better spent on a higher trim or kept in your pocket.
| Year | Score | Starting price (MSRP when new) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 8.0/10 | $38,495 | Read review → |
| 2024 | 7.8/10 | $37,375 | Read review → |
| 2023 (this review) | 7.8/10 | $36,253 | |
| 2022 | 7.7/10 | $35,132 | Read review → |
| 2021 | 7.8/10 | $34,010 | Read review → |
| 2020 | 7.7/10 | $32,890 | Read review → |
| 2019 | 7.6/10 | $31,768 | Read review → |
| 2018 | 7.5/10 | $30,647 | Read review → |
| 2017 | 7.5/10 | $29,525 | Read review → |
| 2016 | 7.5/10 | $28,405 | Read review → |
| 2015 | 7.3/10 | $27,283 | Read review → |
Explore the full lineup of Hyundai models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.