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Independent review & score by Carivo
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
|---|---|
| Body Style | Sedan |
| Base Price | $38,495–$49,658 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
With an overall Carivo score of 8.0/10, the 2025 Hyundai Sonata SL earns a Recommended rating among the sedans we've scored. Its strongest dimension is Safety at 8.4/10, while Performance at 7.2/10 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. Reliability comes in at 8.3/10 in our assessment — above the middle of the pack for this class, though not flawless. On safety it earns 8.4/10: respectable, if not class-leading — several competitors bundle more driver-assist tech as standard. Check your trim's official ratings at nhtsa.gov.
Performance lands mid-pack at 7.2/10: enough power and composure for everyday needs, without the dynamics that distinguish the segment's driver-focused options. Technology scores 8.0/10 — one of the stronger tech packages in the segment. Expect a responsive infotainment system, broad smartphone integration, and a solid suite of driver-assistance features.
Priced from $38,495–$49,658, 33 MPG, seating 5, the Hyundai Sonata SL sits in the mid-market bracket of the sedan segment. The 8.0/10 value score is the headline: relative to what it costs, this sedan delivers more than most of the class. At 1 year old, it's recent enough that the core feature set holds up well against current competition.
Bottom line: Think of the 2025 Hyundai Sonata SL as the dependable pick rather than the exciting one. Shoppers who value predictability over headlines will be well served.
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 2025 Hyundai Sonata SL ranks #201 of 1310 sedans in the Carivo database — better than 85% of the segment. Its 8.0/10 overall score is 0.5 points above the segment average of 7.5/10. Its $38,495 starting price is about 39% above the segment's median of $27,664.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full Sedan ranking → · Best Sedans under $50k →
Smart-money pick: the 2022 Hyundai Sonata SL scores 7.7/10 — within striking distance of the 2025's 8.0 — 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 (this review) | 8.0/10 | $38,495 | |
| 2024 | 7.8/10 | $37,375 | Read review → |
| 2023 | 7.8/10 | $36,253 | Read review → |
| 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 → |
We rate the 2025 Hyundai Sonata SL's reliability 8.3/10 — one of the stronger records in its class.
It scores 8.0/10 overall, ranking #201 of 1310 sedans in our database (better than 85% of the segment). A solid choice for most buyers — compare it against the segment leaders before deciding.
The 2025 Hyundai Sonata SL starts at $38,495 and ranges up to $49,658 across trims (MSRP when new). At 33 MPG, expect roughly $1,591/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.
Other sedans at a similar price point, ranked by Carivo score.
Explore the full lineup of Hyundai models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.
