Additional features and a better value than ever before.
Wayne Gerdes -
CleanMPG - May 8, 2012
2013 Hyundai Sonata GLS – $21,720 with the Popular Equipment Package, 200 HP on tap with a 26/35 mpgUS city/highway rating and still the value leader in so many ways.
Hyundai let loose a barrage of facts and figures earlier today aimed straight into the heart of the midsize sedan segment. The details presented were for the company’s award winning Sonata and its ability to take on all comers.
So let’s get started.
Highest Residuals
2011 was the year the Sonata achieved sales of 225,961 vehicles and did so with the segment’s lowest incentive spending, the highest ratio of transaction price to MSRP and the highest residual values which will help current and future Sonata owners at trade-in time.
Incentive Spend and 36-month Residual Value Comparison
| Make | Model | Q1 2012 Average Incentive Spend (Autodata, March 2012) | 2012 MY 36-month Residual Values (ALG Mar/Apr 2012) |
| Hyundai | Sonata | $1,127 | 52% |
| Toyota | Camry | $1,936 | 50% |
| Honda | Accord | $3,608 | 50% |
| Nissan | Altima | $3,646 | 47% |
| Ford | Fusion | $2,945 | 51% |
| Chevrolet | Malibu | $4,075 | 43% |
ALG has just rewarded the 2013 Hyundai Sonata with its best-ever residual value of 60 percent due in part to the Sonata’s remarkable combination of high retail sales, low fleet mix and low incentive spending.
Highest Satisfaction
In 2011, Sonata owners were the most satisfied with their car’s fuel economy, design and value than owners of Camry, Accord, Altima, Fusion and Malibu, according to the J.D. Power 2011 APEAL Study.
New For 2013
The 2013 Sonata GLS with the Popular Equipment Package arrives at $21,720 including the 6-speed AT. It is also equipped with fog lights and heated front seats. Unfortunately the lower cost, high fuel economy capable 6-speed MT was not chosen by enough past customers to make it variable enough to continue offering it. I will certainly miss that variant but I am one of the few.
The 2013 Sonata SE now comes with standard heated front seats and Sonata Limited comes standard with a traditional sunroof, while a panoramic sunroof is now part of the Limited Premium Package.
The exterior, interior and drivetrain are little changed but why should they given the class leading interior/exterior design and the standard 200 HP Direct Injected 2.4L.
Here is a small engine rundown comparison with its peers.
Midsize Sedan – Competitive Comparisons
| Year | Make | Model | Engine | HP | Torque (lb-ft.) | Fuel Economy (mpgUS) | Turning Diameter (feet) | Passenger Volume (cu. ft.) | Cargo Volume (cu. ft.) | Total Volume | EPA Size Classification |
| 2013 | Hyundai | Sonata | 2.4L I4 | 200 @ 6300 | 186 @ 4250 | 24/35 | 35.8 | 103.8 | 16.4 | 120.2 | Large |
| 2012 | Toyota | Camry | 2.5L I4 | 178 @ 6000 | 170 @ 4100 | 25/35 | 36.7 | 102.7 | 15.4 | 118.1 | Midsize |
| 2012 | Honda | Accord | 2.4L I4 | 177 @ 6500 | 161 @ 4300 | 23/34 | 37.7 | 106.0 | 14.7 | 120.7 | Large |
| 2012 | Nissan | Altima | 2.5L I4 | 175 @ 5600 | 180 @ 3900 | 23/32 | 36.1 | 100.7 | 15.3 | 116.0 | Midsize |
| 2012 | Ford | Fusion | 2.5L I4 | 175 @ 6000 | 172 @ 4500 | 23/33 | 37.5 | 100.3 | 16.5 | 116.8 | Midsize |
| 2012 | Chevrolet | Malibu | 2.4L I4 | 169 @ 6400 | 160 @ 4500 | 22/33 | 39.4 | 97.7 | 15.1 | 112.8 | Midsize |
The 274 HP 2.0L turbocharged GDI engine is available on the SE and Limited trims. The Sonata 2.0T SE adds an upgraded fully automatic temperature control system, and the Limited adds the SE’s 18-inch hyper silver alloy wheels, dual exhaust, and steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters. All 2013 Sonatas utilize a six-speed automatic transmission with Shiftronic manual control.
Infotainment
For 2013, all Sonata’s arrive with a Bluetooth hands-free phone system, auxiliary iPod/USB inputs and three months of XM Satellite Radio standard. The Sonata SE and Limited can be equipped with a new higher resolution 7-inch WVGA touchscreen based Navigation system that is voice-activation by a headliner-mounted microphone. These navigation equipped models include Real-time XM NavTraffic, XM NAV Weather, XM Sports Ticker and XM Stock Ticker.
Blue Link combines safety, service and infotainment features to simplify owners’ lives and reduce distracted driving. Blue Link brings seamless connectivity directly into the car with technology like voice text messaging, POI web search download, turn-by-turn navigation, and monthly vehicle reporting. Hyundai Blue Link telematics is standard on the Sonata with up to a one-year complimentary trial period. Blue Link can be easily accessed from the buttons on the rearview mirror, the web and via a smart phone. Blue Link is offered in three packages: Assurance, Essentials and Guidance.
For all you want to know about Blue Link, consider the following:
Hyundai’s all-new Blue Link Telematics Apps Are Ready for the Open Road.
Just like the B-segment Accent and C-segment Elantra, Hyundai’s D-segment Sonata for 2012 offers more for less compared to its competitors. Even the upcoming all-new 2013 Malibu, 2013 Altima and 2013 Fusion have to be wary of the Korean contingent’s offerings because they are that well equipped, well designed and priced.
Looks like they're dropping the manual transmission.
Linear Mode
