2013 Hyundai Sonata SE 2.0T review

For our money, we'd rather have the sportier SE 2.0T than the non-turbo limited

It's nice to test two 2013 Hyundai Sonatas -- one Limited and one SE 2.0T -- nearly back-to-back. The stickers on both were north of $29k ($29,655 and $29,205, respectively), but their aims are somewhat different; the former went for luxury-value, with heated front and rear leather seats and a panoramic sunroof, while the latter shoots for a sporty feel. 

For my money, I'd go with the 2.0T. Sure, it trades heated hides for “leather bolster sport seats with cloth inserts,” but it makes its 274 hp (76 more than the naturally aspirated 2.4-liter four-cylinder) apparent from the very start. It delivers power without much turbo lag, either. 

The 2.0-liter turbo I4 delivers 274 hp with minimal turbo lag

I'm not sure what more needs to be said about the Sonata's styling; it's a handsome sedan that makes far better use of bright work than some of Hyundai's offerings (looking at you, Azera) but could still use a bit of refining. The 18-inch wheels make the car look a bit sportier, I suppose, but no alloys are going to help you wring impressive lap times out of this front-wheel drive family car. Hyundai makes the Genesis coupe for that.

2013 Hyundai Sonata SE 2.0T

Base Price: $25,670

As-Tested Price: $29,205

Drivetrain: 2.0-liter turbocharged I4; FWD, six-speed automatic

Output: 274 hp @ 6,000 rpm, 269 lb-ft @ 1,750-4,500 rpm

Curb Weight: 3,452 lb

Fuel Economy (EPA City/Highway/Combined): 22/34/26 mpg

AW Observed Fuel Economy: 22.7 mpg

Options: SE and sunroof package including power sunroof, navigation system, rear back up camera, Dimension premium audio system, HD radio, XMradio ($2,900); rear spoiler ($250); auto-dimming rearview mirror with homelink and compass ($250); carpeted floor mats ($100); iPod cable ($35)