2013 Hyundai Sonata Limited 2.0T review
At the time I was looking for a well priced, well equipped, reliable, fuel efficient, midsize sedan with enough power to never have to worry about not being able to overtake on a pass and my criteria narrowed it down to a 2011-14 Hyundai Sonata Limited 2.0T.
The ride quality is good and probably among the best of the entire Hyundai lineup for the 2011-14 year range (although not as good as the improvements Hyundai has made in recent years but I will not compare a used car to a brand new one for its unlikely to be cross shopped that way anyway) and likely will be satisfying for most. Overall the build quality of this car for this year range is quite good. No panel gaps, paint is great, everything is styled while keeping functionality in mind. There is no cost cutting that is important enough to complain about at the current price ranges being offered for this car on the used /cpo market. The performance I feel is more than adequate for most drivers as this version of the Theta II turbocharged motor puts out the most power it ever did including the 2.0T Hyundai engines of today. I do wish that Hyundai would include a limited slip differential (LSD) in their higher output models as driving in the snow there is noticeable wheel spin due to the torque and an LSD would help manage power to the ground. Overall though for a midsize sedan the power should be adequate and the handling is fairly good for what it is. The fun to drive factor can be viewed as good as the power and lack of an LSD gives the car some character when driven with enthusiasm. The steering is direct but is a bit numb and I wish it had a tighter turn ratio for the steering wheel (although the cars actual turn radius is impressive for its size). The 6 speed automatic transmission is smooth and there are paddle shifters and a manumatic mode if you would like to shift yourself adding to some fun. In true Hyundai tradition and with this being the top trim this car has all available features for the time era and with the exception of a dedicated "Sport Mode" (something now commonly offered on Hyundai's) and ventilated seats (became available 2014) I do not find much else to be missing from desired features. Panoramic sun roof, heated seats front/rear, power driver seat, dual climate control, premium audio system, navigation with touch screen, eco mode, and more are there for the driver. The reliability of my car has been exceptionally good. In 3 years of daily driving in both severe winter and summer conditions it has never let me down. There have been recalls being addressed by Hyundai so make sure those are completed but other than that no concerns for me as the powertrain and build quality in general has been solid. Styling is subjective, but I still find the exterior design to be stunning and aging well. The interior is good and well built but there is cost cutting to be found in there if looking for it. Nothing inside should be a deal breaker as the ergonomics and comfort are extremely good and for the price you can't have crazy expectations for a midsize sedan. My major complaint is I wish the cupholders were padded to prevent aluminum cans from making noise and the piano black gloss trim bits are a pain to keep clean.
Overall, if you are looking for a roomy, feature rich, reliable, powerful, economical(when driven as such of course), 4 door midsize sedan on the used market I would argue that the 2011-14 Hyundai Sonata should be at the top of your consideration list. There may be better cars, but for the price range that you can attain these at I don't think you would care.
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