2025 Hyundai Sonata: What's in stock, trim-level comparison, FAQ's.

The mid-cycle refresh introduced for 2024 (carried into 2025 and 2026) gave the Sonata a wide-mouth front fascia, a redesigned interior, and a panoramic twin-12.3" curved display on upper trims. Mechanically, Hyundai kept the three-powertrain story: a 2.5L NA gas for value buyers, a 290 hp 2.5L turbo on the N Line for performance, and a 2.0L Hybrid for efficiency. The result is a midsize sedan that still feels like Hyundai is investing — at a moment when Honda is the only other mainstream brand actively iterating on the segment, and Toyota has pushed the Camry to hybrid-only.

The 2.5L gas Sonata (SE, SEL, Limited) is the value play — 191 hp, an 8-speed automatic, and a sticker price well under the Hybrid. The N Line is the performance trim: 290 hp from a 2.5L turbo, 8-speed wet dual-clutch transmission, sport-tuned suspension, and unique exterior. There is no Sonata N performance car — the N Line is the top of the ladder. The Hybrid (Blue and Limited Hybrid) pairs a 2.0L gas I4 with an electric motor for ~192 hp combined and ~47 mpg combined. Choose by use case: gas for value, N Line for performance, Hybrid for commuters.

The 2025+ Camry is hybrid-only, so the Sonata's 2.5L gas option becomes a real differentiator for buyers who don't want to pay the hybrid premium. The Honda Accord still offers both gas and hybrid like the Sonata, drives a touch crisper, and matches the Sonata Hybrid on mpg. The Kia K5 is the Sonata's corporate cousin and the closest direct comparison — same powertrains, different styling. The hard trade-off across all of them: the Sonata is FWD-only, while the Camry and K5 offer optional AWD.