2022 Hyundai Sonata Trim Levels, Configurations & Comparisons.

The 2022 Hyundai Sonata brims with value. It flaunts a sleek sports coupe design, a high-tech cabin, and at the same time, a reasonable and affordable price tag. It makes sense why this car has been so popular in the last few years. It definitely has a modern vibe to it, and people won't have to feel like they're missing out on too much by getting this model.

 

Compare the SE vs SEL Trims. What is the difference?

The two lowest trims run on a four-cylinder 2.5-liter engine that yields 191 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque. Mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission, both models provide hill start assist and drive mode select.

While the SE rides on 16-inch alloy wheels, the SEL boasts bigger, 17-inch ones. The SEL gets some other exterior upgrades, like heated side mirrors with LED turn signal indicators, a gloss black front grille, and sportier front and rear fascias. Plus, a twin-tip single exhaust makes the SEL look more athletic than the SE does. In comparison, the SE only has a single hidden rear exhaust.

Important exterior features include standard LED daytime running lights, headlights, and taillights, which distinguish the sporty Hyundai Sonata. As expected of a premium Hyundai, both the regular headlights and high beams are automatic.

Moving on to the cabins of the SE and SEL, keen eyes will immediately spot some notable differences. The first thing that many prospective buyers will pick up on right away is that the SEL offers proximity key entry. This is a much more convenient system than the traditional system or keyless entry, and it comes with push button start. Other upgrades on the SEL are heated front seats, dual-zone automatic temperature control, and an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat with power lumbar support. In contrast, the SE only has a manually adjustable driver's seat and a manual climate control system.

The SEL has some more optional features to add more excitement to your drive. For example, the LED interior lights really enhance the ambience of the cabin and help set your mood. The panoramic sunroof on top welcomes much more sunlight into the car, and Hyundai Digital Key can set up your smartphone to be used as a key fob.

The secret that makes the Hyundai Sonata so attractive to modern drivers is its advanced technology. Even on the entry-level SE trim, there's an eight-inch touchscreen with built-in HD Radio, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and Bluetooth. On the SEL, the infotainment package has been upgraded with SiriusXM and BlueLink. Bluelink keeps drivers notified about collisions, monthly vehicle diagnostics, remote start, and more. Furthermore, a premium Bose audio system and wireless charging are also included on the SEL to make rides more enjoyable and productive.

Drivers of the base trim can rest assured with a suite of intelligent driver-assist systems built in: lane keeping assist to alert them if they stray, smart cruise control for convenience and safety on long trips, plus forward collision warning—complete with pedestrian detection! Upgrading to SEL level also adds powerful blind spot & rear traffic avoidance measures that use state-of-the art sensors as well as an indicator light so you know when it's safe after parking.

Compare the SEL vs SEL Plus. What is the difference?

When it comes to power and performance, the choice between the SEL and SEL Plus is a tough one. Although they both have similar fuel efficiency ratings of 27 miles per gallon in city driving conditions and 37 on highways, there are minor differences under their hoods: The SEL has an impressive 2.5-liter engine that generates 191 horsepower with 181 pound-feet of torque while its counterpart packs slightly more punch thanks to 1.6 liter turbocharged motor delivering 180 horses along with 195 pounds feet worth of twisting force!  No matter which you choose, expect plenty oomph from either machine!

Paddle shifters found on the SEL can make your driving experience even more thrilling. Their advantageous location on the steering wheel makes it easy to shift whenever drivers want to take more control.

The large 19-inch alloy wheels give the 2022 Sonata SEL Plus a menacing demeanor, whilst the sleek black window trim adds to its edgy, stylish look.

More significant changes have been made to the cabin of the Sonata when moving from the SEL to the SEL Plus. For instance, the SEL Plus has a panoramic sunroof that really opens things up. Its front seats have Dinamica microfiber inserts, and there's a leather-wrapped steering wheel as well as LED interior lights. The Hyundai Digital Key system that was mentioned previously becomes standard at the SEL Plus level. Further, the SEL Plus has an auto-dimming rearview mirror with HomeLink technology.

Back-seat passengers in the SEL Plus benefit a bit more comfort, thanks to the thoughtfully-placed rear air vents. On top of that, a built-in armrest is added to the center seat back, complete with two cup holders to keep your drinks safe.

The technology in the SEL Plus is more advanced than what's found on the SEL. For instance, the 8-inch touchscreen is now swapped for one that measures 10.25 inches. This big touchscreen is equipped with navigation, dynamic voice recognition, wireless charging, and a 12 speaker Bose sound system. You can connect up to two devices to the infotainment system, which is a convenient setup in case people want to play music on different devices or in case more than one driver frequently uses the sedan.

Hyundai also places another large screen behind the steering wheel of the SEL Plus. It's a giant 12.3-inch LCD cluster that displays crucial data about the sedan. It also enhances the youthful feel of the car.

Compare the Sonata SEL Plus vs N Line. What is the difference?

Buckle up and prepare for a thrilling ride in the N Line! Beneath its hood, this incredible car has an ultra-powerful 2.5L turbocharged engine that puts out 290 horses with 311 pound feet of torque - more than enough to noticeably increase responsiveness compared to lower trims. To make things even better, Hyundai threw in some mechanical upgrades: eight-speed wet dual clutch transmission & paddle shifters as well as electric power steering ensure levels of control you never thought possible behind wheels; however sacrificing efficiency somewhat since estimated fuel economy comes at only 27 MPG (combined).

The provocative silhouette and modern interior are made even sportier with N design enhancements. Exterior features include an eye-catching twin-tip dual exhaust, a rear spoiler, N Line-badged grille in the front fascia along with the bigger air ducts. The chrome trimming around the windows are replaced with  gloss black accents; it has gloss black side mirrors, too.

You can find special sport bucket seats in the front row of the N Line cabin. Like the seats in the SEL Plus, they have Dinamica microfiber inserts. On top of that, there are aluminum sport pedals and customizable ambient lighting with 64 color choices.

Compare the N Line vs Limited Trim Levels. What is the difference?

Overall, the Limited has a more sophisticated feel in comparison to the athletic N Line. With the Limited, Hyundai shifts back to using an eight-speed automatic transmission and a 1.6-liter turbocharger engine.

The Limited has 18-inch alloy wheels, premium LED headlights, and full LED taillights. Hyundai swapped out the black accents on the N Line with chrome accents when designing the Limited, and it replaced the N Line's twin-tip dual exhaust with a twin-tip single exhaust on the Limited.

The 2022 Hyundai Sonata Limited presents itself with leather upholstery, adding a feel of luxury to the interior. You will also notice that both the front seats are power-adjustable, heated and ventilated. The steering wheel also has a heating function, keeping your hands warm when temperatures plummets. Furthermore, the driver's seat is endowed with an integrated memory system, as well as the side mirrors for added convenience.

The 2022 Hyundai Sonata Limited brims with a number of high-tech safety features. The adjustable color head-up display allows drivers improved visibility while driving to check up on their speed, any safety warnings, and more. The surround view monitor comes handy when you are getting in and out of parking spots. A more futuristic feature, the remote smart parking assist program, allows you to exit the vehicle, push a button, and watch it park itself neatly in a perpendicular or parallel spot.

Besides these, the Limited has parking collision-avoidance assist and a blind spot view monitor. This monitor shows the driver a live feed about what's in the Sonata's blind spot. It's definitely nice to have an extra pair of eyes when traveling on busy roads.

Compare the Limited vs N Line Night Trims. What is the difference?

With the N Line Night trim, 2022 Hyundai Sonata brings back the 2.5-liter turbocharged engine and dual clutch transmission. Regarding performance and style, the N Line Night isn't much different from N Line. For instance, it has the same black exterior accents and sporty interior features, and it comes with the same type of seating and technology found in the N Line.

With that said, the N Line Night does exhibit a few extra features that the other trims don't have. This includes 19-inch matte black unique alloy wheels, carbon fiber trunk lip spoiler, and flashy red brake calipers. The Hyundai badge also gets a special, dark chrome treatment, and the mirror covers and door handle covers are all matching matte black

While the N Line Night is subtly more expensive than the Limited, it doesn't have the surround view monitor, remote smart parking assist, or head-up display that the Limited has. It does, though, have the large touchscreen with navigation and the 12.3-inch LCD cluster.  

Final Thoughts

The 2022 Hyundai Sonata offers many great options, but the SEL Plus ranks on top when taking everything into consideration. Being a trim in the middle of the lineup, it has a reasonable cost. Since the Sonata will likely attract attention from budget-conscious consumers, this is a point that's quite important.

Besides having a competitive price tag, the SEL Plus has some great features. Looking from the outside, 19-inch wheels elevate the sedan's aggressive stand whilst on the inside, the panoramic moonroof gets things more interesting. Although the SEL Plus doesn't get leather upholstered seats, it does have seats with microfiber inserts, and its front seats are heated.

Hyundai has taken the Sonata SEL Plus to a whole new level with its impressive 10.25-inch touchscreen navigation system - something usually only found on top of the line models. But that's not all; it also comes packed with innovative driver-assist technologies and luxurious interior amenities, making it an ideal choice for those after both style and cutting edge technology in their sedan.

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