Hyundai SONATA Hybrid Limited vs. Hyundai SONATA SEL
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Hyundai SONATA Hybrid Limited and Hyundai SONATA SEL contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the Hyundai SONATA Hybrid Limited and the Hyundai SONATA SEL.
When we compare the Hyundai SONATA Hybrid Limited's and the Hyundai SONATA SEL's specifications and ratings, the Hyundai SONATA Hybrid Limited has the advantage in the areas of fuel efficiency and base engine power. The Hyundai SONATA SEL has the advantage in the areas of new vehicle base pricing, reliability, resale value and overall quality score. The Hyundai SONATA Hybrid Limited and Hyundai SONATA SEL have the same interior volume. Based on this comparison of the Hyundai SONATA Hybrid Limited's and the Hyundai SONATA SEL's specifications and ratings, the Hyundai SONATA SEL is a better car than the Hyundai SONATA Hybrid Limited.
Pricing: For a new model, the Hyundai SONATA Hybrid Limited's price is between $37,754 and $39,400, with the Hyundai SONATA SEL priced between $28,321 and $32,362.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Hyundai SONATA Hybrid Limited loses 45.1 percent of its value and the Hyundai SONATA SEL loses 41.4 percent of its value. This means the Hyundai SONATA SEL retains 3.7 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Hyundai SONATA Hybrid Limited.
Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Hyundai SONATA Hybrid is 8.5 out of 10 while the Hyundai SONATA's quality rating is 8.6 out of 10. This results in the Hyundai SONATA Hybrid being ranked 3 out of 11 Best Hybrid Midsize Cars and the Hyundai SONATA being ranked 6 out of 13 Best Midsize Cars.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Hyundai SONATA Hybrid is 7.9 out of 10. For the Hyundai SONATA the reliability rating is 7.9 out of 10. This gives the Hyundai SONATA a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Hyundai SONATA Hybrid.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Hyundai SONATA Hybrid Limited’s base engine makes 192 horsepower, and the Hyundai SONATA SEL base engine makes 191 horsepower. The Limited is rated to deliver an average of 47 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 673 miles. The SEL is rated to deliver an average of 29 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 572 miles. This gives the Hyundai SONATA Hybrid Limited the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the Hyundai SONATA SEL. Both models use regular unleaded.
Passenger Space Comparison: The Hyundai SONATA Hybrid Limited and Hyundai SONATA SEL are comparable in regards to interior volume, front shoulder room, front leg room, rear shoulder room, rear leg room, and cargo space.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the Hyundai SONATA Hybrid Limited and the Hyundai SONATA SEL have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
$37,754 - $39,400
Starting MSRP:
$37,200
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Hybrid Midsize Cars)
$31,381
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Hybrid Midsize Cars)
$28,855 - $32,975
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
$28,321 - $32,362
Starting MSRP:
$27,500
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize Cars)
$26,143
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize Cars)
$24,700 - $27,895
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
Price Range:
-
Category Avg Price:
(Hybrid Midsize Cars)
$36,613
Category Avg Price Range:
(Hybrid Midsize Cars)
$34,247 - $40,386
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
660
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
394
# Good or Great Deals:
9
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$30,082
Price Range:
$26,999 - $32,241
Category Avg Price:
(Midsize Cars)
$29,305
Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize Cars)
$25,951 - $31,688
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
2,881
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
827
# Good or Great Deals:
128
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
$17,135
Depreciation %:
46.1%
Resale Value $:
$20,065
Residual Value %:
53.9%
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Hybrid Midsize Cars)
37%
Category Depreciation Range:
(Hybrid Midsize Cars)
32.1% - 46.1%
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
$11,619
Depreciation %:
42.3%
Resale Value $:
$15,881
Residual Value %:
57.7%
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Midsize Cars)
37.2%
Category Depreciation Range:
(Midsize Cars)
32.1% - 45.7%
Hyundai SONATA Hybrid Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.5 / 10
Reliability:
7.9 / 10
Retained Value:
7.7 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
Hyundai SONATA Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.6 / 10
Reliability:
7.9 / 10
Retained Value:
7.9 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Hyundai SONATA Hybrid Limited
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
10.3
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Hybrid Midsize Cars)
12.8
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Hybrid Midsize Cars)
10.2 - 12.9
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.8%
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Hyundai SONATA SEL
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
9.6
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Midsize Cars)
10.1
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize Cars)
9.5 - 13
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
4.5%
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
2.4
Typical Category Recalls:
(Hybrid Midsize Cars)
4.7
Category Range for Recalls:
(Hybrid Midsize Cars)
2.5 - 8.3
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
2.4
Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize Cars)
3.3
Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize Cars)
1.7 - 15.5
Hyundai SONATA Hybrid Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 25Ranking
1 out of / 11Ranking
1 out of / 6Ranking
1 out of / 6Ranking
1 out of / 6Ranking
1 out of / 6Ranking
1 out of / 6Ranking
1 out of / 4Ranking
1 out of / 4Ranking
1 out of / 4Ranking
1 out of / 4Ranking
2 out of / 11Ranking
2 out of / 11Ranking
2 out of / 3Ranking
3 out of / 25Ranking
3 out of / 11Ranking
3 out of / 3Ranking
4 out of / 25Ranking
4 out of / 25Ranking
4 out of / 11Ranking
5 out of / 10Ranking
6 out of / 25Ranking
6 out of / 25Ranking
6 out of / 11Ranking
8 out of / 25Ranking
8 out of / 11Ranking
13 out of / 25Ranking
15 out of / 25Ranking
18 out of / 25Hyundai SONATA Rankings
Ranking
2 out of / 13Ranking
2 out of / 13Ranking
3 out of / 13Ranking
4 out of / 13Ranking
4 out of / 6Ranking
5 out of / 13Ranking
5 out of / 13Ranking
5 out of / 6Ranking
6 out of / 13Ranking
6 out of / 9Ranking
7 out of / 13Ranking
8 out of / 13Ranking
13 out of / 13Available Body Styles
Sedan
Available Body Styles
Sedan
Available Drivetrain Options
Hybrid
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Other Hyundai SONATA Hybrid Trim Levels
SEL
Other Hyundai SONATA Trim Levels
N Line
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
10 years / 100000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
5 years
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
10 years / 100000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
5 years
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Not yet available
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
192 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque:
Not yet available
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.055 hp per pound
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
191 hp @ 6100 rpm
Torque:
181 foot-lbs @ 4000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.060 hp per pound
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
44 / 51 / 47
Range (city/hwy):
581 / 673 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2.5 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
25 / 36 / 29
Range (city/hwy):
398 / 572 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Automatic Parking:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Standard
Heated Seats
Standard
Heated Steering Wheel:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Paddle Shifters:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power Lift Gate:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Standard
Air Suspension:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Wifi:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Heated Seats
Standard
Heated Steering Wheel:
N/A
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
N/A
Navigation System:
Available
Paddle Shifters:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Wifi:
N/A
Safety Features
360-Degree Camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
Backup camera:
N/A
Safety Features
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
Backup camera:
Standard
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
37.8 inches
Front Leg Room:
46.1 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
57.9 inches
Rear Head Room:
37.4 inches
Rear Leg Room:
34.8 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
56.1 inches
Cargo Space:
16 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
104.4 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
40 inches
Front Leg Room:
46.1 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
57.9 inches
Rear Head Room:
38.4 inches
Rear Leg Room:
34.8 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
56.1 inches
Cargo Space:
16 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
104.4 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3505 lbs
Width:
73.2 inches
Height:
56.9 inches
Length:
192.9 inches
Wheelbase:
111.8 inches
Ground Clearance:
5.3 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3192 lbs
Width:
73.2 inches
Height:
56.9 inches
Length:
192.9 inches
Wheelbase:
111.8 inches
Ground Clearance:
5.3 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
P215/55R17
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
P215/55R17
Exterior Colors
Black
Not available
Blue
Not available
Gray
Not available
Red
Not available
Silver
Not available
White
Not available
Exterior Colors
Black
Onyx Black Pearl
Blue
Carbon Blue Pearl / Transmission Blue Pearl
Gray
Nocturne Gray / Portofino Gray Metallic
Red
Ultimate Red Pearl
Silver
Aero Silver Metallic
White
Serenity White Pearl
Interior Colors
Black
Not available
Gray
Not available
Interior Colors
Black
Black
Gray
Dark Gray
