Across the lineup of the 2013 Hyundai Sonata model range, all three engine options exceed 30 mpg highway. With up to 274 horsepower and a hybrid option available, the Sonata doesn’t have to be a boring everyday sedan.
Key Points
- The 2013 Hyundai Sonata lineup offers three inline four-cylinder engine options, including a 2.4-liter inline-four, a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four, and a hybrid-assisted 2.4-liter inline-four.
- Though the hybrid model is the most fuel-efficient, all engine options on the 2013 Sonata offer upwards of 30 miles per gallon highway.
- The 2.0L turbocharged model offers the most power with an impressive 274 horsepower output, making for a spirited driving experience.
- All three engines are members of the Kia/Hyundai Theta engine family, which has an active recall for excessive bearing wear; however, it isn’t very widespread.
- With everything from hyper-efficient to hyper-fun, the 2013 Sonata engine lineup fills the gaps for nearly every consumer.
Base 2.4L Inline-four Engine is Available in All Non-hybrid Trims and Offers Modest Power for Affordable Daily Use
The 2.4-liter engine found as a base offering across the lineup of 2013 Hyundai Sonata models is a member of the Theta engine family, which Hyundai first produced in 2004. They use dual-overhead-camshaft (DOHC) construction and are made of lightweight aluminum.
This version, the Theta II GDI, first became available in 2009 and saw the improvement of adding direct injection, which sprays fuel directly into the combustion chamber to maximize efficiency.
The Theta II GDI engine in the 2013 Sonata lineup makes 198 horsepower and 184 lb.-ft. of torque. Though not the most powerful engine around, this 2.4-liter lump is capable of pushing the 2013 Sonata from zero to 60 mph in around 7.6 seconds.
This is plenty fast enough to navigate traffic and safely enter freeways without much strain.
2.4L Engine has Impressive mpg, and a Recall Over Inadequate Machining
Impressively, despite being the biggest displacement offering, the 2.4-liter manages up to 24 mpg city and 34 mpg highway.
Unfortunately, however, the 2.4L engine does fall under an active NHTSA recall over inadequate machining during the engine’s production that may result in excessive bearing wear and possible engine failure.
Additionally, a handful of recent NHTSA complaints outline owners experiencing engine issues and failures with 2013 Hyundai Sonata models in excess of 120,000 miles, which puts them outside of their warranty.
Turbocharged 2.0L Engine Maintains Impressive Fuel Economy but with a Massive Power Increase up to 274 Horsepower
On all but base GLS trim levels, the 2.0-liter turbocharged engine is available. It is a member of the same engine family and is known as the Theta II Turbo.
While it does have smaller displacement, the addition of a turbocharger gives it a significant power advantage over models equipped with the 2.4-liter engine.
The 2.0-liter Theta II Turbo engine has an impressive power output of 274 horsepower and 269 lb.-ft. of torque. With over 75 extra horsepower, turbocharged 2013 Sonata models make the sprint from zero to 60 mph in just 5.8 seconds.
That’s nearly two seconds faster than its non-turbocharged counterpart. However, as one might expect, the additional power comes at the cost of efficiency.
That being said, the 2.0L turbo Sonata models are by no means inefficient. According to the EPA, they still manage up to 22 mpg city and 33 mpg highway.
So, shoppers looking for an affordable sporty sedan with a lively driving experience need not compromise getting solid gas mileage on their daily commute with this engine.
Unfortunately, like the 2.4-liter engine, the turbocharged Theta II engine also falls under the recall regarding excessive bearing wear. It is, however, worth keeping in mind that the total number of affected units in the recall is stated to be 572,000.
So, there is a good chance 2013 models for sale at this point have had recall repairs done.
Hybrid Models Use Similar 2.4L Inline-four to Standard Sonata Models, but with Reduced Power and Optimization for Maximum Fuel Economy
The 2.4L engine found in the hybrid 2013 Hyundai Sonata also belongs to the same engine family as the previous two. It uses the same materials and architecture as the 2.4L non-turbo engine found in standard Sonata models.
However, it’s tuned for less power and more efficiency by way of delaying the closing of intake valves until the piston is on its way back up. This is known as an Atkinson cycle engine.
Though the engine itself is down on power compared to the others with around 150, the Hybrid drivetrain as a whole manages a total of 199 horsepower. Of course, given its focus on fuel efficiency, the Sonata Hybrid does not have a remarkable acceleration.
However, according to Car and Driver, it still manages to sprint to 60 mph in 8.1 seconds.
Of course, the hybrid models excel when it comes to fuel efficiency. According to the EPA, hybrid 2013 Hyundai Sonatas see 35 mpg city and 38 mpg highway for an excellent combined gas mileage rating of 37 mpg.
Ultimately, this engine offering for the 2013 Hyundai Sonata makes it one of the most fuel-efficient sedans for the 2013 model year.
Once again, the Theta II engine found under the hood of Hybrid models is also included in the recall mentioned above.
2013 Hyundai Sonata’s Trio of Engines Offer Something for Everyone, Spanning from Sporty to Hyper Efficient
All three engine offerings for the 2013 Hyundai Sonata bring something unique to the table. So whether shoppers are trying to find the most affordable version, want the most fuel-efficient, or want something with a bit of extra power that they can still feel excited to get behind the wheel of, one of these mighty inline four-cylinder engines has a solution.
Photos: Hyundai
