2021 Hyundai Sonata SEL Plus

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata SEL Plus sedan — including what makes this trim special, its engine & performance specs, interior features, tech/safety, and things to keep in mind. If you’d like a review of consumer reliability or how it stacks up vs competitors, I can pull that too.
Key Highlights of the SEL Plus TrimThe SEL Plus is a mid-to-upper trim in the 2021 Sonata lineup. It sits above the SE and SEL trims, and below the Limited and N Line trims. Kbb.com+1
What makes it distinct:
A 1.6-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine (as opposed to the larger 2.5 L naturally aspirated in lower trims) — rated at about 180 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque. spitzerhyundaicleveland.com+3Autoblog+3TrueCar+3
19-inch alloy wheels standard (on many versions) for a sportier look. Autoblog+1
Upgraded interior and tech: things like suede/leatherette seating surfaces, wireless phone charging, digital instrument cluster, “Digital Key” features (using your phone as a key) in some configurations. Headquarter Hyundai+2Kbb.com+2
Fuel economy is still respectable for the segment: about 27 mpg city / 37 mpg highway for the SEL Plus with the 1.6 T engine per EPA estimates. Headquarter Hyundai+1
Cargo volume remains around 16.0 cu-ft (for the sedan body) in this trim. Kbb.com
Performance & Mechanical SpecsEngine: 1.6 L Turbocharged GDI inline-4 for the SEL Plus (vs 2.5 L naturally aspirated in SE/SEL). TrueCar+2TrueCar+2
Horsepower/Torque: ~180 hp @ ~5,500 rpm and ~195 lb-ft of torque for the 1.6 T in the SEL Plus. Autoblog+1
Transmission: 8-speed automatic with SHIFTRONIC. Autozonic
Drivetrain: Front-wheel drive. TrueCar+1
Fuel economy: ~27/37 mpg (city/highway) for the SEL Plus 1.6T version. Headquarter Hyundai
Exterior dimensions: Among other specs, the turning circle is about 35.9 feet. Kbb.com+1
Interior, Tech & FeaturesSeating/materials: The SEL Plus offers simulated suede/leatherette upholstery with nicer accents than the base cloth seats. TrueCar+1
Digital instrument cluster: The SEL Plus trim includes a 12.3-inch fully digital gauge cluster in many configurations. Headquarter Hyundai+1
Wireless charging: Standard on SEL Plus in many cases. Kbb.com+1
Digital Key: This allows you to use your smartphone as the key, available on SEL Plus. Autozonic+1
Wheels: 19-inch alloy wheels noted for this trim. Autoblog
Infotainment: Depending on options, includes an 8-inch or optional 10.25-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay & Android Auto, possibly a premium Bose sound system in higher optional packages. Kbb.com
Safety & Driver-Assist FeaturesThe 2021 Sonata line (including SEL Plus) comes with a strong suite of safety/driver-assist features: forward-collision warning + automatic emergency braking (including pedestrian detection), lane-keeping assist, lane-following assist, adaptive cruise control in many trims. Autoblog+1
The SEL and above offer blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. SEL Plus includes many of these. spitzerhyundaicleveland.com+1
What to Keep in Mind / ConsiderationsWhile 180 hp may sound modest, reviews suggest that the 1.6?T still provides a solid balance of performance and economy. Some owners report noticeable turbo response. > “I have a 2021 Sel Plus so it has the 1.6T… it feels actually very responsive.” Reddit
The larger 19-inch wheels may lead to slightly firmer ride and higher tire replacement cost compared to smaller wheel setups. Some owners ask about swapping to smaller wheels for cost/comfort reasons. Reddit
The rear legroom is decent, but among midsize sedans it might not be quite as generous as some rivals. According to one source, “the rear legroom’s a bit tight compared to some competitors.” Kbb.com
While the SEL Plus is feature-rich, going up to the Limited or N Line adds even more luxury/performance — so depending on your priorities you might compare those.
As with any used vehicle (if