2024 Hyundai Sonata and Sonata Hybrid Review: Sportier Than Ever
As one of the brand's longest-standing nameplates, the Hyundai Sonata enters 2024 with new looks and some tweaks inside. It is otherwise the same impressive midsize sedan it has been for years, with a 2.5-liter turbo-four that develops 290 horsepower at the top end of the range and an efficient 191-hp version at the entry point - alongside this, there's also the option of a hybrid powertrain. Some of its most compelling points include attractive pricing and a strong safety record, but these can also be found in competitors like the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry, so maybe this more aggressive styling will be the tipping point for the Sonata to pull ahead of the pack in the eyes of buyers.
New for 2024
The new Hyundai Sonata sedan boasts more athletic styling this year, with a strong focus on improved aerodynamics and a more engaging drive. The exterior thus sees new elements that include a wider front fascia and restyled headlights. The rear end has also been refreshed. The gas SEL can be had with a new HTRAC all-wheel drivetrain, which features a front-wheel bias, and every trim gets wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This goes along with the new interface that comprises twin 12.3-inch touchscreens in a curved layout. Lastly, the 1.6-liter turbo-four gas engine is no longer available, and several trims have been cut from the lineup.
2024 Hyundai Sonata and Sonata Hybrid Price: Which One to Buy
The price of the 2024 Hyundai Sonata starts attractively below $30k at $27,500 for the SEL. This is the only model that allows you to upgrade to all-wheel drive, which will cost you an extra $1,500. The only other gas-fed model is the N Line, which sells for $34,950. From there, the Sonata switches to a hybrid powertrain, starting with the HEV SEL at $30,800, while the Limited rounds out the lineup at $37,200. These are the MSRP prices and do not include the mandatory $1,045 destination fee or any state-specific licensing and registration fees.
With fewer models to choose from, it really comes down to whether you want to save money or get the most performance out of your sedan. In the first case, you can either save up front by getting the cheap SEL or look ahead with the HEV SEL. Alternatively, you can get the gasoline N Line with its potent 290-hp engine and striking styling. In terms of features, they are mostly on par, as the HEV Limited is the most expensive and best-equipped and should only be for those who are really committed to the sedan.
SEL | N Line |
---|---|
Entry Leve | Potent Performer |
$ 27500 | $ 34950 |
2.5-liter four-cylinder (191 hp/181 lb-ft) | Based on the SEL’s features, plus: |
17-inch alloy wheels | 2.5-liter turbo-four (290 hp/311 lb-ft) |
BLIS and RCTA | Wireless charging pad |
Twin 12.3-inch display | Hyundai Digital Key |
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto | High-resolution touchscreen |
12-speaker Bose sound system |
Best Deals on 2024 Hyundai Sonata
Interior and Features
The updated interior combines the driver info and infotainment displays, which is a common trend among more modern cars.
The interior space has been reimagined with a cleaner and more high-tech feel. This is largely accomplished by the dual 12.3-inch displays that start behind the steering wheel and extend across the dashboard, taking care of infotainment and vital information for the driver. Beneath this, the air vents are innocuously integrated with the design, but a few physical controls remain further down the central console. The overall impression is far more luxurious than one might expect from this price point, even though the choice of materials is more economy-minded. For a slightly sportier feel, the N Line gets more aggressive styling and sports seats.
Space
A good midsize sedan should seat at least four, but the Sonata can handle five in a pinch. Still, the rear legroom is significantly less than the impressive 46 inches you get in the front - but it's far from the worst in the segment. We wouldn't suggest sticking three adults in the back, but smaller humans should be quite fine. As for headroom, it's quite good in either row of seating, and even opting for the sunroof doesn't require much of a sacrifice in this area. Getting inside is relatively easy, despite the low step-in height, and finding a comfortable driving position is assisted by the standard power-adjustable seats. The sports seats in the N Line are more supportive.
Cargo
Though they may fall far behind the popular crossovers and SUVs of the time, midsize sedans can still be quite practical, and the 16 cubic feet of cargo space in Sonata is very close to segment leaders like the Honda Accord. At least the trunk aperture is wide, so loading your groceries or the kids' sports bags should be a breeze. Larger items can be accommodated by folding down the rear seats, though the exact amount of room this adds is not disclosed by Hyundai.
The cabin offers a few storage solutions for smaller items, such as a tray below the central console that can hold a smartphone, with a bin just beside it for loose change or spare keys. Next up are a pair of cupholders, which slot in beside the central armrest, under which you'll find a narrow cubby. Each of the doors has a pocket, but these are relatively narrow, too, and there is a fold-down middle rear seat with a pair of cupholders inside.
Hyundai Sonata | Toyota Camry | Honda Accord | |
---|---|---|---|
Seating | 5 Seater | 5 Seater | 5 Seater |
Headroom | 40 in. front 37.4 -38.4 in. rear | 38.3 in. front 37.5- 38 in. rear | 37.5 - 39.5 in. front 37.2 - 37.3 in. rear |
Legroom | 46.1 in. front 34.8 in. rear | 42.1 in. front 38 in. rear | 42.3 in. front 40.8 in. rear |
Trunk Space | 16 ft³ | 15.1 ft³ | 16.7 ft³ |
Materials and Colors
While much of the interior feels premium, the SEL still settles for standard cloth upholstery, in either Black or Gray, while the N Line uses a combination of Dinamica and leather, but interior colors remain the same. Only the Limited gets more premium leather upholstery, with a Dark Gray/Camel theme joining the regular options. While there are some hard plastics around the cabin, they are well hidden, with soft-touch surfaces coating most of the high-traffic areas. The urethane steering wheel is upgraded to a leather-wrapped one once you move past the base gas SEL.
Features and Infotainment
The base-level SEL is well-equipped, but you get a little more if you opt for the HEV over the gas-engined model. Both versions get heated front seats and a power-adjustable driver's seat, but the hybrid extends this to the passenger seat. You also get dual-zone climate control, keyless entry, push-button start, cruise control, and twin 12.3-inch displays. One is for driver information and the other for infotainment, which includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, SiriusXM, HD Radio, all connected to a six-speaker sound system. The N Line upgrades to a 12-speaker Bose sound system, while adding navigation, a wireless charger, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and a dual-pane sunroof. At the top tier, the Limited provides you with a six-way power passenger seat, ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel.
SEL | N Line | |
---|---|---|
Dual-zone climate control | S | S |
Power-adjustable driver's seat | S | S |
Dual 12.3-inch displays | S | S |
Wireless smartphone integration | S | S |
12-speaker Bose sound system | O | S |
Performance
The Sonata was designed with comfort and efficiency over performance, but the N Line allows for some spirited driving with a firmer suspension and stronger engine.
Various engine setups are available in the Hyundai Sonata, though the gas engine can be had with or without a turbocharger. In its base form, the 2.5-liter four-cylinder makes 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque, while adding a turbo punches these numbers up to 290 hp and 311 lb-ft. The SEL's engine is paired with a regular eight-speed automatic transmission, while the N Line uses a more decisive version with a wet dual clutch. Hybrids get a 2.0-liter four-cylinder with an electric motor for a combined 192 hp and 195 lb-ft, mated to a six-speed automatic gearbox. Every model comes standard with a front-wheel drivetrain, but the gas SEL can switch this out for all-wheel drive.
While the regular and hybrid Hyundai Sonatas offer a decent level of performance, it is the N Line that is quickest, sprinting from 0-60 mph in a brisk five seconds. They can all reach a top speed of 155 mph, though. While power delivery is always dependable, thanks to decisive automatic gearboxes, the steering is not overly communicative. It is accurate, though, and easy to manage around town, gaining some heft so as to remain steady at highway speeds. The suspension could be a little softer, but minor bumps in the road should go unnoticed. The N Line is even stiffer, but its steering offers more feedback as a result.
Fuel Efficiency
Gas mileage is great, no matter which Sonata you go for, but the hybrid is the clear winner. With the regular 2.5-liter gas setup, the Hyundai Sonata gets 25/36/29 mpg across the city/highway/combined cycles with FWD or 25/34/28 mpg with AWD. The more powerful 2.5-liter turbocharged unit maintains good economy at 23/32/27 mpg. Once you get to the hybrid lineup, the 2.0-liter engine with electric motor returns 45/51/47 mpg - it loses out on the super-economical Blue model from last year, since that's been discontinued.
Fuel capacity for the gas models is 15.9 gallons, allowing them to travel between 430 and 461 miles, while the hybrid, with 13.2 gallons of gas, can cover 620 miles with careful driving.
2.5L Inline-4 Gas 8-Speed Automatic FWD | 2.5L Inline-4 Gas 8-Speed Automatic AWD | 2.5L Turbo Inline-4 Gas 8-Speed Automatic FWD | 2.0L Inline-4 Hybrid 6-Speed Automatic FWD | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Power | 191 hp | 191 hp | 290 hp | 192 hp |
Top speed | 155 mph | 155 mph | 155 mph | 155 mph |
MPG | 25/36/29 mpg | 25 /34/28 mpg | 23/32/27 mpg | 45/51/47 mpg |
0-60 | 7.4 sec. | 7.4 sec. | 5 sec. | 8 sec. |
Safety
Both the NHTSA and IIHS were relatively pleased with the Sonata, but each had concerns about the frontal crash tests.
The NHTSA has only done a partial safety review for the new Hyundai Sonata, earning it four out of five for frontal crash tests and full marks in rollover tests. The IIHS returned a mixed bag, with a spread of Good scores, but updated tests for the moderate overlap front and side crash tests returned Poor and Acceptable, respectively.
Standard safety features include nine airbags, ABS, EBD, and stability and traction control. You also get forward collision avoidance, lane-keep assist, lane following assist, a rearview camera, blind-spot assist, rear cross-traffic alert, highway driving assist, driver-attention warning, and safe exit warning. The Limited tops things off with parking collision avoidance, a blind-spot monitor, and a surround-view camera.
SEL | N Line | |
---|---|---|
Forward collision warning | S | S |
Automatic emergency braking | S | S |
Blind-spot assist | S | S |
Rear cross-traffic alert | S | S |
Highway driving assist | S | S |
US NHTSA Crash Test Result
Frontal Barrier Crash Rating | Rollover Rating |
---|---|
4/5 | 5/5 |
Reliability
The Sonata gets a well-above-average reliability rating of 81 out of 100 in JD Power's consumer survey, but that doesn't mean it has been without issues. The 2023 model was recalled once for an electric oil pump assembly that could cause a fire. This was an urgent recall. There were two recalls in 2022 for a fuel leak and a loss of drive power. We hope the new model has ironed out these issues.
The 2024 Hyundai Sonata warranty includes five years/60,000 miles of basic coverage, which is the same duration as the roadside assistance. The regular powertrain and hybrid components are both covered for ten years/100,000 miles. Hyundai is one of the most generous automakers in terms of warranty cover.
Warranty
Basic | Drivetrain | Corrosion | Roadside Assistance | Maintenance |
---|---|---|---|---|
5 Years / 60,000 Miles | 10 Years / 100,000 Miles | 7 Years / Unlimited Miles | 5 Years / Unlimited Miles | 3 Years / 36,000 Miles |
Design
While it has always been a handsome sedan, the 2024 Sonata has received some very stylish and aerodynamic updates. It no longer has what many refer to as the frowning face. Instead, the front fascia is broader and dominated by the intake grille in the lower bumper. The edge of the hood is lined by a long daytime running light strip, with small LED headlights just underneath on either end. At the back, both the bumper and taillights have been refreshed for a less generic feel. Standard chrome accents on the grille, door handles, and so on are replaced with blacked-out elements on the N Line, which also gets a rear spoiler. Most models come equipped with 17-inch alloy wheels, swapped out for 18-inch alloys on the N Line.
Verdict: Is The 2024 Hyundai Sonata A Good Car?
Sedans need to be quite special to endure in this market, with most of the USA preferring practical SUVs or muscled pickup trucks. The Sonata is one of the rare few that not only survived the rise of the crossover but managed to stay popular. Available in a regular, sporty, or hybrid guise, the Hyundai sedan has something to offer almost every type of buyer. It offers sufficient trunk capacity, is roomy for passengers in the front of the car, and can be moderately fun to drive in N Line guise. The latest updates have given it a more assertive appearance, and the new infotainment interface keeps it modern alongside the competition. We think it finally stands out from its contemporaries, not just as a high-value daily driver but also as an attractive and sometimes fun commuter.