2024 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid First Look Review: More Show, Same Go
With the Honda Accord recently renewed and an all-new Toyota Camry arriving next year, Hyundai can't afford to let its guard down in the midsize sedan segment. That's why the Sonata has undergone a comprehensive redesign for the 2024 model year, and the changes extend to the efficient hybrid model. With arguably more striking styling than its Japanese competitors and improved technologies like standard over-the-air updates and a panoramic curved infotainment display, the Sonata Hybrid is ready to tackle the segment's best while also catering to the dogged minority of shoppers who aren't interested in high-riding SUVs.
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When Is The Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Coming Out?
The release date for the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid has been set for the first quarter of 2024, when it will be arriving at dealerships in the USA.
2024 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Price And Competition
For the 2024 model year, the price of the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid will start at $30,800, the first time it won't be available as a sub-$30k car. This makes it over $2,000 more expensive than before. However, it's not as simple as that, as this base MSRP refers to the SEL trim, now the new base trim. Previously, the Sonata Hybrid's base trim was the Blue, but that's been dropped so this is a step up; comparing apples with apples, the SEL is actually marginally cheaper than last year's SEL. Completing the Sonata Hybrid lineup is the well-equipped Limited at $37,200. These prices exclude the destination charge of $1,115.
The Toyota Camry Hybrid and Honda Accord Hybrid remain the Sonata's key rivals. The 2024 Camry Hybrid has a starting cost of $28,855, while the 2024 Accord Hybrid has a base price of $32,545, which means the Hyundai sits between them. Pricing for the all-new 2025 Camry hasn't been released yet.
New Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Exterior And Colors
Central to the appeal of the latest Hyundai Sonata Hybrid is its exterior design, which can't be accused of being generic. The completely revised front fascia features a full-width horizon lamp, with the main headlights cleverly concealed. A new grille and larger air intakes complete the modern new face of this sedan.
The H-lights at the back also promote an impression of width, stretching all the way across the car's body. We can also spot quite an aggressive integrated black spoiler, adding a hint of sportiness. Sensibly sized 17-inch alloy wheels are equipped to both hybrid trims, probably to aid efficiency. It's worth noting that only the more expensive Limited is pictured here.
All new Hyundai Sonata Hybrid sedan models have projector-type LED headlights, while the Limited comes with a standard glass sunroof that's optional on the SEL.
Colors for the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid are Serenity White, Onyx Black, Portofino Gray, Ultimate Red, Carbon Blue, Transmission Blue, and Aero Silver.
Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Dimensions
With its restyled body, the dimensions of the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid have changed slightly. Its length is up by 0.4 inches to 193.3 inches, but its height (56.9 inches) and width (73.2 inches) are unchanged. The 111.8-inch wheelbase is also the same.
There are only minor changes to the curb weight. The SEL starts at 3,439 pounds, while the more comprehensively specified Limited weighs 3,687 lbs.
Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Powertrain And Performance
The flashier exterior may lead you to expect more performance, but Hyundai has left the Sonata Hybrid's powertrain as is. The 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine has modest outputs of 150 horsepower and 139 lb-ft of torque, but the permanent magnetic synchronous motor takes the combined output to 192 hp.
The Sonata Hybrid isn't the car you choose if you need to get anywhere in a hurry, with previous independent tests confirming it needs over eight seconds to go from 0-60 mph. You'll be rewarded with excellent efficiency, however. For hybrids, a six-speed automatic and front-wheel drive are standard, with no all-wheel-drive configuration like non-hybrid Sonatas.
For the first time, the hybrid is offered with paddle shifters and a regenerative braking mode. Hyundai has also improved noise, vibration, and harshness levels in an attempt to improve on the comfort aspect of the sedan. The Sonata delivers an effortless driving experience but has not been a class leader for either sharp handling or ride comfort. We would have liked to see some improvement in these areas.
Gas Mileage
EPA ratings for the 2024 Sonata Hybrid haven't been published yet, but it should match the 45/51/47 mpg city/highway/combined of the outgoing model. The previous Hybrid Blue entry-level trim was even more efficient at 52 mpg combined, but this variant has been discontinued for 2024.
A 13.2-gallon gas tank is sufficient for a practical range of about 620 miles between refills. Being a normal hybrid and not a plug-in hybrid, the small 1.62-kWh battery isn't large enough to support electric-only driving.
Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Interior And Cargo
Many new features and a different design theme have been incorporated inside the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid's interior. A 'floating' theme for the layout creates a high-tech mood, especially with the effect of the ambient lighting. But it's the new infotainment system that will receive the most attention from behind the wheel.
Both hybrid trims have a 12.3-inch touchscreen interface, much larger than the eight- and 10.25-inch touchscreens on the outgoing model. The system is equipped with six speakers, SiriusXM, and HD Radio, and all models are now available with wireless operation of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Completing the panoramic curved display is a 12.3-inch digital driver's display. The Limited adds to this with a color head-up display, navigation, and a 12-speaker Bose sound system with new CenterPoint 360 technology to deliver rich audio regardless of where you're seated.
The 2024 Sonata also supports over-the-air updates, a first-in-class power trunk lid, and it can be locked/unlocked/started with the Digital Key 2 (optional on the SEL). This uses Bluetooth and NFC to link up with your car, eliminating the need to fuss with a normal set of keys.
Interior colors include Black, Dark Gray and Greige two-tone, and Dark Gray and Camel two-tone. Premium cloth covers the seats of the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid SEL, making way for genuine leather on the Limited. Both trims have a power-adjustable driver's seat, and the Limited adds a power front passenger seat to that. Heated front seats are standard.
Standard driver-assistance features include adaptive cruise control, blind-spot collision-avoidance assist, and available Highway Driving Assist.
The cargo space specs for the 2024 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid were unavailable at the time of writing, but they should match the 16 cubic feet of the 2023 model. A 60/40 split-folding rear seatback can expand cargo space if you don't have a full complement of passengers in the second row.