2024 Hyundai SONATA Review

The Hyundai Sonata adds some attitude to the family-sedan segment that we hope is loud enough to wake up the others. Its mid-cycle refresh comes in the form of updated front and rear bumpers, new headlights and taillights, and significant changes for the inside. While the Sonata retains its current powertrains, consisting of a 191-hp 2.5-litre four-cylinder and an N Line model with a 290-hp turbo four, all-wheel drive joins the options list for cars with the non-turbo. The 192-hp Sonata Hybrid that puts up big numbers for fuel economy also sticks around. While the Sonata's road manners don't impress us as much as the Honda Accord's, its high style quotient and value-oriented packaging make it a great choice among family sedans.

New Features

Hyundai has given the Sonata a refresh for 2024. Gone are the funky daytime running lights that ran parallel to the hood, and here are different funky daytime running lights that span the width of the front bumper. The rear bumper cover and taillights have also been redesigned, but the most meaningful update happens within. Now, two 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreens are fitted to a single curved display mount. The steering wheel also has a different look. Hyundai moved the gear selector from the center console to a knob sprouting from the steering column. All-wheel drive is now an option on the mechanical front, but only on cars with the base 2.5-liter four-cylinder. Hyundai has dropped the 180-hp turbocharged 1.6-liter inline-four from the Sonata's powertrain options, but the 290-hp turbocharged 2.5-liter four in the sporty N Line trim remains.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

The price of the 2024 Hyundai Sonata starts at $28,650 and goes up to $38,350, depending on the trim and options. Go with the N Line model to unlock the Sonata's maximum performance. It is the only trim that comes with the upgraded turbo-four engine, and it also comes with bigger wheels and better tires. The N Line wears a sportier look, with more aggressive front and rear bumpers, unique 19-inch wheels, and quad exhaust outlets.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

A wide variety of powertrains are available on the Sonata, starting with a 192-hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder and culminating in a 290-hp turbo four. While most models are front-wheel drive, all-wheel drive is available with the base 2.5-liter four-cylinder. The Sonata is not the sharpest handler in its class. We like the Accord and the Nissan Altima better, but they're still composed and responsive on the road. We'd also like to commend Hyundai for continuing to offer a conventional automatic transmission in its family sedan. Much of the class has gone to droning (but efficient) continuously variable automatic transmissions (CVTs). During our time with the Sonata hybrid, which pairs a turbo 2.0-liter four-cylinder with a motor-generator that combines for 192 horses, we appreciated its fuel-saving efforts. Still, we disliked how it didn't smoothly transition between gas and electric power sources. The 290-hp N Line is one of the quickest front-drive cars we've tested, providing a satisfying amount of driving verve. The N Line nailed 60 mph in just 5.0 seconds, which is only a tenth slower than the Honda Civic Type R's time.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

The Sonata has a selection of highly fuel-efficient powertrains, with the hybrid versions, though the EPA hasn't rated everything available yet. Front-wheel-drive Sonatas using the 2.5-liter engine earn an estimated 25 city and 36 mpg highway, while the all-wheel drive option minimizes that highway range slightly to 34 mpg. Turbocharged 2.5-liter Sonatas get an EPA-estimated 23 city and 32 mpg highway ratings. The EPA still needs to rate the hybrid powertrains. The last hybrid we tested on our 75-mph fuel-economy route, part of our extensive testing regimen, matched its 51-mpg-highway rating. The EPA ratings for For more information about the Sonata's fuel economy, visit the EPA's website.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

The Sonata's interior gets a meaningful update for 2024. For starters, there's a new steering wheel, dashboard, infotainment, driver-info screens, and a wholly revamped center console. The refreshed Sonata makes a larger effort to provide comfort by moving the gear selector to the steering column to allow for more storage and cupholder space than before. Home to many elbows, the center armrest gains an additional palm rest, giving the driver more room to relax. The updated materials expand across the dashboard and into the rear passenger space, making the Sonata look like an even better bargain than before.

Infotainment and Connectivity

Hyundai takes a play from the BMW book for infotainment with a large display module on the dashboard that contains two 12.3-inch displays. One is for the driver; the other is a touchscreen for infotainment controls. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are both standard, same for wireless smartphone charging. A Bose stereo system is optional and features 12 speakers.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

• Standard forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking
• Standard lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist
• Available blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

Hyundai's warranty coverage is legendary, thanks mainly to its massive powertrain warranty. The company also offers complimentary scheduled maintenance that bests mainstream rivals such as Toyota.

• The limited warranty covers five years or 36,000 miles
• Powertrain warranty covers ten years or 100,000 miles
• Complimentary maintenance is covered for three years or 36,000 miles

Trims

28 City/38 Hwy/32 Combined MPG. 2023 SONATA SEL: 27 City/37 Hwy/31 Combined MPG. 2023 SONATA N Line: 23 City/33 Highway/27 Combined MPG. 2023 SONATA SEL Plus/Limited: 27 City/37 Hwy/31 Combined MPG.

Competitors

• Audi A3.
• Ford Focus.
• Holden Calais.
• Honda Accord.
• Honda Civic.
• Hyundai Elantra.
• Hyundai I40.
• Kia Cerato.

Conclusion

The Hyundai Sonata is one of the most accessible and economical vehicles. It offers excellent gas mileage and requires fewer repairs than most other vehicles.

FAQ's

Q1. Is the Hyundai Sonata mighty?

It comes with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder (191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque), an eight-speed automatic transmission, and either front-wheel drive or optional all-wheel drive. Then there's the N Line. It's the sporty Sonata with a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder (290 horsepower, 311 lb-ft of torque).

Q2. Why did Hyundai stop making the Sonata?

In 2022, Korean outlet Chosun reported a source inside Hyundai claiming the company wasn't working on a next-generation Sonata at the time. Sources told Chosun that it's an open secret in the company that the Sonata will be discontinued as Hyundai makes room on its production lines for its electric vehicles.

Q3. What does Hyundai Sonata mean?

It comes from the word "elation," which reflects the vehicle's ability to lift one's spirits when driven. It was initially known as the Lantra overseas. Sonata. The Latin "sonar" (sound) is named after a musical composition involving varying sections. The name shows how beauty can be found in contrasting elements.

Q4. Is the Hyundai Sonata a suitable vehicle?

Hyundai gives an otherwise ho-hum segment of mid-size family sedans some desperately needed flavor with the eye-catching Sonata. The Sonata makes a strong argument with a lineup consisting of a well-equipped base model, a gas-sipping hybrid, and a 290-hp N Line for thrill seekers who are okay with front-wheel drive.