My Thoughts Exactly: 2024 Hyundai Sonata

I will repeat the following until someone finally comprehends this: Sedans are not dead.

To be specific, mid-size family sedans are not dead.

Hyundai has made this very clear when they revised the Sonata for 2024. There will always be a market for sedans like the one you’re going to read about. Whether it is a fleet market for rental car agencies or busy folks working in hybrid-office environments, the Sonata is one a few choices left in the segment.

It should not have turned out this way. Yet, here we are. We are fortunate to have a small, but mighty selection of sedans for those who need plenty of room, performance, and efficiency.

Hyundai made things a bit simple with their revised 2024 lineup. You can choose from trim levels – two of which are hybrids. Our tester is the Limited trim – only available with the hybrid driveline. Luxury and sustainability always seize the day.

And, it’s a very nice place to be. Especially behind the wheel. That is where I’ll start…

The Sonata is now in line with the latest interior design that is now popping up on the latest Hyundai products. The flat panel that stretches two-thirds of the way across the dashboard houses two 12.3-inch screens. On the left is a digital instrument cluster that is customizable and easy to look at. This is also complimented by a head-up display to keep your eyes on the road. 

The other screen is for infotainment that is touch capacitive. Part of the screen is an excellent Surround View Monitor, giving you a better view when you are trying to park properly. Bose provided 12 speakers of lovely sound. You can also tether your smartphone device wirelessly, too!  

As with the latest Hyundai models, the transmission is actuated by a knob at the end of a rigid stalk on the bottom left of the steering column. As we’re used to it by now, we like the benefits this gives the rest of the interior. Such as an increase in storage space on the center console. That includes a wireless device charging pad. For us, the finishing touch if the new three-spoke steering wheel. Very clean in design and function. 

The seats are in leather on this Limited Hybrid tester. Up front, the driver gets a comfortable behind the wheel with a decent amount of support. There are power adjustments for rake, recline, height, and lumbar support. Rear seat room is excellent with great leg room and good head room for six-footers. 

A wide opening trunk offers 15.6 cubic feet of space. As long as you have the key fob, you can simply walk up and the trunk opens for you. While that is now becoming a common available feature, this one really works on the Sonata. 

With the interior refreshed, the exterior took on some new elements that have cleaned up the Sonata’s styling. You will now find a LED light strip across the front end. It marks the leading edge of the entire front clip. Below it is a larger grille flanked by two projection LED headlamp units. It is a huge improvement visually for this generation of Sonata. 

The other change is in the back clip. It takes on a flat panel from rectangular taillight bulbs bridged by a black panel and the Hyundai logo. While I prefer this over the rear end treatment before this mid-cycle refresh, I was hoping for something along the lines of the IONIQ 5 and 6 with the pixel light design. Then again, this rear end treatment keeps the Internal Combustion Engine/Hybrid models separate from the battery-electric ones visually, 

Even though the front and rear end clips have changed, the middle of the Sonata remained practiucally the same. The roofline is nice, and it actually compliments the edgy style of the front and rear clips. A set of 17-inch alloy wheels finish up the Sonata Limited Hybrid’s styling.

You can only get the most luxurious Sonata only in the Hybrid driveline. That driveline consists of a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine attached to an electric motor drawing energy from a small lithium-ion battery pack. Combined, this driveline puts out 192 horsepower. This is connected to a six-speed automatic transmission sending power only to the front wheels. 

Power comes on smooth and quiet. So is cruising on the highway. If you have to give it more throttle, you will hear the engine take over for that extra assist. Shifting was smooth, as well. And, getting the fuel economy you deserve was equally satisfying. In our care, we observed an average of 47.4 MPG. 

The ride is smooth. Very smooth. Smoother than you’d expect. Actually, do expect it. It just handles bumps and ruts quite easily. Handling is controlled with some softer tendencies. But you expect that, too. 

The steering is superb with maybe some softness in the response on occasion. It does a very good job keeping you within the lane with a solid on-center feel. Pedal feel is very good with sold response to the wheels. Stops were much better with good normal and panic stops. There was no regenerative braking delays found on the Sonata Hybrid. 

As we mentioned before, there are four Sonatas to choose from. Two of them are Hybrids, such as this Limited. The Limited trim only comes in a Hybrid. Pricing starts from $27,500 for the entire Sonata lineup. This Limited Hybrid tester came out to $38,560. 

The most important thing to take away from the 2024 Hyundai Sonata is not just that sedans are far from extinct. They are viable vehicles that continue to serve a purpose for everyone. They are comfortable commuters, organized grocery getters, and long-distance road warriors that remain relevant in today’s marketplace. 

What makes the Sonata stand out is not only the revised design inside and out, but how well it kept to its mission in the face of positive change. Sharp, sleek, comfortable, advanced…these are just adjectives that support this summation. If you put them altogether, you have an enjoyable sedan that will dutifully accomplish the task you want to it do.

That is what makes a sedan.

DISCLAIMER: Vehicle provided by Hyundai Motor America – Our opinions of our own.

All photos by Randy Stern