2024 HYUNDAI SONATA HYBRID

 

REFRESHED SONATA JUST MAY LURE YOU BACK TO THE MIDSIZE SEDAN SEGMENT

The hybrid version of Hyundai’s popular Sonata has come a long way since the 2011 model kicked off the seventh-generation of the South Korean company’s midsize sedan.

A mid-cycle refreshing gives the 2024 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid a more striking exterior and an interior that flirts with luxury status. The cabin is packed with lots of tech features that operate off a new 12.3-inch center touchscreen and include wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Updated front and rear bumpers, a new grille and larger air intakes, and a spoiler-shaped trunk lid with black trim are among features that give the exterior a sporty appearance that should help draw customers back to a segment that at one time seemed to be fading in popularity.

Hyundai has tinkered with the various trims, junking the SE that once served as the base and also discontinuing the turbocharged 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine. The SEL now serves as the base and is available with either a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder gas engine or a hybrid drivetrain.

The N Line with a turbocharged 2.5L 4-banger is targeted at performance enthusiasts and rates at 290 hp and 311 lb.-ft. of torque while the top-of-the-line Limited trim, which this review is based on, comes with a gas-electric drivetrain pairing a 2.0L gas engine and electric motor for 192 combined horsepower and 151 lb.-ft. of torque.

Mated with a 6-speed automatic transmission, the 2024 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Limited delivers eye-popping fuel numbers of 44 miles-per-gallon city, 51 highway, and 47 combined. According to the government, that gives the 2024 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid a range of over 600 miles between fill-ups, though real-world operation is more like in the 500-mile bracket.

The tradeoff is a lackluster zero-to-60-mph clocking approaching 8-plus seconds, but when set in Sport mode instead of Normal or Eco, the 2024 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid acts, or reacts, well enough in daily traffic.

As is customary with Limited trim models, the 2024 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Limited comes with a long line of standard features. 

In addition to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto mentioned earlier, comfort and convenience features include proximity key entry and push-button start, Smart Parking assist, a panoramic sunroof, leather-trimmed seats, memory seat settings for the driver, Bose Premium sound with 12 speakers, dual automatic climate control, a 12.3-inch instrument cluster, and Smart (adaptive) cruise control.

The large touchscreen provides a nice wide map for the included navigation system.

Standard safety features include blind-spot collision warning, forward collision avoidance assist, rear parking collision avoidance, a blind-spot monitor (activated by your turn signal), and a surround view monitor that provides a spectacular view of your entire vehicle and its surroundings.

The 2024 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid rides on 17-inch wheels and front-wheel drive is standard. If you want all-wheel propulsion, you’ll have to pick a model with the 2.5L gasoline engine.

The 2024 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Limited sits at the top of the Sonata’s price range with a starting MSRP of $38,315, including the $1,115 freight charge, but with all that standard equipment your only extras are likely to be carpeted floor mats ($220) and perhaps a carog netting for the trunk ($55).

The N Line starts at $36,065 while the SEL starts at just over $30,000 ($31,115) with AWD and under $29,000 with FWD.

What I liked about the 2024 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Limited: The updated design gives the Sonata a sportier exterior than the previous generations. The interior is comfortable and packed with user-friendly tech features. The surround view camera provides a wide look at rear cross traffic to help with backing out of parking spot. Fuel economy is excellent. Though it’s not a threat in a drag race, performance is satisfying for every day use. The standard 6-speed automatic transmission instead of a CVT helps in that. Trunk space is a generous 16 cubic feet.

What I didn’t like about the 2024 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Limited: The second row could use a skosh more legroom than the 34.8 inches offered.

Would I buy the 2024 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Limited? Sure would. You get the benefits of a boost from the electric motor and a generous range between fill-ups without the fu
ss of plugging it in. If you can’t stretch your budget for the Limited trim, the 2024 Hyundai Sonata SEL Hybrid is about $5,000 less.