Overview
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, as well as big changes for the inside. While the Sonata retains its current powertrains, consisting of a 191-hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder, a 180-hp turbocharged four, and an N Line model with a 290-hp turbo four, all-wheel drive joins the options list for cars with the 2.5-liter four. The 195-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 nonetheless.
What’s New for 2024?
Hyundai gives the Sonata a refresh for 2024. Gone are the funky daytime running lights that ran parallel to the hood, and here are, well, different funky daytime running lights that span the width of the front bumper. The rear bumper cover and taillights are also redesigned, but the most meaningful update happens within. There are now two 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreens 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. On the mechanical front, all-wheel drive is now an option, but only on cars with the base 2.5-liter four-cylinder.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
Not only is the SEL Plus model the most affordable way to get the upgraded turbo-four engine, but it also comes with bigger wheels and better tires. We’d option our preferred Sonata with the Tech package too. It adds a 12-speaker Bose stereo, a 10.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a panoramic sunroof, and semi-autonomous drive mode.
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 it’s still composed and responsive on the road. The ride is a little more unsettled than we’d like and firmer than most cars in this category, but the Sonata is at least reasonably quick with its turbocharged 1.6-liter engine. During our testing, a Sonata with that powertrain made it to 60 mph in 7.1 seconds—an acceptable result in this class. The shifts from the eight-speed automatic are smooth and well-timed. 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 over 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 but 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, and it provides 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 owning the highest estimates. The Blue hybrid is rated at up to 50 mpg in the city and 54 on the highway; other hybrid Sonatas are expected to achieve 45 and 51 mpg, respectively. The hybrid we tested on our 75-mph fuel-economy route, which is part of our extensive testing regimen, matched its 51-mpg-highway rating. We also tested Sonata models with the turbocharged 1.6-liter (36 mpg) and the turbocharged 2.5-liter (33 mpg). 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 and driver-info screens, as well as a completely 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 that gives 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 it was 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
Hyundai’s SmartSense package of driver-assistance features is standard and includes automatic high-beam assist, adaptive cruise control, and a driver-attention warning that can sense drowsy or distracted driving. The Sonata can even pull in and out of a parking space while you wait for it from outside. However, that feature is reserved for the top-level Limited trim. For more information about the Sonata’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:
- 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 largely to its massive powertrain warranty. The company also offers complimentary scheduled maintenance that bests mainstream rivals such as Toyota.
- Limited warranty covers five years or 36,000 miles
- Powertrain warranty covers 10 years or 100,000 miles
- Complimentary maintenance is covered for three years or 36,000 miles
Specifications
Specifications
2023 Hyundai Sonata SEL Plus
Vehicle Type: front-engine, front-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door sedan
PRICE
Base/As Tested: $33,390/$33,600
ENGINE
turbocharged DOHC 16-valve inline-4
Displacement: 98 in3, 1598 cm3
Power: 180 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque: 195 lb-ft @ 1500 rpm
TRANSMISSION
8-speed automatic
CHASSIS
Suspension, F/R: struts, coil springs, anti-roll bar/multilink, coil springs, anti-roll bar
Brakes, F/R: 12.0-in vented disc/11.2-in vented disc
Tires: Pirelli P Zero All Season 245/40R-19 94W M+S
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 111.8 in
Length: 192.9 in
Width: 73.2 in
Height: 56.9 in
Passenger Volume, F/R: 62/42 ft3
Trunk Volume: 16 ft3
Curb Weight: 3350 lb
C/D TEST RESULTS
0–30 mph: 2.6 sec
0–60 mph: 7.1 sec
0–100 mph: 18.4 sec
1/4-Mile: 15.5 sec @ 92 mph
Results above omit 1-ft rollout of 0.5 sec.
Rolling Start, 5–60 mph: 7.4 sec
Top Gear, 30–50 mph: 3.9 sec
Top Gear, 50–70 mph: 4.7 sec
Top Speed (C/D est): 140 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 175 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft Skidpad: 0.86 g
C/D FUEL ECONOMY
Observed: 30 mpg
75-mph Highway Driving: 36 mpg
75-mph Highway Range: 570 mi
EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Combined/City/Highway: 31/27/37 mpg
C/D TESTING EXPLAINED
2021 Hyundai Sonata N Line
VEHICLE TYPE
front-engine, front-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door sedan
ENGINE TYPE
turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 16-valve inline-4, aluminum block and head, port and direct fuel injection
Displacement
152 in3, 2497 cm3
Power
290 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque
311 lb-ft @ 1650 rpm
TRANSMISSION
8-speed automatic
CHASSIS
Suspension (F/R): struts/multilink
Brakes (F/R): 13.6-in vented disc/12.8-in disc
Tires: Continental PremiumContact 6, 245/40R-19 (98Y)
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 111.8 in
Length: 192.9 in
Width: 73.2 in
Height: 56.9 in
Passenger volume: 104 ft3
Trunk volume: 16 ft3
Curb weight: 3541 lb
C/D TEST RESULTS
60 mph: 5.0 sec
100 mph: 12.1 sec
130 mph: 22.2 sec
Rolling start, 5–60 mph: 5.2 sec
Top gear, 30–50 mph: 2.8 sec
Top gear, 50–70 mph: 3.7 sec
1/4 mile: 13.6 sec @ 106 mph
Top speed (C/D est): 155 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 152 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft-dia skidpad: 0.93 g
Standing-start accel times omit 1-ft rollout of 0.4 sec.
C/D FUEL ECONOMY
Observed: 23 mpg
75-mph highway driving: 33 mpg
Highway range: 520 miles
EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Combined/city/highway: 27/23/33 mpg
More Features and Specs
