Hyundai has offered its borderline-luxury Sonata sedan as a hybrid since 2020, and it gets a major design overhaul for 2024. The exterior changes are striking with a new sleeker aerodynamic aesthetic, highlighted by a low-slung roofline reminiscent of a sport-coupe more than a family sedan.
In addition to the exterior and interior design changes, new features and options for the Sonata Hybrid include a standard 12.3-inch instrument cluster and infotainment display, and an available heads-up display and power-operated trunk.
The Sonata Hybrid doesn’t change its powertrain: 1 2.0-liter gas engine paired with a 51-kW electric motor. Mated together this combo powerplant pushes out 192 horsepower through a six-speed transmission. Last year, the best mileage achieved in the Sonata Hybrid came in its most standard trim — about 52 mpg.
This year that trim is gone and the most “standard” trim you can choose from is last year’s mid-level trim, the SEL. Both the SEL and upper-level Limited trim come with bigger wheels than in last year’s Blue trim that enhances the drivability of the Sonata Hybrid but reduces mpg. The Sonata Hybrid is EPA rated for 47 mpg with mixed miles, and I got about 45 mpg for the week I drove it with mixed miles. Those are still impressive numbers and are in line with competing hybrid sedan mileage numbers as found in the Kia K5, Honda Accord or Toyota Camry.
The Sonata Hybrid is exceptionally smooth on the road and offers a quiet, refined drive. Acceleration is capable braking is smooth and grippy. While not as responsive as a more athletically tuned vehicle, the Sonata offers an enjoyable drive and is responsive to driver cues as needed. I had no trouble navigating the gauntlet of the Costco parking lot on a Saturday morning, or zipping home down Interstate 40 on a Friday night.
Inside the Sonta Hybrid is comfortable with plush front seats and plenty of head, elbow and leg room throughout. We found the interior cubbies had more than enough room to store phones, chargers and miscellaneous items.
The Sonata Hybrid SEL model is nicely appointed and offers buyers many luxury appointments for slightly more than $31,000. These standard features include LED headlights, remote, keyless entry and engine start, heated power side mirrors, heated and power adjustable front seats. As always, the technology and driver aids in Hyundais usually beat the competition. These features are included as standard and buyers get a forward collision system, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist system, a blind-spot intervention system, rear-cross traffic alert, and automatic rear braking system if a collision with something is imminent. My Limited model included a parking assist feature, a heads-up display, and a surround view monitor with front and rear parking alerts.
My fully-loaded Limited model had a purchase price of $38,560.
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