In a much-anticipated unveiling, Hyundai’s U.S. division has officially taken the wraps off the revamped 2024 Sonata, following an earlier teaser from Hyundai South Korea. This mid-cycle refresh brings forth significant changes, encompassing not just the exterior but also the interior, alongside some notable powertrain adjustments, including the introduction of all-wheel drive as an option.
Let’s start with the exterior alterations, which predominantly focus on the front and rear ends of the vehicle. Almost every piece of sheet metal and plastic ahead of the A-pillars has undergone some form of modification. At the front, a distinctive thin, wide daytime running light bar spans the nose, with the functional headlights cleverly integrated into the new, more expansive grilles. The overall effect is striking, although some may lament the absence of the sleek illuminated trim from the previous model that seamlessly blended the headlights into the chrome strips running along the sides.
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The changes at the rear are more subtle but noteworthy. The trunk lid and accompanying taillights have evolved into a streamlined bar to echo the front design and are connected to stylish black trim. Even the rear bumper has received some refinements, with the Sonata N Line boasting slightly more aggressive front grilles and rear bumper trim compared to other trim levels.
Stepping inside, it becomes apparent that the 2024 Sonata has undergone a comprehensive dashboard redesign. The centerpiece is a pair of 12.3-inch screens serving as instruments and infotainment, elegantly incorporated into a curved monolithic structure atop the dash. Beneath this, the prevailing trend of full-width air vent design is maintained. A fresh three-spoke steering wheel design replaces the traditional Hyundai badge with the four square pixels emblematic of Ioniq models. The column-mounted shifter, also borrowed from the Ioniq line, makes an appearance, while the Sonata Hybrid version gains steering wheel paddles to control regenerative braking strength.
Moving beyond aesthetics, one of the headline functional updates is the addition of all-wheel drive to the Sonata lineup for the first time. This follows a trend seen with other automakers adding all-wheel drive to their sedan offerings. The all-wheel drive option is paired exclusively with the naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, which is otherwise carried over from the previous model. Other engine options returning include the 2.0-liter four-cylinder hybrid and the turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder for the N Line. Notably absent is the turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, which offered a unique blend of characteristics compared to the 2.5-liter engine, trading some horsepower for additional torque.
In terms of tech upgrades, the 2024 Sonata offers a host of features. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility are now available across all Sonata variants. Furthermore, the vehicle can now receive over-the-air updates, keeping its software and systems up to date. An array of additional features includes a 12-inch head-up display, a 12-speaker Bose sound system, Digital Key 2 (enabling smartphone-based vehicle access), and even a power trunk lid for added convenience.
If you’re eager to get behind the wheel of the 2024 Sonata, you won’t have to wait long, as it’s set to hit dealerships this winter, just in time for testing out the newly introduced all-wheel drive. While pricing details are yet to be officially announced, it’s expected to remain in line with the current model, which starts at around $26,500. This refresh promises to bolster the Sonata’s standing in the competitive midsize sedan segment, offering a compelling blend of style, technology, and performance.
