Yahoo Autos Tested: 2024 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Favors Style over Substance
Style was never really the Hyundai Sonata's problem, at least not for the past several generations. Since that memorable 2011 redesign first brought rakish lines to Hyundai's otherwise average family sedan, it's typically worn the most avant-garde sheetmetal in its segment. But it has long been held back from being a leader among mid-size sedans by its slightly below-average driving dynamics. A major refresh for the 2024 model year again is focused on style, with a futuristic new look inside and out, but does the updated Sonata back this up with additional substance as well?
Here, we're testing the hybrid version of the Sonata in its loaded Limited trim level. And boy do we mean loaded: Though the Hybrid Limited's $38,350 starting price sounds steep, it includes several features that are uncommon in this class such as a power trunklid, a panoramic sunroof, a head-up display, and a 360-degree camera system.
The Sonata hybrid is facing a tough battle, given that the Honda Accord and the Toyota Camry were recently redesigned with a greater emphasis on their hybrid variants. The Camry is now all hybrid, and the Accord offers multiple desirable trim levels exclusively with the hybrid setup. The Sonata is already a bit behind these two, as its gas-electric powertrain hasn't changed since this generation arrived for the 2020 model year. It's down on power, with just 192 total horsepower to the Accord's 204 ponies and the Camry's 225 to 232 horses. Therefore, we weren't too surprised that the Sonata needed 7.8 seconds to reach 60 mph, while the others get there in under 7.0 seconds. This Sonata did beat a 2021 model we tested by a few tenths of a second though.
Hyundai has smoothed out the hybrid's power delivery since we first drove this car. It's quiet and goes about its business mostly unnoticeably during sedate driving. There are occasionally different sensations at play, due to the fact that Hyundai's system uses a six-speed automatic transmission; you actually feel the gears shifting in this hybrid. That's fine by us, although there are occasional hiccups and delays when the system figures out what to do in response to your throttle inputs. The 2.0-liter four can also be buzzy and a bit noisy, but only when you really step on it.
The Sonata rides nicely but isn't as unflappable as the Accord and Camry are. Its structure doesn't feel as stiff, and midcorner bumps can upset the chassis. But as a soft highway cruiser, it works well, bolstered by its hugely impressive range. We didn't get a chance to test this Sonata on our 75-mph highway fuel-economy test, but a previous model achieved 51 mpg in that measure. Factor in a 13.2-gallon fuel tank, and you'll likely be able to exceed 650 miles on a single fill-up. EPA ratings sit at 47 mpg combined, which is in the same ballpark as the Accord and Camry.
The Sonata's appeal still lies in its fashionable interior—especially with our test car's brown leather upholstery—and distinctive street presence. But if you prefer a bit of extra pizzazz in your mid-size hybrid sedan, it will mean giving up a few core competencies here. The Sonata still trails the Accord and Camry in terms of driving pleasure and performance and doesn't offer much of a price advantage. It's hardly a bad choice given its impressive efficiency and quiet demeanor, but the latest updates don't change its standing among the competition.
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