Hyundai has unveiled the 2024 Sonata for the US market, featuring a refreshed exterior design, upgraded interior, and the introduction of optional all-wheel drive. The new Sonata showcases a distinctive and expressive front end with a full-width LED strip mounted above a chiseled bumper. The rear light bar has been redesigned with LEDs forming an “H,” giving it a cohesive look with the 2024 Santa Fe. The N Line version now includes a rear lip spoiler and oval exhaust tips, accompanied by new wheel designs across the lineup.
Under the hood, Hyundai has made significant changes to the powertrain lineup. The turbocharged 1.6-liter engine has been discontinued, while the base 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine remains. However, the big news is that the 2.5-liter engine can now be paired with all-wheel drive, making it the first Sonata model to offer this feature. With the addition of all-wheel drive, Hyundai aims to compete with popular all-wheel-drive sedans like the Toyota Camry, Nissan Altima, and Subaru Legacy.
The sporty N Line model maintains its 290 horsepower output from a 2.5-liter turbo four-cylinder engine, which powers the front wheels exclusively. The hybrid model also remains unchanged, featuring a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor for a total of 192 hp. Additionally, the hybrid variant is now equipped with paddle shifters and a regenerative-braking mode. Hyundai has not released the official horsepower figures for all three powertrain options, but it is expected to be on par with the outgoing model.
Inside the cabin, the 2024 Sonata receives significant upgrades. The standard 8.0-inch touchscreen has been replaced with a larger 12.3-inch unit, which is placed in a curved display alongside the 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster. The revamped interior includes a long rectangular air vent stretching across most of the dashboard, a new three-spoke steering wheel, and a gearshift that now protrudes from the steering column instead of being located in the center console.
Hyundai has also improved the optional 12-speaker Bose sound system and extended wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility to all 2024 Sonata models. Previously, wireless connectivity was only available on SE models without navigation. Another standout feature is the power-operated trunk, making the refreshed Sonata the first in its class to offer this convenience.
The 2024 Hyundai Sonata is set to arrive in dealerships during winter. While pricing details have not been officially announced, a slight increase in price is expected. The base SE model is likely to start around $27,000, with the N Line model starting around $36,000. More information on official pricing will be released in the coming months.
[Article Source: Car and Driver]