2024 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid sips gas with type

The 2024 Hyundai Sonata bought a futuristic design replace
Sonata Hybrids have EPA-rated gas financial system rankings of 47 mpg mixed
Beginning value is $32,150 for 2025 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid

The Sonata Hybrid arrived on the scene for 2024 with an injection of favor, however not on the expense of gas financial system. 

As Toyota’s moved the Camry to an all-hybrid lineup, the 2024 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid fires again with EV-like design cues, a fuel-efficient powertrain, and a value-oriented value. It wins in most respects, however the Camry bests the Hyundai in general smoothness and in a single distinct packaging gripe.

The one barely higher-priced 2025 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid fashions at the moment are in inventory now at dealerships. However they’re carried over unchanged, and the automaker tossed me the keyfob of a ’24 for every week earlier this fall to kind the place this hybrid sedan lineup matches into the section.

Hyundai Sonata will get dose of EV type

Hyundai reskinned the Sonata with cues taken instantly from its EV lineup.

A strip of LEDs spans the entrance finish as a daytime operating gentle with the LED headlights now tucked decrease within the bumper. The headlights are hidden at first look by a wholesome quantity of black plastic that blends into the big decrease grille. The rear finish has up to date taillights which might be beneath a plastic cowl with a 3D sample embedded in it. An built-in lip spoiler on the trunk lid makes all the automobile each slipperier and sportier trying. It’s all futuristic-looking with out going full Cybertruck.

2024 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid

Inside, the up to date dashboard takes cues from the refreshed 2024 Santa Fe crossover SUV in the easiest way. The horizontal dashboard is ready low, which in flip gives terrific ahead visibility and offers an open, ethereal feeling up entrance. The 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and 12.3-inch touchscreen are housed underneath a single pane of curved glass, set low within the dashboard in order to not hinder the driving force’s view.

The touchscreen’s iPad-like interface will really feel acquainted to anybody that’s been in a latest Hyundai automobile together with the EVs. A baby might navigate the system, in contrast to the system present in a Toyota Camry. It seems to be a lot more energizing than the interface within the Honda Accord hybrid. Whereas the local weather controls at the moment are a part of a touch-based panel, temperature and quantity knobs stay. Thanks, Hyundai.

Drivers will discover Hyundai’s newest gear selector behind the decrease proper part of the steering column. Twist and push to manage gear picks, similar to within the Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 6 EVs, which in flip opens up some house on the middle console.

2024 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid

The Sonata isn’t the smoothest operator

Whereas the Camry and Honda Accord hybrids are buttery easy, the Sonata just isn’t.

The two.0-liter inline-4 hooks to a 6-speed computerized transmission with an built-in electrical motor, with the latter powered by a 1.62-kwh battery pack. The system is rated at 192 hp mixed. That’s notably lower than the Camry’s 225-hp system output. Hyundai routes the ability to the entrance wheels; all-wheel drive isn’t an choice like it’s on the Camry.

Energy handoffs and assists between electric-only mode and the fuel engine can ship generally ship a jolt by means of the system because it matches up motor enhance (or regen) with transmission shifts—generally leading to some noteworthy hesitation, too. This hybrid system does not incorporate a torque converter for the transmission, so there’s numerous fancy footwork between elements. My youngsters didn’t appear to note these intermittent tough shifts although, and so they normally complain about every little thing

Notably the Sonata is far quieter, each by way of the ruckus from underneath the hood and wind noise, than the Camry. There’s clearly extra sound deadening within the Hyundai.

Like earlier than, the journey is managed, snug, and the steering is properly weighted with out being overboosted. However don’t count on highway suggestions earlier than the low rolling resistance tires begin howling on a cloverleaf ramp.

2024 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid

Sonata Hybrid will get Prius-like gas financial system

My 2024 Sonata Hybrid Restricted tester checked in with EPA gas financial system rankings of 44 mpg metropolis, 51 freeway, and 47 mixed. That places the Hyundai nipping on the Toyota Camry’s heels and forward of the Honda Accord by way of effectivity. 

I noticed a mean of 40.6 mpg throughout 246 miles of blended suburban driving over the course of every week. At one level the Sonata hybrid was averaging 44 mpg till fall ambient temperatures dropped into the low 40s.

Hyundai gave the up to date Sonata Hybrid a number of ranges of regenerative braking, which is managed by way of the paddle shifters mounted to the steering wheel. It’s an idea out of EVs not often seen in hybrids. It really works similar to in Hyundai’s EVs, however one-pedal driving is out of the query because it merely doesn’t bake in sufficient regen on the third highest degree. Hyundai’s i-Pedal, which is the automaker’s strongest degree of regenerative braking for one-pedal driving, is absent right here. The additional ranges of regenerative braking make it arduous to drive easily because the regen doesn’t kick in till totally off the accelerator pedal, in contrast to in an EV. It’s very on or off, which results in jerking motions.

2024 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid

Sonata compromises on packaging

Entrance passengers will discover snug seats with loads of help in each route. Area isn’t a difficulty.

The rear seat is tighter on legroom than the Accord, however much like the Camry. The door openings are wider than these of the Camry however not as huge because the Accord. Nevertheless it’s the headroom that’s the actual compromise. 

Hyundai’s scalloped out the perimeters of the headliner for outboard passengers, however the center seat isn’t so fortunate. At 5-foot-10, I solely had about 1.5 inches above my head within the outboard seats. The raised middle seat within the center had me hitting my head on the headliner.

The rear seat headrests aren’t built-in as a part of the rear seat again, fortunately, like within the newest Accord. This adjustability shall be welcomed by taller rear-seat riders.

At 16.0 cubic toes the trunk is sizable sufficient for a number of rollaboards and bests the Camry’s 15.1 cubic foot trunk. However the Accord hybrid nonetheless reigns supreme at 16.7 cubic toes.

2024 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid

Sonata Hybrid leans on worth

The worth proposition with the Sonata Hybrid is powerful and the lineup is straightforward. The bottom SEL Hybrid prices $31,950 together with a $1,150 vacation spot cost and has no actual choices to talk of apart from coloration decisions. My Restricted Hybrid trim price $38,560 and added niceties resembling leather-based upholstery, a panoramic sunroof, blind-spot screens, and a distant parking assistant (you’ve seen the good park industrial, proper?).

The Camry undercuts the Sonata Hybrid throughout the board by about $1,000, however base fashions function far much less content material than the Sonata, starting from no wi-fi smartphone charging and a smaller touchscreen to material seats.

Hyundai affords the Sonata so there aren’t choice packages and upsells, which is borderline refreshing. The bottom automobile doesn’t really feel like a base automobile, and there’s numerous content material for the cash.

The Sonata’s powertrain might use some polish, however there’s no arguing this midsize household sedan packs extra type and options for the cash than any competitor whereas nonetheless sipping gas.