2024 Hyundai Sonata Freshens Up, Adds AWD for First Time
The 2024 Hyundai Sonata made its North American debut this week, showcasing a radical new look and adding an AWD option for the first time ever.
The current generation of the Korean midsize sedan, which dates back to 2020, features a sportier appearance and a broader stance. Up front, the horizontal layout integrates Hyundai’s signature Seamless Horizon Lamp and wide-set hidden headlights for a futuristic look. In the rear, the new taillights are connected to form a giant “H.”
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“We wanted to give Sonata a more contemporary design statement,” said Simon Loasby, head of the Hyundai Style Group at Hyundai Motor Company. “It is super wide, fresh, modern and very cool. Its low-slung design embodies our theme of Sensuous Sportiness, and its coupe-like styling makes this the most aerodynamic Sonata design ever. A true sports family sedan.”
Available body colours include Abyss Black Pearl, Serenity White Pearl, Transmission Blue Pearl and Nocturne Grey Metallic. The sporty Sonata N Line offers a unique Ultimate Red Metallic option for 2024.
Meanwhile, the driver-centric interior is highlighted by a panoramic curved display housing a 12.3-inch driver information cluster and 12.3-inch infotainment display. The available head-up display shows the most relevant information for drivers as a 12-inch projection on the windshield.
The Sonata has further improved noise, vibration and harshness performance with body reinforcements and a change of steering wheel material.
Three Flavours
For 2024, base Sonata models get a naturally aspirated 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine that can be paired with Hyundai’s HTRAC all-wheel drive system, optimizing torque distribution when necessary. Normal, Smart, Sport and Custom drive modes adjust settings for engine, transmission, AWD (when equipped) and steering mapping to provide the desired driving experience.
If you want a more spirited Sonata, the N Line model returns with a turbocharged 2.5-litre engine, exclusive 19-inch wheels, wider front bumper, black rear spoiler and dual twin-tip exhaust. It also boasts technologies like Active Sound Design, Launch Control, N Powershift and Rev Matching. Inside, red-accented stitching and cross-metal patterned trim reinforce the image of a dynamic sports sedan.
The eco-friendly choice is the Sonata Hybrid, built around a 2.0-litre engine. For the first time, it has paddle shifters and a regenerative braking mode to further increase efficiency. Unfortunately, this version won't be available for canadian consumers.
Several Advanced Technologies
The new 2024 Hyundai Sonata can be locked, unlocked and started through the Digital Key 2, which uses near-field communication, Bluetooth low energy and ultra-wide band protocols on smartphones or smart watches (Android and iOS).
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is now available on all Sonata models, while continuous OTA software updates provide an upgradable experience to drivers. Music lovers will appreciate the improved 12-speaker Bose Premium Sound System with new CenterPoint 360 technology, which has been tuned by Bose engineers to deliver a rich and immersive listening experience in every seat.
As for safety, there’s plenty at work in the Sonata including Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist 1.5, Rear Cross-traffic Collision-avoidance Assist, Blind-spot Collision Assist, Safe Exit Warning, Safe Exit Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Lane Following Assist, Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go and available Highway Driving Assist.
Pricing for the 2024 Hyundai Sonata will be announced at a later date. The sedan will go on sale in Canada this upcoming winter, resuming its battle with the Chevrolet Malibu, Honda Accord, Kia K5, Nissan Altima, Subaru Legacy and Toyota Camry/Crown.